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MWSA Review
8 Miraculous Months in The Malayan Jungle is a true story of an American B-29 crew that struggled to survive after being shot down in Japanese Occupied Malaya in 1945. The book's author, Donald J "DJ" Humphrey II, is the son of the man who commanded the B-29 and its crew, Lt. Col. Donald J Humphrey. LTC Humphrey wrote a narrative of his experience shortly after his return to the U.S. That narrative, as fleshed out by his son is the source of this book.
Helped by indigenous Malay people, most of the crew of the downed B-29 spent eight months living in wilderness, traveling hundreds of miles, mostly on foot, through untamed jungle. The men were suffering from serious injuries from the shooting down of their plane, and later from persistent disease and infection that plagued them throughout their ordeal. Not all of the men survived. But those who did will never forget the experience, and no reader of this story will forget it either.
The events take place in a part of the world that is still very poorly known to Americans, the Malay Peninsula in Southeast Asia. In 1945, the jungle was largely undeveloped wilderness, populated by natives; Chinese descendants of workers imported to the country to work in mines or on plantations; a few Brits, Australians, and Americans manning isolated outposts; and thousands of occupying Japanese soldiers. But even here LTC Humphrey and his men managed to meet some very colorful characters!
This is a story of honor, courage, and determination against nearly impossible odds. It is unique and riveting. It introduces people you want to know in a story very much worth reading.
Review by Jamie Thompson (February 2021)
Author's Synopsis
A Grueling Survival Story About a WWII Hero’s Fight for Freedom
On January 11, 1945, Major Donald J. Humphrey had his B-29 Superfortress directed at Singapore Island. After navigating the 1900-mile trip from India through dangerous weather, they had just successfully bombed their target. And that’s when Japanese Zeroes shot off the wing and sent the mighty aircraft death-spiraling into the Malayan jungle.
Jumping to safety, Humphrey and a few of his remaining crewmates found themselves lost in the middle of occupied territory. Enduring vicious crocodiles, deadly snakes, and crippling malaria, the Americans battled just to stay alive. And though they made contact with Malayan resistance fighters, they could never be sure their benefactors weren’t pulling them even deeper into danger…
In this harrowing true account, Major Humphrey’s son shares the extraordinary story of his father’s grueling ordeal. Told in the first person, this highly personal narrative puts you inside the mind of a man fighting for his country while struggling to survive.
Eight Miraculous Months in the Malayan Jungle is a gripping memoir about overcoming unexpected peril. If you like World War II heroes, incredible stories of courage, and inspirational reads, then you’ll love Donald “DJ” Humphrey II’s captivating biography of his father.
ISBN/ASIN: 978-0-578-77101-4 , 978-1-7358451-0-4
Book Format(s): Soft cover, Kindle
Review Genre: Nonfiction—Memoir/Biography
Number of Pages: 237