Mr. Whitman describes the debilitating symptoms of beri-beri, and taking shots of thiamine as an antidote. The side effects of the injections are almost as uncomfortable.
Mr. Whitman describes the filthy conditions in the POW camp's dysentery ward. He manages to be released from the hospital for his birthday, but after eating some meat, is hospitalized again.
Mr. Whitman describes being pinned down by Japanese artillery after leaving Fort Stanley, and having to listen as men die in a nearby building which had been struck by shells.
Mr. Whitman describes not being able to keep up on the march to Fort Stanley, due to malaria induced fatigue. He describes being shot at, but not caring because he is so ill.
Mr. Whitman describes leaving the hotel in sock feet in an effort to be as quiet as possible. When a machine gun opens fire, being noisy ceases to be an issue.
Mr. Whitman describes the Japanese zeroing in on his sentry post in a hotel, with knee mortars. The last and closest is fortunately a dud. He is restationed near the kitchen, where he has an unexpected feed of freshly cooked chicken.
Mr. Whitman describes seeing a flight of aircraft approaching and thinking they are American. However, exploding bombs convince him the Japanese have declared war.