James Bollich, World War II Veteran and author of the Bataan Death March, visited fourth and fifth grade students at Shenandoah Elementary School on Monday, November 10. Each student received a flag, recited the Pledge of Allegiance and participated in singing the Star Spangled Banner in honor of Veterans Day.

Students received a first-hand account from the veteran about his experiences in World War II, which included being a Japanese Prisoner of War in the Bataan Death March for more than three and a half years.

Bollich told students that he encountered the harshest conditions of his life. He said the Japanese had surrounded the troops and had cut off all food supply. “After the food ran out, we had to eat horses and mules.” After returning home from war, Bollich learned that his two older brothers had been killed.

Several students had prepared questions for Bollich after he spoke. “What is the most amazing thing you have ever seen on the battlefield,” one student asked. “As many aircraft as I shot at, I never brought one down,” he joked.

During his time in the service, Bollich received more than 15 metals, including the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart.