Comments on: Minter’s Ring: The Story of One World War II POW

By: Minter Dial

Minter Dial — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 10:26:23 +0000

@Eleanor Simmonds, It would be a fair guess to say that my grandfather and your father knew each other. Thank you for posting your comment.

@Joe Merritt. There are indeed many texts covering the Oryoku-Brazil-Enoura Hellship journey. I will gladly post a link on my grandfather’s page.

By: Joe (JD) Merritt

Joe (JD) Merritt — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 19:44:26 +0000

Tue story of the Hell-Ships is finally known. Read the new book “Adapt Or Die<" by Bataan survivor, Joe JD Merrittl Google his website, jdmerritt and learn more facts. JD

By: Eleanor Simmonds

Eleanor Simmonds — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 04:44:22 +0000

Thank you for researching and publishing this story. My
father, Lt. Col. Simmonds,59th CAC, Corregidor, died on the same trip, on the
Brazil Maru. He too was a Naval Academy graduate.

By the way, the Bataan Death March took place between the
dates of the surrender April 9, 1942, and the surrender
of Corregidor May 6, 1942.

My siblings and I are pleased that these men are not completely forgotten, at least not by everyone. I spent
my high school years hoping and waiting. Sincerely, Eleanor

By: JP

JP — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 01:37:08 +0000

Why are these stories not told in grade school, high school or college? WHY? This country needs to tell these stories far and wide.

I am a voracious reader, yet this is one of the most touching stories I have ever read. God rest the soul of Minter Dial.

By: Paul

Paul — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 01:25:06 +0000

For a more complete description of Japanese torture/burning/etc of western captives, please read Gavin Dawes book: Prisoners of the Japanese.

By: Minter Dial

Minter Dial — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 05:47:40 +0000

Hi Dena,

Many thanks for your inquiry.

The closest shot I have of the ring is from an enlargement of a photograph of Minter as a Lieutenant right before the war. It does not provide enough details, I fear.

The ring would be about 1/3 melted down. The stone is blue. On the inside you would likely find the engraving (in script) of my grandfather’s name and class (1932).

You can view more photos on the Facebook page (see ‘photos’) that is dedicated to my grandfather: https://www.facebook.com/LtCdrMinterDial

Thanks to communicate with me via the Facebook page (above) if you have more details.

By: dena

dena — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 22:29:55 +0000

I have a ring that looks similar to this ring. Does anyone have a close up picture of this ring???? If so please email me.

By: Kathryn MacDonald

Kathryn MacDonald — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 09:04:29 +0000

My Dad was a Death March survivor and POW for 3-1/2 yrs in the Phillippines and Japan. What these men and their families endured for their country was tremendous. They never complained post-war but our government should hear their pleas now for recognition and compensation for what they sacrificed. Speak to your congressman…..

By: William Bramley

William Bramley — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 17:01:07 +0000

God bless all of their souls.

By: Earl K. Dille

Earl K. Dille — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 15:29:04 +0000

The story of Minter Dial is a valuable contribution to the history of heroes. The best-seller “Unbroken” by Laura Hillenbrand, who wrote “Seabiscuit” is absolutely marvelous. It’s the story of Louis Zamperini, a college and Olympic athlete, who became a B-24 bombardier and crashed in the Pacific. He survived 2000 miles in a rubber raft, was captured and kept in several Japanese prison camps, where he was horribly treated, but who today is still alive in his 90s. I couldn’t put the book down. It is superbly researched.