Girocho was a samurai who resembled Robin Hood. Early on, Poncio was given this name in jest by one of the prison guards, and it suited him perfectly. During his internment, he took part in a vast smuggling operation that brought food and other supplies into the POW camps, reported enemy troop movements to Filipino guerrillas, and committed acts of sabotage.
Although he and his fellow captives were treated with cruelty by many, Poncio recalls the camaraderie of the prisoners and encounters with humane guards and kind civilians, proving his remarkable gift for finding the positive in the most dire of situations.
Girocho is an inspiring memoir, transcribed verbatim by Poncio's wife, Inez, from nine hours of cassettes Poncio recorded some years after the war. Marlin Young verified her uncle's stories, placed them within the greater context of the conflict, creating a compelling tale of one soldier's courage, honor, and resolve to overcome life as a prisoner of war.
