Never Give Up As told by Drolan Chandler to Myra McDonald Goode Jones

'Never Give Up' is Drolan Chandler's personal story, as told to his niece, Myra Jones, of his combat and prisoner of war experiences during World War II. The story encompasses his childhood background, enlistment, basic training at Savannah Air Base in Georgia where he was assigned to duty in the USAF Headquarters Squadron 27th Bomb Group, Transportation Group, which was sent to Operation: PLUM, at Fort McKinley in the Philippines.

After the Japanese invaded the Philippines during December, 1941, he fought in frontline jungle combat until April 9, 1942, when the American generals surrendered. He endured horrific treatment, including the infamous Bataan Death March, Bilibid Prison, Camp O'Donnell and Cabanatuan POW camps, hell ship Clyde Maru transfer to Omuta, Japan, Camp 17, and slave labor in unsafe coal mines.

His sheer will to survive through positive attitude, humor, and bulldog determination - which often got him into trouble with his captors and caused some humorous, as well as dangerous, situations - is sure to inspire and entertain readers.

Myra Goode Jones, a freelance writer who has been writing inspirational stories and articles since the 1980's, has been published in numerous magazines, with worldwide circulation. She was winner of a theme writing contest in the Good Housekeeping Magazine. This book is the result of curiosity about stories that her uncle, Drolan Chandler, a WWII POW, captivated family members with at reunion gatherings. They were amazing stories, sometimes shocking, hilarious or heartbreaking memories at the hands of Japanese captors. She knew the details must be preserved for future generations. Myra spent hundreds of hours interviewing, recording, researching, and traveling with her uncle to visit former comrades and a POW reunion. 'Never Give Up' became the compilation of his painful and intriguing stories. His story will serve as an inspiration to those who journey with him. Myra attended Lee University, Cleveland, Tennessee, and UAB, Alabama. She currently lives in Clanton, Alabama, with her husband, Glenn. Both are retired and enjoy keeping up with seven grandchildren, one great-granddaughter and one great-grandson. God is good! Life is good!