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Really nothing to tell.

I was 6 years old when the Japanese invaded the place where I lived. My parents and I were in the wrong place at the wrong time. Most family members survived.

There are plenty of “my people” here in the country — most of us did very well and have contributed to this nation, I am proud to say. Most of us are just living our lives, keeping a low profile.

Arrived 12/25/1956. Served USAF for 4 years before acquiring citizenship. Attended university and was awarded BS and MS Chemical Engineering. Considered studying medicine after engineering but I was too old, too hungry and too broke. Worked in the oil industry instead. Never done illegal drugs, no police record.

The End.

(Curtains Please)

My great uncle worked in Indonesia for the Dutch Government. My family friend's family lived (I think) in Java. He was admonished by his family for playing with the native children. That saved his life. He ate the street food and built up an immunity. He didn't suffer like his Dutch brethren who kept a distance between themselves and the natives. ; ) Ernst (my family friends name) ended up working all over the world for Smit Tak.

My great uncle came back to Holland only to find his wife had become a NAZI. Because of her traitorous behavior all his assets were confiscated. He sued the government and got everything back. It was a huge family scandal as you can imagine. No one was allowed to say her name. I remember visiting him in Den Haag. I was young, seven years old and wanted to meet the lady with no name. My parents were so embarrassed. He was so kind and led me to the bedroom, told me she was sleeping and let me peek into the darkened room. I saw nothing but a lump covered with blankets. It left an impression.

After the war my father wanted to immigrate to the US. He came via Vancouver, Canada. It took about 8-9 years. In 1952-53 he and his brother drove illegally across the Canadian border to San Fransisco. He got a job for the Defense Department as a tool and die maker. He made great money until the INS tracked his car down. My uncle escaped with the car back to Canada. My father was arrested and put in jail for one night. He was given the ultimatum to either return voluntary to Canada and wait for the green card or refuse and get deported. He chose the former and went back to Vancouver, met my mother and then immigrated legally to the US in 1956 to the Tool and Die Capital of the World - Chicago. FYI, there are now 97,231 tool and die maker jobs available in the US. ; )

How you and most of your family survived the Japanese camp amazes me. The winds of war are as harrowing as they are fascinating. The imprint it leaves on your life is deep. The experience effects you in so many ways, mostly positive, throughout your life. BTW, it looks like I may have to "immigrate" to Texas soon. ; )

Have you ever been to Singapore?
I enjoyed Fort Siloso and the Battle Box tremendously.

http://www.travelfish.org/blogs/singapore/2012/10/05/itineraries-singapore-for-world-war-ii-buffs/