“Luck or Miracle” by Reginald Bollich

Luck or Miracle 

Reginald Bollich
Modern History Press (2023)
ISBN: 978-1615997770
Reviewed by Robert Leon Davis for Reader Views (04/2024)

“Luck or Miracle” by Reginald Bollich, intimately recounts the remarkable real-life experiences of his 102-year-old cousin by the name of James “Jim” Joseph Bollich, a true American hero. At his astounding age, Mr. Bollich goes into great detail about his life as a United States soldier. Because of his age, the author tape-recorded his actual words to share with all Americans.

James Joseph Bollich, served during World War II as a machine gunner in 1942, becoming one of the POWs of the infamous Bataan Death March when the island surrendered to the Imperial Japanese Army, making the American soldiers prisoners of war. Many Americans have heard of this deadly and treacherous 65-mile, 5-day March through the forests of the Philippines.

This was by all means a very dangerous time for Mr. Bollich as well as scores of American prisoners. They were made to walk barefooted. Mr. Bollich endured much suffering and physical pain during the march; suffering Dysentery, Hepatitis, Scurvy, and Beriberi. In addition, their captives forced them to march with no available water and only small amounts of food. Having endured this dangerous march, Mr. Bollich subsequently spent time in the notorious Mukden Prison Camp; until he and the other Americans were freed after the Japanese surrender. He was freed upon his birthday; August 15,1945.

Many times, as I go through life, whether watching television, listening to the radio, or even political events, I often don’t like the word “hero.” In my humble opinion, the word has been “softened,” as almost every event seems to be termed “heroic.” 

To me, when a person “has” to survive in a situation he finds himself or herself in, of course they will fight to survive. That doesn’t feel like heroism to me, it’s survival. However, “Life or Miracle” by Reginald Bollich is TRULY a special story of a genuine American hero. 

His cousin, Mr. James Joseph Bollich didn’t accidentally find himself in trouble, he volunteered to enter the theater of a World War to fight for all Americans, in fact, the world. This is a true example of heroism! 

He suffered both physically and mentally against all the odds. No, this wasn’t “Luck” this was courage, fortitude, guts. This is the true hero! I am so proud to have had the privilege to review this amazing story, “Luck or Miracle.”  Please, you need to read this. Thanks to the author, Reginald Bollich, and I salute you, Mr. James Joseph Bollich.