Voyage into the Wind

Voyage into the Wind The daring escape from Bataan Two men, one 22-foot boat, 3,200 miles. One of the most amazing sagas of American bravery during World War II is the story of two men who wouldn’t surrender — Captain William L. Osborne of the United States Army Infantry, and Captain Damon Gause, of the Army Air Corps. Driven by their indomitable will, these two American officers fought their way out of captivity in the Philippines and embarked on a hazardous journey through Japanese dominated land and sea—a journey that lasted 159 days, during every minute of which the constant threat of death hung over them. Captain Osborne and Damon Gause, located a 22-foot sailboat with a diesel engine and tattered sails. With no charts or navigation equipment, and little fuel, the two men sailed south in the boat they named "Ruth-Lee" after their wives. After a 3,200 mile hazardous journey through Japanese patrolled open seas, buffeted by storms and a typhoon, and strafed by enemy planes and patrol boats, they reached their destination. They were both awarded the Distinguished Service Cross by General Douglas MacArthur for their exploits and logging detailed notes of Japanese troop dispositions, enemy shipping, names of service men who had not surrendered, including their serial numbers, and the state of Philippine morale. Their intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon themselves and the United States Army.