In early 1942, a young West Point cadet’s father was captured by the Japanese in the Phili0ppines. Three and a half years later, Lt. Roger Hilsman – by then a veteran of the legendary Merrill’s Maurauders and OSS Detachment 101 – entered the gates of his father’s prison camp. “Son,” said the emaciated colonel, “what took you so long?” What took so long was the turning of the tide of World War II – and a boy’s coming of age.

List of maps : Asia ; Myitkyina ; Burma ; Hilsman Route.

Portents of WWII -- The onslaught of war -- The fall of the Philippines -- Overseas at last -- Burma! -- An incident on patrol -- Rest, recuperation, and the OSS -- The British Fourteenth Army -- Behind enemy lines -- Guerrilla operations -- Holidays behind the lines -- Final Burma days -- A POW rescue mission -- Encounter with the Soviets -- Epilogue I. Burma lessons for Vietnam -- Epilogue II. Thoughts on guerrilla warfare -- Appendix. Summary of Detachment 101’s accomplishments.