Professor Greg Jackson

As Doug looks on in surprise at his kind Aussie hosts, someone seizes his hand.

It's his deputy chief of staff, Dick Marshall.

Dick has arranged for a new, more comfortable private car to carry Doug the last 600 miles to Melbourne.

But he couldn't do it without attracting some attention.

No matter, Doug immediately asks if it's true what he's heard about American troop numbers in Australia.

Dick confirms it.

Barely over 25,000.

Doug feels gutted.

He left his boys back on Bataan, believing help was coming.

But with so few troops, what can he possibly do?

Still, the crowd can't know any of that.

and the mission hasn't changed.

It will take time, but come hell or high water, Doug intends to restore the Commonwealth of the Philippines.

Stepping toward the crowd, he flashes a million-dollar smile and a roar.

Reporters ask for a statement.

Doug hadn't planned on speaking until Melbourne, but when the reporters say his words will reach the United States, well, he can't miss the chance to influence Uncle Sam.

Doug decides to speak off the cuff.

He looks at the crowd and at these reporters as he firmly declares, "'The President of the United States ordered me to break through the Japanese lines and proceed from Corriador to Australia for the purpose, as I understand it, of organizing an American offensive against Japan.'"

The primary purpose of which is the relief of the Philippines.

I came through and I shall return.