Greetings, I'm the daughter of Panay guerrilla Claude Fertig and the niece of Mindanao guerrilla Wendell Fertig. I was born during WWII on Panay 3 weeks after my mother escaped the massacre at Hopevale. Relevant books are Guerrilla Wife by Louise Spencer (published ca 1945) and Edge of Terror by Scott Walker (published 2009). I happened on this website and was interested in the dialogue about my uncle and the long delayed movie about his leadership of the guerrillas on Mindanao, so decided to join. A friend who lived on Mindanao during the war, Ginger Hansen Holmes, wrote a book a few years ago titled Guerrilla Daughter, and her husband, Kent Holmes, is in process on a new book about Wendell. There were a lot of negative comments about the possibility of Brad Pitt playing the role of Wendell in the probably-never-to-be-produced movie, but interestingly, Pitt actually looks a lot like Wendell did. Mabuhay all, from Guerrilla Baby
Welcome to the forum! I recently finished reading the book "They Fought Alone" that covered Col. Wendell Fertig's guerrilla war in Mindanao. It was an amazing story and I really hope the movie gets made. It's a wonder how he pulled the tremendous effort off at all, and a total shame of the way MacArthur and his staff treated the guerrilla movement.
Welcome! What an interesting introduction. Looking forward to reading more of your stories on the Fertigs.
Susan, I have been interested, nay obsessed, with the guerrilla activities in the P.I. between '42 and '45, and particularly the events that took place on Panay, including the tragic Hopevale massacre. I first learned of this event after reading Louise Spencer's Guerrilla Wife many years ago. I learned about you after discovering the web pages about Toshimi Kumai. I too would love to know more about your father and your uncle, and the Spencers. I assume Cyril and Louise have passed on now. Do you know any more details of their lives after WWII? Regards, Tom Robison
Guerrilla Baby!! I just finished Guerrilla Wife. Totally amazed & in awe with what your mother & Louise R Spencer went through. I have two new heroines! Frankly, I am surprised that a movie has not been made about their tribulations during that time. At any rate, I hope this note finds you well. I had hoped to see some photos of your parents--in particular, your mother & Louise. Such amazing women--how wonderful it would be to see what they were really like. Would you consider sharing any photos? Such incredible & inspiring women. I look forward to sharing this story with my own daughter. Very best to you, Texan Girl
