PhilippineScoutsHeritageSociety Preserving the history, heritage,and legacy of the Philippine Scouts for present and future generations

Winter/Spring 2003

Don’t Miss The 19th Annual Reunion! May 1-3, 2003

Again, the Golden Gate Bay Area do need to know by March 17 who Secretary Joe Aquino Chapter is hosting the 19th Annual will be arriving early for this May 1 (650) 873-5272 Reunion to be held on May 1-3, 2003, tour, which will depart from our hotel Treasurer Toni Pahed at the Villa Hotel, San Mateo, at about 9 a.m. (415) 239-4248 California. As the reunion’s General I am particularly pleased that our This annual reunion is always an Chairman, I am now busy organizing confirmed guest speaker this year will event filled with happiness and the different committees for this affair. be Lt. General Edward Soriano, comradeship. It also is a venue for The reunion proper begins on Friday, commander of , Washing- setting an agenda for the coming year. May 2; however, through my personal ton and . As many of you are Elsewhere in this issue you will find connection with Robert Mondavi, I’ve aware, he is the son of the late information on various initiatives we arranged a Thursday tour of several Alfredo Soriano, a Philippine Scout. will be discussing during the business vineyards ending with a luncheon at A reunion registration form is portion of our reunion. the Robert Mondavi Winery. The tour included in this newsletter. Please try I look forward to seeing as many of and the luncheon will be free to our to send in your registration early to get you as possible at this important and members and their guests. However, I a better room selection. To receive our fun-filled event. discounted $79 room rate, be sure to What’s Inside? let the Villa Hotel know that you’re Sincerely yours, attending the PSHS reunion. The Winter/Spring 2003 cutoff date for the reduced room rate 19th Annual Reunion: May 1-3...... 1 and a guaranteed room is April 1. Editor’s Comments...... 2 For further information you can From Our National President...... 2 contact me or call any of the following Chapter Reports...... 3 Chapter Officers: Larry Pangan, General Chairman PSHS Library Fundraising...... 3 President Delfin Pahed (707) 426-0134 Obituary...... 3 (415) 239-4248 [email protected]. Fiesta Filipiniana 2002...... 4 Member Activities...... 5 Reunion Registration On Page 13 National D-Day Museum...... 5 Fort Sam Houston Museum Policies.....6 Be sure to fill out your registration receive the special room rate at the Philippine Scouts Bibliography...... 7 for m for the 19th Annual Reunion as Villa Hotel, your form needs to be Scout Information Exchange...... 8 soon as you receive this newsletter! received by April 1! A Letter To Our Website...... 9 It’s important to return the form as There also is a form you may fill Rear Guard In Luzon...... 10 soon as possible! If you want to out and return if you wish to place an Annual Reunion Registration Form....13 reserve a spot on the FREE Mondavi ad in the Annual Reunion’s Souvenir Souvenir Program Ad Submission...... 14 Winery tour and luncheon, we need to Program (see page 14). The deadline Membership Application...... 15 receive your form by March 17. To for ad submissions is March 1, 2003. Philippine Scouts Heritage Society Winter/Spring 2003 Editor’s Comments Since our last newsletter, the Since its inauguration last July, of the Scouts. Visits to explore Philippine Scouts Heritage Society has more than 900 people have accessed possible future cooperation have been moved forward on several fronts. A our attractive, user-friendly website at made to the D-Day Museum in New new initiative to develop a Philippine http://philippine-scouts.org. The site Orleans by members Chris Schaefer Scout library in the San Francisco includes Col. John Olson’s brief and Col. John Olson. (Chris’ report area has held a successful fund raiser history of the Scouts, an extensive on the visit is carried elsewhere in this and is moving ahead under the stew- display of Scout insignia with com- issue.) Also Jose Calugas, Jr. met ardship of Cion Rael and her commit- mentary by Robert Capistrano, with the curator of the Fort Lewis tee. We have become partners with photos from various PSHS gatherings, Military Museum in Fort Lewis, the Library of Congress and the articles, linkages to other sites of to discuss a permanent American Folklore Center in the possible interest to society members, display of Scout memorabilia in Veterans History Project. A profes- an “exchange” page where family cooperation with the Fort Sam Hous- sionally-designed website for the members can request and obtain ton Museum. Society has been launched. A com- information on deceased Scouts, a National President Larry Pangan’s memorative plaque is under consid- bibliography of books and recent reunion letter is a must read. As you eration for placement on the Memorial articles on the Scouts, an archive of will see, he has obtained an excellent Wall at the National Museum of the past newsletter issues and more. The speaker with direct ties to the Philip- Pacific War (Admiral Nimitz Mu- website should be an asset to our pine Scouts and furthermore has seum). A retracing of the PSHS membership and to anyone else arranged an attractive tour for those Death March, perhaps culminating wanting additional information on the interested in something extra from the with placing a replica of the cement Philippine Scouts. If you have any reunion. cross at the Camp O’Donnell POW suggestions on how you would like to I look forward to seeing many of compound is being discussed. And see the website develop and expand, you at our reunion and receiving your several Society members have been please email our webmaster Christa ideas and submissions for our next active representing the Scouts at Houlahan at webmaster@philippine- newsletter edition. various ceremonies, exploring pos- scouts.org. sible cooperative museum projects Sen. John Patterson, Capt. and speaking about the Scouts to Menandro Parazo, Col. John Olson, school and professional groups. It has Col. Mel Rosen and Jose Calugas Jr. Mike Houlahan been a very active six months! continue as active speakers on behalf Public Relations Officer A Message from Our National President

After assuming the duty of National disappear into the twilight. I am to be build in the San Francisco Bay President of this prestigious organiza- urging all Chapter Presidents to give Area. If we are successful, it’s going tion, I set a this recruiting drive your utmost to be an extension of the Fort Sam goal to focus priority. There are many potential Houston Museum where members and my attention members out there. We just have to their families can visit and gather on recruiting keep on trying to persuade them. information about their fathers and our sons/ Think of events that will get their grandfathers. daughters attention and entice them like our very and others. successful Fiesta fund raising dinner- They are the dance. I am excited and impressed by strongest link the hard work put forth by these sons/ to keep the daughters, who, with my blessing, Larry L. Pangan Society going organized this whole event. The National President after we old proceeds generated in this affair will warriors help fund the proposed PSHS Library

Page 2 Philippine Scouts Heritage Society Winter/Spring 2003 Chapter Reports Captain Jose Calugas, Sr. Chapter: Veterans Day parade and held a very can be updated. New members Chapter was reactivated in August, successful Christmas party. include the following thirty-five: (New with Jose Calugas, Jr. appointed by Monterey County Chapter: life members are in italics.) National President Larry Pangan as Chapter President Greg Ramos Tacoma Chapter: contact person. Ricardo de Villa is reports that his membership celebrated Jorge Calugas, Federal Way, WA; chapter president. Since August, Jose the Philippine Scouts anniversary in Noel Calugas, Phoenix, AZ; Calugas, Jr. has signed up fourteen October and in April held a Bataan and Democrito Cari, Fircrest, WA; Col. new recruits, including thirteen life Corregidor commemoration ceremony. Melvin Holst, Gresham, OR; Minerva members. This brings the chapter total Golden Gate Bay Area Chapter: Javier, Tacoma; Anita Mocorro, to 25 members. Secretary Joe Aquino writes that our Seattle; Jesse Mocorro, Lakewood, In September, Jose Calugas, Jr. largest chapter now has 265 members, WA; Mario Mocorro, Seattle; George attended the Strickland Hall Dedica- 227 of whom are life members. These Munson, Bremerton, WA; Linda tion Ceremony at Fort Lewis, WA in numbers have increased substantially Nyman, Portland, OR; Eligio Regala, honor of Sergeant Major Larry due to recruitment of 21 mostly Tacoma, WA; Roland Santos, Tacoma; Strickland, who died in the September second generation offspring of Scouts Evaristo Talvo, Lakewood, WA and 11 Pentagon terrorist attack. There he led by Bataan Death March survivor Constante Villalobos, Tacoma. met Lt. General Edward retired Master Sergeant Zosimo Golden Gate Chapter: Soriano,commander of Fort Lewis and Guiang and his family. The chapter Leopoldo Duquette, Sacramento, I Corps, and son of the late Major played an active part in the annual CA; John C. Eastman II, North Alfredo Soriano a Philippine Scout. POW/MIA ceremony in September at Kingston, RI; Gregorio Garcia, San Jose Calugas, Jr. also proposed a the San Francisco Veterans Adminis- Francisco, CA; Gilbert Hair, Miami permanent display of the Philippine tration Medical Center and will host Beach, FL; John & Kimberly Hughes, Scouts memorabilia to Alan our 19th annual reunion in May. As Glen Allen, VA; Nilda G. Malvar, Archambault, curator of the Fort reported in more detail elsewhere in Daly City, CA; Concepcion Rael, Daly Lewis Military Museum. Since that this newsletter, new chapter member City, CA; Anunscion A. Pasol, Daly meeting, Mr. Archambault has been Concepcion Rael is chairing the City, CA; Alex Pautin, S. San Fran- coordinating this project with John Philippine Scouts Library Committee cisco, CA; Anastacio & Zenaida Manguso, curator of the Fort Sam and serving as liaison with the Library Pautin, S. San Francisco, CA; Ortanes Houston Military Museum. of Congress on the Veterans History Pautin, S. San Francisco, CA; The chapter organized a very Project. The chapter’s annual picnic Malcolm Decker, Lebanon, MO; successful Veterans Day celebration in was held in October. Rodolfo Millan, San Francisco, CA; November, which attracted Filipino New Member Roll Call: Aqulina Reyes, Vallejo, CA; Leonardo veterans from as far away as Seattle. Society Secretary Joe Aquino would Baltbat, Pittsburgh, CA; Angelito P. & LTC Lloyd E. Mills Chapter: appreciate all chapters sending him Mrs. Seva, Morgan Hill, CA; Marlin According to Chapter President lists of their members, so our central Servo, El Paso, TX; and Herminia Alex Andres, members marched in the records and newsletter mailing lists Ubaldo Smith, Alexandria, VA.

Library Fundraising The Golden Gate-Bay Area Chapter regrets to report the The Philippine Scouts Heritage introduced the Philippine Scouts passing of Mrs. Felicidad Urban, Society (PSHS) in cooperation with Heritage Society and its new mem- widow of the late Philippine the Golden Gate Bay Area Chapter bers, the sons and daughters, relatives, Scout Louie Urban. Mrs. Urban sponsored a fund raising dinner/dance and friends to the general public. died of a stroke at the age of 77. on November 2, 2002, at the City The event was very successful as She is survived by her son Judd Forest Lodge in San Francisco. This evidenced by the crowd that filled the and daughter Florence, two event had two purposes. First, it Lodge hall and by the net proceeds of brothers and five grandchildren. benefited the proposed Philippine about $2,000. The tables were beauti- Scouts library that will be built in the fully decorated with fresh floral center San Francisco Bay Area. Secondly, it See Library: Page 4 Page 3 Philippine Scouts Heritage Society Winter/Spring 2003

Library: from Page 3 pieces solicited by the Committee. mainly the sons, daughters, relatives, Warren; Ofelia P. Capuyan; Remy There was plenty of donated food, and friends, who labored into the Maylas Wilson; Evelyn Guiang; including a whole roast lechon pig. nights after coming home from their Silveria Basa; Nita Guiang; Nilda The PSHS banner was displayed on regular jobs. They made the Philippine Malvar; Laureta Imperial Ramos; the wall behind the DJ music of Scouts Heritage Society very proud to Aquilina Guieb Reyes; Evangeline Danny Ignacio. There were many have these young members as the Sabio Stasfford; and Mildred Tango. donated raffle prizes worth from future leaders of the Society who will The MC of the program was Benny $20.00 to $100.00. The grand prize carry on the mission of the Society Capuyan, son-in-law of President was airfare for two to the , preserving the history and legacy of Pangan, who expresses his congratula- won by a residence of Daly City. the Philippine Scouts. The Society tions for a job well done. Let us hope The success of this event was due would like to recognize and thank the this is the beginning of a trend we entirely to the hard work and dedica- following members of the Committee. have been looking for in our sons, tion of our new members in the Chaired by the Chapter PRO daughters, grandchildren, relatives, Golden Gate Bay Area Chapter, Concepcion Rael, they are Nora G. and friends of the Philippine Scouts. Fiesta Filipiniana 2002 by Cion Rael It was a very successful event and a Philippine Scouts. We focused on the continued as we approach completion night to remember for the PSHS objectives of the PSHS, our library of the first phase of our project, the members and guests who attended! A project, the benefits such a library will purchase of audio equipment. festive evening with American/ bring to the community, and recogni- I believe that the event enlightened Filipino food and cuisine, entertain- tion of the achievements of our and gained the support of our guests ment and awareness of the existence fathers. This fundraising event for the consisting of nonmembers of PSHS, as of the Philippine Scouts Heritage National and GGBAC, reinforced for well as some second and third genera- Society and it’s objectives in the us the importance of networking. tion family members of Philippine community. Some of the comments Our generous sponsors gave us the Scouts. In addition, the support of the received: support we needed to make the “Fiesta GGBAC officers and members who Remy Wilson (Committee member) Filipianana” a success. The Filipino attended the event was highly “My brother, sister-in-law, niece and food/cuisine, dance entertainment by complimented by our guests. Espe- nephew, Mr & Mrs Joseph S. Maylas the San Francisco State College Dance cially helpful were Mr. Larry Pangan, and family, said: ‘Thank you for Troupe (which performed the Filipino National President and Mr. Delphi inviting us to attend such an enjoyable folk dances so elegantly), and all Pahed, GGBAC President. If we and meaningful event. We all enjoyed prizes were donated by members, continue these types of events it will the great food and company.’” sponsors and friends of PSHS. We reinforce the support and awareness of Aquilina G. Reyes (Committee reached half the fundraising goal we the members and also encourage more member) “My guests had a wonderful anticipated. An ongoing campaign for Scout sons and daughters to participate time! Dolly likes the way how the sponsorship of the library will be and join the society. raffle was handled where the winner gets to pull his/her own prizes. ‘It’s fair to everyone’ she said.” A delegation from the Philippine Scouts Heritage Society visited the Eda Cruz (Daughter of Philippine Philippines to distribute Scout Scout) “My co-workers from the State information and form linkages with of California Board (8 guests) had a Scouts still resident in the great time and enjoyed the evening of Philippines. Top left to Right: festivities. The PSHS Committee did a Evelyn Guiang, Remedios Wilson, great job.” Cion Rael; Front Left to Right: Nilda Malvar and Mildred Tango, USAF Most of the preparation work was undertaken by daughters of the

Page 4 Philippine Scouts Heritage Society Winter/Spring 2003 Member Activities This column will be a regular Lewis Military Museum. The Fort rabilia. Potential donors may contact feature of the newsletter and will Sam Houston Museum, official Senator Patterson or Newsletter Editor describe activities of members in- repository of Scout memorabilia, is Houlahan for a copy of this agreement. tended to publicize Philippine Scout now involved in this project. Col. Mel Rosen and his wife Olive contributions to the American and Zosimo, Nita and Evelyn Guiang were guests of SECDEF at impressive Filipino history. led a recruiting effort which resulted POW/MIA ceremonies on 20 Septem- Aniceto Bagley was interviewed for in twenty-one new members for our ber at the River Entrance Parade the Library of Congress Veterans Golden Gate Bay Area Chapter. Ground of . Congressman History Project. The interviewer was Mike Houlahan’s article “Their Sam Johnson of Texas, himself a POW interested in photos. “All I could do Finest Hour: The Philippine Scouts in for almost seven years, was the was laugh” he reports, “and tell her Bataan” published in the October issue featured speaker. that where I was out in the guerrilla of Filipinas, a magazine published in Cion Rael and her library committee controlled areas of Panay where San Francisco and targeted at the members successfully organized a cameras were not available.” Filipino-American community. fiesta which raised about $2,000, He also was able to get Robert Dorr Col. John Olson continues his active much of which will go towards the to do a short piece on the Scouts in the speaking schedule for the Scouts. library project. She and four fellow Army Times several months ago. He Since the last newsletter he has been a library committee members will visit reports that his “latest unsuccessful panelist at Admiral Nimitz Museum the Philippines in February to distrib- attempts have been directed at The and spoke to 300 students at the ute brochures on the Philippine Scouts History Channel and E. R. Ermy (Mail Incarnate Word High School. He also in libraries and schools as well as to Call.) Maybe some of you with more visited the D-Day Museum as part of make further contacts in support of the material and pictures can get these our ongoing project to encourage library project. She is now our people interested. I would like to see a museums to carry displays on the Veterans History Project liaison with good documentary on the Philippine Philippine Scouts. the Library of Congress. Scouts from inception until disband- Sen. John Patterson continued his Chris Schaefer also visited the D- ment done before we all go the Post impressive speaking schedule and still Day Museum in New Orleans and Everlasting as they say in the Legion.” found time to run for his North discussed with the curator the possibil- Jose Calugas, Jr. recruited fourteen Kingston, Rhode Island town council. ity of developing displays commemo- new members for the newly-reacti- Senator Patterson also has negotiated rating the Philippine Scouts. His vated Capt. Jose Calugas, Sr. Chapter an agreement with the Fort Sam report on the visit is elsewhere in this in Takoma and explored establishing a Houston Military Museum covering issue. Philippine Scouts exhibit at the Fort donations of Philippine Scout memo- The National D-Day Museum by Chris Schaefer Last month (September 2002) I had New Orleans was the site of the museum brings out the human side of the opportunity and pleasure to visit Higgins Boat factory. the war by placing personal displays the National D-Day Museum, in New The well laid-out and highly visual and video interviews with individual Orleans. Founded by historian Steven displays in the museum’s four galleries participants throughout the area, Ambrose, this is a first-class memorial incorporate electronic maps, movies, including soldiers and non-combat- to the veterans of World War II on the combat photographs, lighting effects ants. Display cases featuring personal order of the Nimitz Pacific War and dioramas to help the visitor see stories include souvenirs, a photo- Museum in Fredericksburg, Texas, or and understand what took place. The graph, and sometimes a medal men- the MacArthur Memorial in Norfolk, museum stresses the cost of the war in tioned in the story. . Here “D-Day” refers not just human terms. The destruction of The area of most interest to our to the Normandy landing but to all of Manila and the 100,000 civilians who membership is the opening display of the amphibious assaults of the war. died there is prominently told. This See D-Day: Page 6

Page 5 Philippine Scouts Heritage Society Winter/Spring 2003

D-Day: from Page 5 the Pacific War Gallery which de- ever, to date, the National D-Day I would like to call on our members to scribes the buildup to war, the attacks Museum has not acquired or been contact PRO Mike Houlahan with on Pearl Harbor and the Philippines, offered materials suitable for a display your own suggestions. and the siege of Bataan and dedicated to the Scouts. If you have an opportunity to visit Corregidor. There is a brief mention In view of the “personal” approach the National D-Day Museum, do not of American troops fighting alongside the D-Day museum takes in its dis- miss the movies shown in the first “indigenous” soldiers, but there is no plays, I believe that a few stories of floor Forbes Theater. Each hour they mention of the Philippine Scouts per the heroism, dedication and determina- rotate between a movie on the Euro- se—which is why I was there. tion of some individual Scouts would pean Theater and one on the Pacific After touring the galleries, I spoke be a good way to present the Scouts’ War. The Pacific War movie was with Paula Ussery, curator of the story to the public at this museum. produced by Stephen Ambrose and museum, and proposed that the Most of the individual displays Steven Spielberg (yes, that Steven Philippine Scouts Heritage Society incorporate a few paragraphs of text Spielberg), and tells the story of the provide text and materials that could about the person, a photograph, a war through restored color movie be used to tell the Philippine Scouts’ couple of typical or unusual artifacts footage and filmed interviews with story. She was very receptive and (uniform pieces, weapons, letters, individual soldiers—not generals. It is knew about the Scouts, having visited etc.), and perhaps a medal. The very poignant, and worth the trip. The the display at the Fort Sam Houston Philippine Scouts’ story should not be Philippine Scouts’ story should be Museum in San Antonio, TX. How- left out of this important museum, and there too. Fort Sam Houston Museum Policy Regarding the Philippine Scouts Collection The following was negotiated with make available a reasonable number of 5. Upon request of the Society, but the museum by First Vice President copies of printed materials. The not more than annually, the Museum John Patterson. Museum shall also, at the request of shall render a report to the Society on 1. The Museum is encouraged to the donor, provide photographs of the the status of the Philippine Scouts maintain the archival and photo files donated items. collections, including additions or related to the Philippine Scouts in a 4. The Museum shall make addi- acquisitions during the year. separate series of files. tions to the Philippine Scouts collec- 6. If the Museum closes or if the 2. Materials related to the Philip- tion through the acquisition means Philippine Scouts collections are no pine Scouts shall be available for normally available to it to the extent longer applicable to the Museum’s public access to the greatest extent such additions are practical. mission or activities, these collections practical. It is the Society’s hope shall be transferred to the that the Museum will give Military History Institute at appropriate notice of these Carlisle Barracks or another materials to the historical and official repository as directed by academic communities and to the U.S. Army Center of Mili- other interested entities. The tary History. Society will designate one of its 7. The Society may make members as official liaison to the arrangements for an outside Museum to assist in this regard. appraiser to make an appraisal 3. The Society members shall of the Philippine Scouts collec- be granted accompanied access tions for tax purposes. The at the Museum to the items Museum shall make these which they donated to the collections available at the Museum. The Museum shall, at Museum to the appraiser upon the request of the donor member, reasonable notice.

Page 6 Philippine Scouts Heritage Society Winter/Spring 2003 Bibliography on the Philippine Scouts

Books 10. 26th Cavalry Regiment by Collection Foundation, October- 1. Bataan: The March of Death by George A. Rummel. December 2001, pp. 76-9. Stanley Falk probably is the most 11. Ghost Soldiers by Hampton 4. “Remembering the Philippine thorough and accurate treatment on Sides. This best seller, soon to be Scouts” by Beth Day Romulo. Bulle- this terrible subject. made into a movie, tells a riveting tin of the American Historical Collec- 2. Honorable Warrior: General story of the rescue raid on the tion Foundation, October-December Harold K. Johnson by Lewis Sorley. Cabanatuan POW camp and much 2001, pp 71-5. Gen. Johnson was the 57th Infantry more. 5. “The Philippine Scouts and the (PS) Executive Officer when the 12. History of the Philippine Defense of Bataan” by J. Michael Japanese attacked the Philippines. Scouts, 1899-1934 compiled by the Houlahan. Bulletin of the American 3. The Fall of the Philippines by U.S. Army War College, Carlisle, Historical Collection Foundation, Louis Morton as part of the U.S. Army Pennsylvania. April-June 2001, pp. 4-12. in WWII: The War in the Pacific 13. We Remember Bataan and 6. “Two Bataan Veterans Tell Their series. Corregidor by Mariano Villarin. Stories” by Sen. John Patterson. 4. O’Donnell, Andersonville of the 14. Bataan: Our Last Ditch by John Bulletin of the American Historical Pacific by Col. John Olson. Detailed W. Whitman. Collection Foundation, April-June documentary of the Japanese POW 15. The Philippine Scouts: The 2001, pp. 13-43. Camp in which thousands of Filipinos, Development of America’s Colonial including over 2,600 Philippine Army by James Richard Woolard. Editor’s Note Scouts, died of disease, malnutrition Scout-related articles from the and savage cruelty in less than six Articles Bulletin or back issues of the newslet- months. Author was personnel officer 1. “Their Finest Hour: The Philip- ter may be obtained through Newslet- of the American Group. $14.00 pine Scouts in Bataan” by J. Michael ter Editor Houlahan for postage and includes postage. Houlahan. Filipinas, October 2002, handling charges of $1.75 for the first 5. The Philippine Scouts edited by pp. 49-51. article or newsletter and $1.50 for each Col. John Olson. This large volume 2. “A Sack of Cement” by Col. additional article or newsletter back published by the Philippine Scouts John Olson. Bulletin of the American issue. See the newsletter back page Heritage Society can be ordered Historical Collection Foundation, for book order addresses of Col. Olson through National President Pangan for October-December 2001, pp. 44-50. and National President Pangan or $27, including postage and handling. 3. “Philippine Scouts Celebrate article/newsletter address of Editor 6. Anywhere-Anytime by Col. John Centennial” by Col. John Olson. Houlahan. Please include a check or Olson. History of the 57th Infantry Bulletin of the American Historical money order to cover costs. (PS). Many maps rosters and pictures. $17.00, includes postage. 7. The Guerrilla and the Hostage by Col. John Olson. A novel about two The Bulletin of the American Historical Collection Foundation is a brothers-a PS Officer and an air force quarterly published in Manila and dedicated to recording the historical pilot who served on Bataan and their record of Filipino-American relations during the colonial period and adventures during and after the beyond. Individual copies ($8.75) or subscriptions ($35) are available collapse of the Fil-American defense. through: $17.00 includes postage. Book Bin Pacifica 8. Lt. Ramsey’s War: from Horse 228 S.W. Third Street Soldier to Guerrilla Commander by Corvallis, OR 97333 Edwin Price Ramsey and Stephen J. Phone (541) 752-0045 Rivele. Fax (541) 754-4115 9. History of the Philippine Scouts e-mail: [email protected] Field Artillery by Col. Melvin H. Rosen.

Page 7 Philippine Scouts Heritage Society Winter/Spring 2003 Scout Information Exchange A new service on our website Alfonso Policiano was born in Villa tions, weather observation and sabo- www.philippine-scouts.org is the Real Islands in the Philippines and tage. They were formed into coast Scout Information Exchange sug- served in the U.S. Army from Aug. 16, watcher and “penetration” teams that gested by webmaster Christa 1919 until Aug. 15, 1925 and from went into the Philippines ahead of the Houlahan. This page is intended to Aug. 22, 1942 until April 16,1943 U.S. invasion. improve communication within the during which time he served as a Society and between our members and Scout with either the First Philippine Sgt. Felipe Ubaldo was in Battery others interested in the historical Infantry or the First Filipino Infantry. A, 23rd Field Artillery Battalion (PS). heritage of the Philippine Scouts. It By America’s entry into World War He died at Camp O’Donnell on 4 will function as an information I, 52 companies of Scouts had been September 1942. During his intern- exchange, reporting on new articles, formed into a dozen battalions. In ment, he declined an invitation from books and films on the Scouts, aiding 1917, these battalions were further his cousin to join in an escape at- historical researchers and soliciting consolidated to form four provisional tempt. The cousin, escaped, survived, additional information on individual regiments, designated the 1st through and later told family members that Sgt. Scouts and Scout units. 4th Philippine Infantry (Provisional), Ubaldo had declined to join them, and the 1st Philippine Field Artillery saying he was “awaiting orders.” Please contact us at (Provisional). These regiments were in Later, around July 1942, his wife [email protected] if you turn formally incorporated into the visited Sgt. Ubaldo at Camp can supply additional information on numerical structure of the Regular O’Donnell. He told her that he the military service of any of the Army when, in 1920, they were thought that all the Filipino POWs following personnel who served in or consolidated (on paper) with several would be released “very soon.” with the Philippine Scouts: inactivated Regular Army regiments [Editor’s note: The Japanese did begin formed during World War I and releasing Filipinos in July, but dragged Dr. Phillip Bress was a medical redesignated the 43rd, 45th, 57th, this out over several months. Camp officer who perished on the “hell ship” 62nd Infantry and 24th and 25th Field O’Donnell was completely closed in Arisan Maru. His U.S. serial number Artillery (Philippine Scouts). Although January, 1943.] was O-311687 and his POW number the 43rd, 62nd Infantry and 25th Field Prior to WWII, Sgt, Ubaldo and his 166110. Artillery (PS) were disbanded in 1922 family were stationed at Fort because of the reduction of the army, Stotensburg for over 18 years. There Tech 5 Joseph H. Egan, Jr., 35 217 several of the battalions were used to he was an active sportsman, captain of 915 joined the service on 26 April form the new 26th Cavalry (PS). his battery’s bowling squad, as well as 1943. He served in the Pacific theater, Two units known as the First and competing on equestrian and baseball possibly on Bougainville as well as on Second Filipino Infantry Regiments teams. Leyte and Okinawa. He was attached were formed in California in 1942, From 8 Dec 1941 to 25 Dec 1941 he to the Philippine Scouts sometime consisting of Filipinos who were not was at Fort Stotsenburg under Capt. around 14 October 1944. His final in the islands when the Japanese Coverdale. From that date until 10 known military address was the 25th attacked and Filipino-American April 1942 he was on the Bataan Replacement Depot on Okinawa in volunteers. They were part of the Peninsula with his unit. He first 1945. Army of the United States and trained enlisted on 2 May 1923 at Dagupan, at Camp Luis Obispo, Fort Ord, Camp and was initially assigned Capt. Emilio Mesias II, was a Beale, and Camp Roberts, California to the 24th Field Artillery (PS). Philippine Scout from Samar who died through mid-1943. The 23rd Field Artillery (PS) was a somewhere in Mindanao during Around April 1943, General small unit (regiment less one battal- WWII. He joined the Scouts in the Courtney Whitney flew to California ion). Battery A of the First Battalion late 20s or early 30s and was stationed from MacArthur’s headquarters in survived until late January, 1942 when in Negros, Cotabato and Zamboanga Australia, and selected several hun- it was destroyed to prevent it from before the war. He was either with an dred men out of this organization to be falling into Japanese hands. It had artillery or a cavalry unit at the time of brought to Australia for training in been used effectively to slow Japanese his death. intelligence gathering, radio opera- See Exchange: Page 9

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Exchange: from Page 8 advances beginning 23 Dec. 1941. by guerrilla groups concerning POWs which will be added to our library Batteries B and C were destroyed by loaded aboard Japanese Hell Ships that archives. Short articles on the exploits Japanese counter battery fire in early departed from Pier 7 in Manila during of individual Scouts or Scout units January 1942. Surviving 23d Field WWII. Please contact him at may be printed in our newsletter or on Artillery Battalion (PS) personnel [email protected] this website. Material may be submit- were then attached to the 91st Field ted by e-mail or through the postal Artillery of the Philippine Army. We also are interested in photos and service to our Public Relations Officer information on the military experi- and Newsletter Editor whose address Col. Eugene Laird served with the ences of former Philippine Scouts, appears on our Membership page. Philippine Division during the defense of Bataan. He was a advisor to Gen- eral MacArthur and a battalion commanding officer. He was a POW While the PSHS is pleased to assist where possible in obtaining at Camp O’Donnell and Camp information on former and deceased Philippine Scouts, our archives are not Zentsuyi. The family would appreciate extensive. More complete information often can be acquired through the any further information anyone can Department of Veterans Affairs. supply. To obtain a request form, please call your County Veterans Service Office or the national VA at (800) 827-1000 and ask for VA Form 180 (Request Cabanatuan Rescue: Andy Zare, Pertaining to Military Records). This form is also available on the VA production coordinator for a docu- website www.va.gov. mentary about the raid on Cabanatuan, You also may be able to get a copy of your relative’s military records by is looking for Filipino guerrillas and veterans who participated in this POW writing to: rescue mission and who may have National Personnel Records Center known Juan Pajota or Eduardo Joson. 9700 Page Road The documentary will be aired on the St. Louis, MO 63132-5100 PBS series “The American Experi- Other information of possible interest includes: ence. Please let us know of possible Fact sheet for VA Benefits for Filipino Soldiers interviewees for this project. http://www.va.gov/pressrel/filipvet.htm Veterans Benefits and Services for New Philippine Scouts POWS on Japanese Hell Ships: http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/foreign/scouts.htm Author John Glusman is looking for information on intelligence gathered A Letter To Our Website Gentlemen of the Philippine Scouts: post commander was a Major strutting around in my uniform and he Garfinkle. was so impressed that he promised me, My memories of the Philippine I was only a small boy 5 or 6 years on the spot, that when the time came, Scouts date back to 1924-26, but there old, at that time, but the adventure of he would award me with an appoint- may be some faint memories of that living there is still fresh in my mind. ment to West Point. Many of the period still existent. My father, Cap- About once a month the companies soldiers in my Dad’s company adopted tain Burton F. Hood USA arrived in laid aside their native uniforms and the me and took me on hikes around the Manila in 1924. He was initially troops dressed out in their native garb. reservation. I also remember that once assigned to a headquarters in Manila, With their shields and head axes, this a month the mess sergeant brought but in 1925 he was reassigned to the made quite an exciting sight for a boy. over to our quarters, a steaming bowl 45th Inf. (PS) in Camp John Hay. I Eventually, my mother made me a of bake beans—I still love baked believe that he was assigned to Com- small US officer’s uniform that I wore beans. pany A of the PS. A Captain Larry continually. One day, an American There were about 10 kids living on Myers commanded company B. The Congressman, Mr. Maas, saw me See Letter: Page 10 Page 9 Philippine Scouts Heritage Society Winter/Spring 2003

Letter: from Page 9 the post so we did not have a school. high school with honors. Unfortu- about the Philippine Scouts. I always But a Mrs. Icard took it on to organize nately, Mr. Maas had Alzheimer’s knew that the Scouts would give a a school and we all attended. Mrs. disease and I had to make it to West very good account of themselves in Icard promoted me several times, but Point through the National Guard. I WWII and your account bears out my when we left for the USA I still was graduated in 1943, served in Europe in confidence. illiterate, and had to do a lot of catch- the infantry, then later, two tours in ing up at my first school in Iowa. Viet Nam. Sincerely, Eventually I did catch up to my grade I have enjoyed the history and Burton F. Hood, Jr. level and managed to graduate from information your group has gathered USA Ret. Rearguard in Luzon by Captain John Wheeler The following piece was published Corps came up with the Vets’ truck. unknown number of tanks and, in the March 2, 1942 issue of LIFE Why it wasn’t blasted off the road I without any question, a superior force magazine and is reprinted with will never know. I helped them push it of Jap infantry who had ridden down permission of Time-Life. Captain down and pour gas on it and the bridge in confiscated red buses. I saw four Wheeler, of the 26th Cavalry Regiment and light it. The fire just barely tanks which moved back and forth on (PS) survived combat, but died when stopped the tanks from crossing the the highway in from of us about 300 the unmarked Japanese “Hell Ship” bridge and getting at our infantry. yards away—but there were more, transporting him and other American On the way back we had to go most of them medium Jap tanks POWs to Japan mistakenly was sunk through Damortis. Japanese patrols camouflaged but with Jap flags by American airplanes. had slipped into Damortis on a flank, flying—probably as protection against effecting a mild encirclement. There their dive bombers. We lay and shot After the battle of Damortis our they were in our rear. The regiment at those damned Jap tanks with .30 cavalry was assigned to cover the went through Damortis fast—through caliber weapons, usually wondering if withdrawal of the infantry to the south. mortar, rifle and machine gun fire, the Japanese in the tanks would think Our tanks had just withdrawn through even shells from Jap 47-mm. tank to overrun us. They would stop us, leaving us as the rear guard. guns. There was no sleep that night of occasionally, letting us have a burst Suddenly two more tanks came right December 22. from their machine guns and 47’s. down the middle of the road and The following morning about dawn, Our fire seemed to stop the Japs—we stopped. I rode over and shouted, the Japanese attacked, throwing fire know it didn’t penetrate or damage “What the hell’s the idea?” A guy from long range. Machine guns their tanks, but full bursts caused them stuck his head out of the turret, but chattered on both sides. We withdrew to slack off a bit. didn’t say anything. I cussed him out. troops as we usually do by delaying It was here that Lieutenant Henry D. He banged the lid down and all hell action, to Pozzorubio. We had to Mark of Los Angeles led one attack, broke loose. They were Jap tanks. spend the day in foxholes. forcing the Japs to draw back a little. There was barbed wire on both That evening we were ordered to Then Mark himself went across an sides of the road, so we couldn’t withdraw again—about 1.5 miles—to open rice field with Japs pouring fire deploy. If a man was knocked off his Binalonan. Everything imaginable on him. Mark carried some grenades horse, he was trampled. The rest of was on the road—trucks, infantry, and was going to try to throw them the regiment went galloping down the tanks, all mixed up in the pitch dark- into the tanks, but a Jap machine road with bullets going by on both ness that concealed us from planes. At gunner in a tree got him before he was sides. I heard Major J.J.H. Trapnell Binalonan we managed to get a few 20 yards away. Then Major Hubert W. calling my outfit and found him by a hours rest for the first time in four Sandy of Ketchum, Texas, leaped on bridge. He wanted to defend the days. By dawn we heard firing from one of the self-propelled 75’s that had bridge, but we seemed to be the only the outposts and were hurriedly called come up and took off, chasing the ones left. At that moment Lieutenant into dismounted action to hold against tanks. Clayton Michelson of the Veterinary what appeared to be an attack by an See Wheeler: Page 11

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Wheeler: from Page 10 One of our scouts, Juan Soria, managed to climb atop a Jap tank and tried to pry the lid open with a bayo- net. When that wouldn’t work, Soria tried to cram a grenade down the muzzle of its cannon. Finally one of the Japs in the tank managed to stick Soria in the seat of his pants with a bayonet, getting him off. After this fight we dropped back again to Tayug. On Christmas Eve we ate for the first time in 48 hours— canned corned beef, asparagus tips, hardtack and coffee. All this time the other divisions and regiments were pouring into Bataan behind us. During Christmas night we Captain John Wheeler leads the Machine Gun Troop of the 26th Cavalry Regiment (PS) (Horse) just prior to the Japanese invasion of the Philippines. Captain Wheeler of St. withdrew south of Tayug, reaching Paul, Minnesota, was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and Silver Star for his Umingan after a 13-mile march, which heroism in opposing the Japanese landings and fighting a delaying action enabling is plenty tough in this country. Some General Douglas MacArthur to withdraw his Filipino-American forces to defensive of us fell asleep in our saddles on the positions on Bataan Peninsula. Prior to military service, Wheeler was cadet captain of way. The horses were in bad shape, ROTC at the University of Minnesota. Wounded in combat early in the war, Captain almost too tired to walk. Wheeler recovered, only to die in the sinking of a Japanese “Hell Ship” near the end of the war. This photo from The Cavalry Journal, was originally featured on the cover of the There was still nothing between us now defunct magazine’s March/April, 1943 issue. and the Japanese, but we had picked up some tanks in Tayug and that was a big help. We couldn’t get water, but capture never bothered us. We knew paddies into the woods which sur- occasional native turnips were swell. we could eat horses indefinitely and rounded the town. Lieutenant Ramsey The Filipino Scouts were absolutely we could go by dead reckoning, there delighted and relieved me by splendid—again and again, when we cutting trails if we had to. Lieutenant volunteering to take my advance guard came in so tired we couldn’t see Hendricks and I, with a patrol, finally into Moron, knowing very well that a straight, I would watch them going found ourselves overlooking Manila battalion of roughly 300 Jap infantry miles away to find some sort of hay Bay. From there on we knew where to was there. As we neared the town, our for the horses. We kept up the daily go—just a matter of bad trails and artillery barrage lifted, leaving an withdrawals until about December 28, practically carrying the horses up and unearthly quiet. when our last position covered the down. Finally we made Bagac on the Riding in between the houses with final closing of the “Gate to Bataan.” China Sea side of Bataan. We had pistols raised, we did not know what Then we were cut off and forced to plenty of rest and most of the missing was going to hit us, but knew some- take to the mountains as the only route came in. thing would. Halfway to the town of withdrawal. We rode off into the square I heard Jap machine-gun fire— hills, wandering three days over the Recapturing A Village From The Japs a characteristic snapping sound caused mountain trails, leading our horses and About January 16, we learned that by higher velocity and smaller projec- eating what little food there was in the the Japanese were moving south tiles than ours, and unmistakable. I saddlebags. Three of us would share a toward Moron with artillery, along rode at the head of the advance party small can of beans, one a day. The beaches and over trails. The Philip- as we moved up, were fired upon, then third day we had to shoot a horse for pine Army outfit was ordered to turned around, rode back and went food. We found a way out, but then attack, with my mounted troops as into dismounted action. We tied our discovered it was in the Japanese advance guard. Under the very horses between nipa huts, then moved rear—so we had to go back in the reassuring sound of our artillery, we forward down the road with men in mountains again. The possibility of moved forward across a stretch of rice See Wheeler: Page 12

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Wheeler: from Page 11 each gutter along the sides of the sure he said to me, “Come on, you Sergeant Tolentino had been shot too. houses. yellow ——, let’s get after them.” So We got him out on a shutter later. A messenger came galloping back I was outraged and began doing silly About that leg wound of mine—have from Lieutenant Ramsey saying he things—going into bushes where no you ever been kicked in the leg by a had been ambushed by an enemy force one else would go until I realized how horse? It felt just like that. Knowing with machine guns and wanted support foolish I was. He had meant that how it feels is a great satisfaction - quickly. From there on it was simply a remark for the enemy all the time. leaving nothing unknown to fear. matter of cautiously moving up under Then there was a lull. Moron was a hail of bullets that heavy rifle fire to Lieutenant Ramsey Ramsey and I saw three inert never stopped. There were so many in and his men. They had taken cover as Japanese. Two were dead—the third the air that if you put out a sheet of best they could behind coconut trees had been hit in the thigh and shoulder. cloth in five minutes it would have and in a ditch. One was dead, three He would make a begging sign, pull been riddled. At first, knowing the Jap wounded in a small area. It looked open his shirt and pull a bayonet point tactics, I had a nauseated sensation of like more. toward him. He may have been told being trapped—thinking they had let Pedro Euperio, Private First Class, a we killed all Japanese by torture, but I us have our fun and were sweeping 19-year-old raw recruit by Scout think he was just in terrible pain. We around behind us on both flanks. We standards, saw three soldiers ahead tried to give him water—I left him my were out shooting them and could any wearing Philippine Army uniforms. canteen. day. We fought all day. I can remem- He moved forward until they fired, Suddenly we heard a machine gun ber running through fire behind some then shot quickly—they were Japanese from the river and all hell broke loose little houses trying to get a drink, but disguised as Philippine officers. again. We realized what we had been all the pumps were dry—our lips were Despite his wounds, Euperio crept on fighting was an advance group and a so swollen we could hardly talk. But up until ordered to lie down. About battalion was forming across the river. the Scouts were loyal to the nth the first thing I saw was Euperio We fought in small groups every man degree—all they said were things like: drenched in blood, propped against the for himself. Sergeant Tolentino ran “Don’t go there, sir, I will go.” —- house—a pistol in his one good hand, forward under heavy fire and threw a “They are shooting from that, sir.”—- directing us how to move up, indicat- hand grenade in a house that had been “Be careful, Captain.” Late that ing points under enemy fire. giving lots of trouble. Later he afternoon my mission had been We attacked first straight through to grabbed a light machine gun and accomplished—the town was seized the beach. We fired where we heard began chasing a squad of Japanese and held adequately and I was to fall fire and were happy to see when we down the road—moving in on them back again in reserve. went through the bushes that there absolutely alone and without fear. I We slipped out on a trail sound were dead Japanese. We got straight grabbed a rifle and followed him along the beach. The ocean looked so through to the water reorganized and because a machine gun does need a cool and peaceful that I felt like taking attacked around Ramsey, using him as little security. We had no cover, but is off all my clothes and swimming as far a pivot, sweeping south and killing seems to me if you run around and as I could—but had no time for that. them under houses, in trees and under fight hard you don’t get hurt—you Moron, incidentally, was held for 24 bushes. About 20 broke, throwing keep moving aggressively and it’s the hours after our withdrawal and the down all equipment, even guns, in the best defense. final withdrawal was by order, making high grass. I was surprised to see two I hit one Jap who was trying to this a successful offensive operation. I of my men with bullet holes straight shoot Tolentino. He twisted, squirmed haven’t seen the Silver Star or the through their helmets, yet unscratched. and finally ended hanging over a Distinguished Service Cross they say I I had Private Gonzalez behind me and, fence. Sergeant Tolentino closed in on am getting, but I am curious to see as I went along, I grabbed the Jap one flank, while I went around the how they look because somehow they maps, compasses and so forth, hanging other, shooting another Japanese. Just mean a lot. I guess all I ask for after them on Gonzalez. then his companion leaned around we win is that some day I may be able When Ramsey and I met with all the behind a tree and shot me in the leg. I to take them home with me. shooting and shouting going on, I was ran back under cover and saw that

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