Fall 2007 Family Found by Elaine De Valle Sibling, and Some Cousins

Philippine Scouts Heritage Society

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

Fall 2007 Family Found By Elaine de Valle sibling, and some cousins. She also family, newly discovered ancestors and a Posted 12/10/06: A Coral Gables real finally learned more about the man she family tree sent by one of her cousins. estate agent has finally found a side of last saw in May 1941, when her mother She knew from her mother that her her family lost since her father died in and she were shipped out of the Philip- father, U.S. Army Maj. Karol ‘’Carl’’ World War II. pines, where he was based. Anthony Bauer, a 1936 graduate of Earnest also learned this: She laughs West Point, perished in the Philippines She was 3 years old when she saw him like him. And many of her relatives— during World War II. He was taken for the last time. who have a farm in upstate New York prisoner by the Japanese in April 1942 Since then, Nancy Earnest has won- they turned into a vineyard—are garden- and suffered through the horrors of the dered about her father—a prisoner of ers like Earnest, who has a lush, floral Bataan Death March. war who died in World War II—and backyard at her Westchester-area home. She knew he was killed when the whether or not she had any living rela- ‘’It’s my passion. There must be a unmarked Japanese prison ship, the tives on his side of the family. gardening gene,’’ Earnest, 68, a Coral Oryoku Maru, was bombed by Ameri- Last month – 65 years after Pearl Gables real estate agent, said last week can planes ten days before Christmas in Harbor and thanks to the Internet—she as she flipped through a three-ring note- 1944. She couldn’t talk about him with met her aunt, her dad’s last surviving book with photographs of her newfound See Family Found Page 5

What’s Inside? Victory in Defeat Fall 2007 Issue By Col. Mel Rosen Editor’s Comments...... 2 I get rather disturbed by constantly hearing the fall of Bataan and Cor- National President’s Letter...... 3 regidor was such a great disaster for First Vice-President’s Letter...... 4 the United States. Let me tell you my Website News...... 4 approach to this. If you agree with me, Philippine Scout Reunion...... 6 I request—no, I implore you to help me The General’s Corner...... 7 spread this word! GC: Of Things Remembered...... 7 In 1941, the Japanese Imperial Head- GC: Philippine Scout Memories...... 7 quarters gave Lt. Gen. Masaharu Hom- GC: My Legacy...... 11 ma 50 days in which to completely conquer the Philippines. At the end of GC: Filipino War Hero...... 13 that time, they were going to take half Member Activities...... 14 of Homma’s 14th Army with appropri- Chapter News...... 14 ate parts of his air and naval support In Memoriam...... 15 for operations to the South, presumably Poem: To the Philippine Scouts...... 17 against New Zealand and Australia. At Col. Mel Rosen Filipino WWII Veterans Memorial..17 that time, New Zealand had few if any The Story of the Invasion of Japan...18 defensive forces, and Australia had See Victory in Defeat Page 5 Philippine Scouts Heritage Society Editor’s Comments Sadly since our last reunion at least Rosen reminds us in a reprint of a speech Rosen’s piece has already been cited. In nine more Philippine Scouts have passed he delivered during our 2002 reunion, addition, there is a grandson’s quest to away, seven of whom belonged to our the heroic defense of the Philippines obtain recognition for his grandfather’s Society. According to a recent news- upset the Japanese timetable for con- supreme sacrifice; a daughter’s remem- paper account, World War II veterans quering Asia. Instead of 50 days, it took brance of a father lost in the first days of serving with the U.S. Military are pass- them five months. By then the forces the war; a first hand account of surviving ing at the rate of 1,000 per day. The na- of democracy had rallied sufficiently combat and guerrilla warfare; an article tion owes a great deal to these men and to blunt their drive southward, save interviewing several surviving scouts; women. Without their sacrifices, the war Australia and New Zealand, and set the and the reunion of a family separated would have been lost and a long night of table for the island hopping campaign for more than sixty years by the death totalitarianism would have settled over that would eventually free the Philip- of a loved one in the war. the world. pines and defeat the Japanese military juggernaut. Mike Houlahan, Editor Among the most courageous in this great struggle were the Philippine Scout We salute these brave men and honor units which formed the backbone of their memory. This issue has six articles General Douglas McArthur’s ground and a poem recalling the heroism now combat defenses. As the late Col. Mel more than sixty years behind us. Col.

Newsletter and Library Advertising Rates Non-member newsletter subscription: 2-years: $10.00 domestic & $14 overseas; Our newsletter advertising rates 3-years: $14 domestic & $18 overseas. Email subscriptions are $4 & $6 for 2 & are as follows: 3 years. Members receive the newsletter at no charge. Full page: $100 We are grateful to Capt. Felipe Fernandez, Dr. Isabelo Torio, Sen. John Pat- Half page: $55 terson, Major Fred Foz, Nora Warren, Rod Hall, Dr. Nicoll and Mrs. Edie Quarter page: $30 Galbraith as well as Mike and Winnie Houlahan for contributing a total of $1,075 Business card: $15 toward the newsletter fund, most of it in memory of Col Mel Rosen. Our current circulation is slightly Donations are tax deductible as the PSHS now has 501(c)(3) status. News- over 540 copies per issue. For ad- letter donation and subscription checks should be made out to the “PSHS” and vertising placement or additional mailed to: information, please contact news- J. M. Houlahan letter editor Mike Houlahan through Editor, PSHS Newsletter our website or at: 6774 Lakeside Circle West Worthington, OH 43085 J. M. Houlahan

Editor, PSHS Newsletter Library donations should be made out to “PSHS” and mailed to: 6774 Lakeside Circle West PSHS-GGBAC Worthington, OH 43085 P.O. Box 179 Daly City, CA 94016-0179

Philippine Scouts Heritage Society Newsletter J. Michael Houlahan, Editor & Publisher 6774 Lakeside Circle W., Worthington, OH 43085 Fall 2007, Issue 145 Published twice annually Annual Subscription: domestic $10 and overseas $14

Page 2 Fall 2007 National President’s Letter One of the biggest features of the and Website. The future looks bright Philippine Scouts Heritage Society is for preserving the history, heritage and our annual reunions. The Society’s 23rd legacy of the Philippine Scouts. Annual Reunion and Business Meet- ing took place on May 18 and 19, 2007 The Society’s newest officers are - in Tacoma Washington. It’s difficult Menandro Parazo, 2nd Vice President; to name every individual who made this Goody Calugas, Treasurer; Nora War- years gathering such a success. Clearly, ren, Secretary; Elena Cosio, Assistant Joe and Goody Calugas and their team of Treasurer; Aniceto Bagley, Coun- volunteers must be commended for their selor. Our thanks to Mike Houlahan for hard work. It paid off. The Captain Jose serving as Secretary, to Nora Warren as C. Calugas, Sr. Chapter did itself proud. our Treasurer for many years, to Nita The hospitality and warmth of the wel- Giaung as Assistant Treasurer and to the come were very impressive. late Colonel Mel Rosen for his years as Counselor. Mike will continue to be the The panels and presentations con- Editor for the Society’s newsletter and John A. Patterson, President cerning “World War II Nurses on with his daughter, Christa, manage our Photo: David Rosen Bataan” and the “New Scouts” were ex- outstanding website – www.philippine- cellent. We also enjoyed informative scouts.org. We’re grateful to all for sessions on veterans’ benefits and your devoted service. Meeting. Cion Rael, President of the the “Filipino WWII Veterans Equity GGBAC Chapter and her group will Campaign.” Colonel John Olson’s At our closing dinner, Colonel Mel host the event on Friday, May 23, 2008 slide presentation concerning trips he Rosen, Counselor Emeritus, and Major and Saturday, May 24, 2008. Cion has made to various Philippine World War Fred Foz, President Emeritus, both already reserved the Embassy Suites II battlefields and prison camps was received the Society’s lifetime achieve- Hotel in Burlingame near the San Fran- very interesting. ment awards. Their sons gave moving cisco airport for those days, so please comments about their fathers’ lives mark your calendars accordingly. De- The busy two days were capped off by and their love of the Scouts. It was a tails will appear on our website and in our keynote speaker, Brigadier General very touching and poignant ceremony. the next newsletter. Oscar Hilman, whose remarks were Sadly, Colonel Rosen passed away in very well received at Saturday evening’s August. He will be sorely missed. Colo- Thank you one and all for supporting closing dinner. We have now heard from nel and Mrs. Rosen were stalwarts at the Society. In the years ahead as we lose three generals (Saint, Soriano and, now, our reunions, strong supporters of the more and more of these extraordinary Hilman) whose fathers were Philippine Society and devoted to the Scouts. warriors, that support will be more im- Scouts. There is a possibility that the portant than ever. next keynote speaker will also have The reunion ended with over 200 close family ties to the Scouts. people attending our closing dinner. The Sen. John Alexander Patterson achievement awards, roll call of Scouts, President Thanks need to be accorded to the inspiring remarks by General Hilman, Philippine Scouts Heritage Society National Officers and Chapter Presi- together with Scout reenactors with dents for their continued activism and us for the first time and the festivi- support. We are blessed by active mem- ties of the evening made the reunion bership, increasing activism by the “next a resounding success. Again, Joe and generations,” our connection with the Goody, thank you. U.S. Army Museum at Ft. Sam Hous- ton, Texas and outstanding outreach So, on we go to San Francisco for vehicles in the form of our Newsletter our next Annual Reunion and Business

Page 3 Philippine Scouts Heritage Society First Vice-President’s Letter My sincere thanks go to the members Mrs. Zenaida Crisostomo Slemp did an and officers of the Capt. Jose C. Calugas, exemplary job. Sr. Chapter for their outstanding contri- One of the reenactors in Los Angeles bution to make the 23rd National Annual area by the name of Gil Mislang, sent me Reunion at La Quinta Inn and Suites in an e-mail that he will try to activate one Tacoma a success. of the PSHS Chapters in the area. Some The Filipino Reenactors namely, of the reenactors were interested to join Philip Garcia, Arturo Garcia, Teddy the chapter. Let us help Mr. Mislang in Ortega, and Victor Virano who came his work to reactivate one of the chapters from out of the State of Washington in the Los Angeles area. made the evening program something Sen. John Patterson our National Presi- to remember. My hats off to them for dent sent me an e-mail about the 501(c) doing a terrific job! Let us not forget (3), how to stay exempt. This is to remind all the Philippine Scouts, their wives, the members and especially the officers of sons and daughters who were present. the Society against jeopardizing 501 (c ) Jose “Joe” Calugas, Jr., 1st Vice President One of the highlights of the evening (3) status. Please browse the website www. program was the role call of the liv- stayexempt.org for more information. I am looking forward to the 24th ing Philippine Scout veterans. Major Col. Melvin Rosen died August 1, National Annual Reunion May 2008 in Urbano Quijance, 57th Infantry (PS) 2007. He went to the Philippines after San Francisco. The GGBAC Chapter finally met Col. John Olson, who was graduating from the US Military Acad- will host it again, thank you, Cion and a junior officer with the 57th Infantry emy at West Point in 1940. He was a members. See you in San Francisco! during the war. young officer with the 2nd Battalion, I also want to thank BG. Oscar 88th Field Artillery (PS), the same Bat- Jose “Joe” Calugas, Jr. Hilman (Ret.) our keynote speaker talion my father was assigned to. We will National First Vice President and his beautiful wife Patricia for his miss a proud and honorable Philippine President of Tacoma Chapter outstanding speech about the Philip- Scout. My prayers are with his loving pine Scouts. The master of ceremonies wife and family. Website News A redesign of our Philippine Scouts We also will consider appropriate Heritage Society website (http://www. and original short articles or vignettes philippine-scouts.org) has made it for posting on our website or including more reader friendly, comprehensive in our newsletter. and easily navigated. This already is The website is useful for research paying dividends, with close to 31,000 purposes. Our site is the first entry visits, an increase of about 6,000 since that appears when someone researches our last newsletter. the Philippine Scouts using either the Our message board, which is visited Google or Yahoo search engines. Our by seventy or eighty viewers daily, now “Exchanges” page lists research proj- contains about 350 topics and 1,150 ects and requests. The “Resources” comment postings. By the time you re- page has links to thirty-two other ceive this, over 5,700 will have signed websites, three bibliographies and up as message board members which is numerous articles. We also link to U.S. more than a threefold increase just this government sources of information on year. You are invited to visit the PSHS former Scouts and on benefits avail- website and the message board (note the able to them. link in the margin of our homepage) to Thank you for your support! The PSHS website is available at http://www.philippine-scouts.org share your own thoughts or questions and to supply answers to queries submitted Christa Houlahan by others. Webmaster Page 4 Fall 2007

Family Found From Page 1 her mother, who remarried but burst into Earnest’s e-mail to him was a joke. There, her father’s family couldn’t sobs every time he was mentioned. ‘’I wondered whether it was a hoax,’’ speak about the fallen soldier either. She was told he had a good sense of he said last week. ‘’His death was such a tragedy that humor and that he loved to dance. She had ``But when I opened up a link, it had nobody was talking about it in the family his Purple Heart and a photograph of him my uncle’s Philippine Army ID card. I for all these years,’’ said Demarest, 55, a in his dress whites that hangs in her hall. knew that could not be reproduced.’’ BMW salesman in Connecticut. ``When But no memories. Nancy Earnest had to sit down when Carl was pronounced dead in the Philip- ‘’I grew up knowing there were two her husband told her. ‘I nearly fell over pines, his mother was devastated. She sisters,’’ she said, now knowing her fa- when Walter called me and told me, did not want to talk about it. You didn’t ther had six sisters and one brother. ``But `Your aunt is looking for you.’ ‘’ ask her about it. how am I supposed to find two women She was overwhelmed by emotion— ``That’s why nobody knew.’’ who got married and probably changed and still is. The reunion—the Earnests flew up their names?’’ ‘’Family is everything to me,’’ Nancy urgently last month because Creighton’s The photo in the hall is what led her Earnest said. ‘And I think that the Bauers mother, who is 80, was in the hospital— to her father’s family after her husband, have always felt that way too. Evidently has been emotional for him as well. Walter Earnest—who was in the Army they wondered about me all these years. ‘’I basically cry every day over it, in security agency and collects military When my aunt called me, she said, `We memory of her father,’’ said Creighton, pins and crests—noticed the pin on have been looking for you. Where have whose uncle also died a few months ago. Bauer’s uniform and researched it on you been?’ ‘’ His mother, who calls Nancy Earnest the Internet. Apparently, they knew that Bauer had on the phone at least once a week now to He was led to the Philippines Scouts had a daughter, but her mother lost con- chat, is also extremely touched, he said. Heritage Society, where Walter posted tact with the family during the war. ``She’s extremely emotional that I a message: ‘’My mother didn’t know them very stuck with this idea of mine that some- ``Need help with information about well. I don’t think she was ever at the where maybe Nancy was out there and my wife’s father. Died while POW on farm. It was a time of great upheaval it would be nice to find them and let Japanese ship that was sunk 12/15/44. for her, and when she got remarried she them know that we’ve been looking Burial site BSMPH? All DOD records just let it go. And I don’t blame her for for them.’’ lost in stateside fire. West Point Class of that,’’ Earnest said. The Earnests plan on making it to the 1936. Thanks, Walter Earnest.’’ She loved her stepfather and half- annual family reunion, if not this sum- Hours later, he got an e-mail response siblings but missed out on an extended mer, then next year—for her father. from a society member who pointed family. him to another message board where ‘’My grandmother lived until 1980. If Major Bauer was an officer in the Creighton Demarest—the son of Bau- I had been able to find more information 45th Infantry (PS). Article reprinted by er’s sole remaining of six sisters—had in the 70s . . .,’’ she said, without finish- permission of the Miami Herald. The posted a similar message more than a ing the thought. ``I probably should author can be contacted at edevalle@ year earlier. have picked up the phone and called the MiamiHerald.com . Editor Demarest said he had nearly given directory in Hammonsport, N.Y., look- up on an answer and at first thought ing for Bauer.’’

Victory in Defeat From Page 1 only about 6,000 troops, as their forces days, thereby completely upsetting the I submit that even in defeat, the Fil- were all fighting in North Africa. The Japanese timetable for victory in the Pa- American forces on Bataan and Corregi- Japanese would have gone through cific. The Fil-American forces, fighting dor may have given the United States one New Zealand and Australia like a hot with no air support and with no hope of of its more important victories of WWII. knife through butter. Then what was ever getting any replacements, held out going to stop the Japanese from taking until their ammunition, their weapons, Col. Rosen spoke these words at the Hawaii? The U.S. was still reeling from medicine, food, and, yes, people just Philippine Scouts Heritage Society re- the disaster at Pearl Harbor. Instead of plain gave out. But we gave the United union in May 2002. He passed away on 50 days, the Fill-American forces on States what it needed most of all and August 1 at the age of 89. Bataan and Corregidor held out for 150 that was time! Page 5 Philippine Scouts Heritage Society Philippine Scout Reunion is Smooth-Running Success Highlights of the two-day Tacoma reunion of the Philippine Scouts Heritage Society included a series of panels and information sessions, a business meeting and a gala concluding dinner. The two panels were on the New Philippine Scouts, chaired by Col. John Olson and CWO4 Aniceto Bagley; and on WW II nurses on Bataan and Corregidor, chaired by Goody Calugas. Included on the nurses’ panel were Sue Trout daughter of Lt. Lewey, USNC, POW and LTC. Floramund Fellmeth Difford, an energetic 92 year old retired Army surgical nurse who escaped capture when assigned to accompany wounded soldiers evacuated by ship to Australia From L to R: National Secretary Nora Warren; Historian and retired Scout Col. as the Japanese closed in. John E. Olson; Keynote speaker General Hilman and his wife; President Sen. An information session on Veterans John Patterson; Tacoma Chapter President/National Vice President Joe Calugas Benefits was conducted by Lawrence The keynote address by Brigadier The reunion was covered by two local Low, Social Worker of the VA Puget General Oscar Hilman was the most newspapers, the News Tribune and the Sound Health Care System and Eric important event at the gala banquet the Tacoma Weekly. Lachica, Executive Director, Filipino final evening of the reunion. General WWII Veterans Equity Campaign, up- Hilman, the son of a former Philippine dated the membership on progress to- Scout, is the retired commanding offi- wards passing this important legislation. cer of the 81st Armored Brigade which (It now appears that a Veterans Equity distinguished itself in Iraq in 2004. He bill providing Filipino veterans with spoke knowledgably on the present more benefits is likely to be enacted into performance and future direction of the law sometime this fall.) U.S. Army. The professional performance of an honor guard of Filipino Reenactors also impressed those attending the dinner program. Following dinner, the Reenactors in front of the head table D’Variations, a local band, provided during the closing banquet. dance music. More the 200 guests attended the gala dinner, the largest such reunion crowd in many years. The evening was kept on schedule by Mrs. Zenaida Crisostomo Slemp, who performed ably as mistress of ceremonies. The entire weekend was smoothly orchestrated by the members of the Capt. Jose Calugas, Sr. Chapter led by Chapter President Jose “Joe” PSHS President Sen. John Patterson Calugas, Jr. Col. John Olson and Major Urbano with keynote speaker Brigadier General Quijance reunite for the first time since Oscar Hilman combat in 1942. Page 6 Fall 2007 THE GENERAL’S CORNER

The General’s Corner is dedicated to the memory of Brigadier General Royal Reynolds, Jr. During the early days of World War II, General Reynolds commanded the First Battalion of the 57th Infantry Regiment (PS). He led his unit in the defense of Bataan and then, instead of surrendering, spent the remainder of the war as a guerrilla. As the first President of the Philippine Scouts Heritage Society, he was one of the Society’s founders and a longtime staunch supporter.

The Generals Corner publishes historical accounts of World War II in the Philippines. This issue contains five such articles: on our front page is “Family Found” by Elaine de Valle of the Miami Herald concerning the fam- Brigadier General Royal Reynolds, Jr. ily reunification of Maj. Karol ‘’Carl’’ Anthony Bauer’s relatives, which took place more than sixty years after his WWII death and came about because of our PSHS website. The first article on this page is the completion of Dr. Isabelo Torio’s story of survival as a young 26th Cavalry (PS) trooper during combat, the Bataan Death March and prison camp. The second piece is based on interviews of several Scouts about their WWII recollections by GGBAC member Paul Ruiz, during a past reunion. The final two articles are: a remembrance by Jean Hall of her father, Captain George Frothingham Fisher, 57th Infantry (PS), who was killed in the early days of combat on Bataan; and an account of a grandson’s successful seven year campaign to have his Philippine Scout grandfather’s combat death recognized by Arlington National Cemetery. A plaque honoring the supreme sacrifice of Corporal Fernando Baltazar, 45th Infantry (PS), was erected in July and an official ceremony held in August. OF THINGS REMEMBERED Philippine Scout Memories By Paul Ruiz (conclusion) As this article, based on interviews during the 2005 Dr. Isabelo S. Torio reunion, primarily concerns Scout recollections of WWII, it remains of interest two years later. Editor The second and final installment of Dr. Isabelo S. Torio’s personal account of his experiences in the 26th On December 8, 1941, retired Captain Menandro Cavalry (PS) and as a guerrilla following the USAFFE Parazo was a young sergeant attached to the 26th surrender begins below. In the previous chapter he Cavalry of the famed Philippine Scouts, when the Japa- discussed the Northern Luzon campaign, the defense of nese attacked his homeland, several hours after having Bataan, the surrender and Death March, and his escape bombed Pearl Harbor. Parazo, now 88, still recalls how from captivity. The text has been slightly edited. his unit was given the order by a messenger on a gallop- ing horse going up the line that they would be moving III. MY LIFE AFTER ESCAPE: out, and to “stand by your horses.” He described how one of the Army chaplains gave them their last rites as I found out that the civilian camp was located in the they made final preparations, thus dispelling any doubt town of Orani. As I wandered in the civilian camp, I that they would be headed north to engage the enemy. met some people I knew from Fort Stotsenberg. They asked me to go with them. For several days, I stayed Retired Colonel Melvin Rosen was Battery Com- with them in the camp. Then we hired a boatman to mander of Easy Company, 88th Field Artillery Philippine bring us to a town called Minalin. We rode on one boat, but because of bad weather, I feared that the boat See Philippine Scout Memories Page 9 would capsize, so I decided to transfer to another boat My Legacy by Jean F. Hall page...... 11 that came along. This boat went to a different area, thus I got separated from them. Filipino War Hero to be Remembered at Arlington See Of Things Remembered Page 8 National Cemetery by Chris Schaefer page...... 13

Page 7 Philippine Scouts Heritage Society

Of Things Remembered From Page 7 I landed in a place where I was a total parents, I got sick with malaria. Every begging, on my way to the next house, stranger with no money and nothing at morning, along with several escaped I saw the people I met in the civilian all but with the company of some es- POW’s, we went out to have sun bath camp, the same people I was supposed caped soldiers like me. The people there to get rid of the malarial chill (shiver- to ride with in the boat. were very hospitable. They gave us food. ing cold). This cold spell would be I was so tired that I dozed off in that followed by high fever and sweating They offered me to stay with them, house by the fishpond. When I woke up, after which our body temperature but I declined. Then I decided to go I was astonished to see a middle-aged would gradually return to normal until home with the money other things I got couple looking down on me. I greeted the next day when the chill and fever from begging. I got P160 pesos in cash. them and asked what was going on. They would start all over again. I divided the money and gave P80.00 to told me “Nothing”, but then they offered my adoptive parents and spent the rest to adopt me as they said that they were Since my malaria was getting worse, for my medical treatment. We stayed in childless. They said that they were look- I consulted a doctor and told him that I the town of Minalin for a while before ing at me while I was asleep. They were belonged to the US Army and had no moving to another town called Macabe- very sympathetic to me and decided to money. I told him that I would pay him be. Minalin had become dangerous for take me home with them. They told me when the US Army would come back. me because of the presence of Japanese that they lived in a place surrounded by The doctor told me that “no money, no garrison in the town. fishponds. I told them that I liked to live treatment”. I went home very disap- by the fishpond. pointed. My adoptive parents could not During my stay in Macabebe, there help me. That night I pondered very were lots of parents looking for their Dysentery - How I cured it without hard how I could get money to pay the sons. At one time, a couple claimed me medicine doctor. In the town of Minalin where I as their son. They were so happy, only lived, there were some escaped soldiers to be told that I was not their son. Then Several days later while staying with who are also suffering from malaria one day a woman who was looking for my adoptive family, I got sick with and other diseases. In their fight for her son came to my place and asked dysentery. I asked my new parents to survival, they murdered and robbed. I me if I knew her son, Capt. Reyes from give me some raw bananas, but these prayed so hard to God to give me the Lingayen, Pangasinan, which was my did not give me a relief. I was getting right decision. I needed the money very hometown. I told her that I knew her sicker and sicker and felt very miserable badly to pay the doctor. I analyzed every son, but I did not know where he was. as days went on. We were living in the possibility. I thought that if I would rob At that moment, I asked her if she could middle of fishponds. I started to take a there was the possibility that I would deliver my letter to my parents as she bath in the river every morning. And get caught or killed or be put to jail. If lived in my hometown. She agreed. I while in the river with salty sea water, I would murder in order to rob, and if I wrote a letter to my parents informing I instinctively inserted my fingers into would also get caught would either be them where I was. Three months later, my anal canal. I did not even know why killed or put to jail. I thought that those my brother came to pick me up. We I did that, but [it was] as if some one acts were criminal and immoral acts were indeed very happy to be reunited. [told me] to do it. The salty sea water that I could not do. And, the last thing I I bade good-bye to my adoptive parents got into my rectal canal and gave me a thought was to beg. and thanked them profusely. They were good feeling. So I did it every morning very sad to see me go. I asked money and lo and behold, on the seventh day, A beggar for a day from my brother to give them. I invited I felt a formed stool in my rectum. I them to visit me. My family and relatives knew then that I got rid of my dysentery. The following morning, I woke up were very happy when I came home I thanked the Lord for showing me the early and told my adoptive parents that alive. I was still sick so they took me to cure my dreadful dysentery. I would visit a friend. I was weak and Bugallon District Hospital where I was anemic, but with determination, I went confined for a few weeks of malarial Malaria - How it led me to become a knocking from door to door and told treatment. beggar people the purpose of my begging. Some people were very sympathetic and gave In due time, I was cured of the malaria After staying in the fishpond area, we me cash and some gave me rice and and joined my brother in his buy and moved to the town of Minalin. During other offered me food. Others offered me sell business. my stay in Minalin with my adopted to stay with them. During the process of

Page 8 Fall 2007

Luzon Campaign 1944 - 1945 gasinan, which was about three miles After that I left the Cavalry Division from the beach. and reported to the U.S. Army Process- Guerilla Life: I set up a rice busi- ing Center in Calasaio, Pangasinan. ness in Mangatarem, Pangasinan that We were not able to reach my fam- I was assigned to the Military Police was located in the southwestern part of ily residence because the liberation Battalion, and was stationed in Baclaran, Pangasinan, along the Zambales Moun- force began shelling and bombing the Metro Manila. After a year in the Mili- tain. In 1944, I joined the guerilla unit landing area. To get out of the area, tary Police Battalion, I requested to be under Lt. Ching Villa. He appointed me we ran towards the summit of Zam- discharged to go back to school. With to take charge of the communications bales Mountain. From the mountain, firm determination, I continued with unit. My duty was to alert the unit of overlooking Lingayen Gulf, we saw my college education and finished my the movements of the Japanese forces. the American liberation battleships degree as Doctor of Medicine. To warn of the coming of the Japanese scattered all over the gulf as far as forces, we would beat a cut segment I could see. The fire power of the At this point in time, I strongly be- of bamboo to produce sound, which American armada was awesome that lieve that God has His plans for all of could be heard from one barangay to the entire gulf looked full of fire when us. We have different experiences in the other barangay called Kalongkong. some of the Japanese Kamikaze planes life, but conclusively, everything that Through this we eliminated the need approaches to bomb the Liberation happens to us is our Fate that is designed for a runner to spread the alarm from ships only to be shot down. exclusively for us by our Creator. How one guerilla unit to the other. We used we live is a test to our trust and faith in several codes to let the other party know I witnessed Kamikaze planes being Him. Thank you all and Mabuhay! of any imminent danger. We also sent shot down, planes being shot with their messages using rolled paper disguised pilots bailing out. Oh, it was quite a sight Presented during the Philippine like a cigarette, which could be distrib- to behold. Meanwhile, we went to the Scouts Heritage Society Reunion and uted without suspicion. beach and introduced my self to the lib- Conference held at the Embassy Suites erating forces that landed in Lingayen. Hotel in San Francisco, CA on May 28, January 1945 I joined the 5th Cavalry Division as the 2006. guide and point man. We proceeded to When I heard about the imminent attack the Japanese resistance around my Isabelo Santos Torio, M.D. May landing of the Liberation Force in Lin- hometown of Bugallon and proceeded to 28, 2006 gayen, a co-guerilla and I went to see liberate the Masinloc Mining Company my family in Salasa, Bugallon, Pan- in Zambales.

Philippine Scouts Memories From Page 7 Scouts, when the war in the Pacific began. the Philippine Scouts Heritage Society San Francisco, the Honorable Rowena A 1940 graduate of West Point, he was (PSHS). The general meeting of the Sanchez, who later swore in the new well aware that all of their mettle would reunion began simply and poignantly, PSHS national officers. be tested in the coming days. with the playing of the Star Spangled Banner. The Scouts, now in their 80’s The Philippine Scouts Author, and Philippine Scout histo- and 90’s, stood at attention, some with rian, retired Colonel John Olson, was great effort, and earnestly sang to the The Scouts were formed by an act a 1st Lieutenant, serving with the 57th taped music. of the U.S. Congress at the turn of the Infantry, Philippine Scouts. A 1939 20th century to enlist 6,000 Filipinos, to graduate of West Point, he still vividly Throughout the course of the two- be known as “Philippine Scouts.” They recalls the incredible heroism, sacrifices, day reunion, various discussions took would be formed into 50 company-sized and suffering that the Philippine defend- place, from addressing the importance units, led by American officers, and their ers endured during the war. of maintaining the organization’s role would be to assist the American goals of perpetuating the legacy of the forces in securing the peace in the af- These veterans were among several Philippine Scouts, to a very popular termath of the Spanish-American War. surviving Philippine Scouts who gath- panel discussion of the war. Saturday They would be fed, billeted, and paid ered on May 27-28, 2005 in San Mateo, evening’s dinner featured the keynote by the United States. In the decades CA, to attend the annual meeting of speaker, Philippine Consul General of See Philippine Scouts Memories Page 10

Page 9 Philippine Scouts Heritage Society

Philippine Scouts Memories From Page 9 that followed, the Scouts distinguished battalion, they received unrelenting it was anticipated that they would invade themselves as elite soldiers, and at ap- naval artillery and air fire. “We could New Zealand, which was essentially de- proximately 12,000 strong by the start see Japanese fighter pilots laughing at fenseless, and Australia, which had com- of WWII, they became the lynch pin us when they came in low because we mitted much of its forces to the fighting in that would defend the Philippines fol- had no air support. We had to resort to North Africa. The Japanese would have lowing the December 7, 1941 attack on firing back at the planes with small arms gone through New Zealand and Australia Pearl Harbor. fire either on our backs as the planes like a hot knife through butter.” flew low, or head-on as the planes came Reflecting on a military career that at us.” Parazo also described the chaos However, the tenaciousness with spanned 30 years, Col Rosen stated, of horses going wild, artillery shells ex- which the defenders fought, led to un- “The Philippine Scouts were the most ploding around them, and soldiers dying. expectedly high Japanese losses in men highly disciplined, trained, and coura- Amidst this scene of terror, he recalled and material, rendering them unable geous soldiers I have ever run into in a peculiar battlefield discussion with a to execute these prior plans. When the the U.S. Army.” This was to be an oft- commanding officer: inevitable surrender finally did occur on repeated theme throughout the course April 9, 1942 - some 150 days from the of the reunion by former commanding “Where’s my orderly?” initial invasion - and the nearby island officers who described how the Japanese “He’s been hit, sir, he’s dead.” fortress of Corregidor fell one month sustained heavy casualties when they “What about my horse?” later, General Homma was relieved of engaged the Scouts during the defense “I don’t know sir.” his command. The defenders of Bataan of the Philippines from December 8, “Where is my saddlebag?” and Corregidor had significantly upset 1941, to the ordered surrender on May “I don’t know sir.” the Japanese timetable to conquer Asia. 6, 1942. “Oh…where the hell is my whiskey?” After the war, Homma would be tried and executed for war crimes related to The Japanese Invasion Parazo described the excruciating the post surrender Death March. experience of seeing wounded men die, Anticipating an impending Japanese and how “every one of them” would The Death March invasion, War Plan Orange 3 (WPO3), call out for their mothers with their final called for a fighting retreat into the breaths. “They never called for their The April 9, 1942 surrender was the Bataan peninsula. There, the Army daddy,” he added, with a slight smile. largest ever by an American force. With would fight a delaying tactic, holding the the Japanese being unprepared for the lines as long as possible, before falling With an open supply channel for men sheer numbers of sick and malnour- back to new positions. The plan antici- and materials to pour into the Philip- ished prisoners, approximately 15,000 pated that the US fleet would be able to pines unencumbered, the Japanese com- Americans and 60,000 Filipinos were fight its way through to the Philippines mander, Masaharu Homma, was given forced to march from the tip of the and provide needed reinforcements and the order to completely subjugate the Bataan peninsula to the prison camp supplies. However, with the decimation Philippines in 50 days. What was to at Camp O’Donnell, 65 miles away. of the Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor, and transpire in the ensuing months would Men who had already been sick and Washington’s decision to direct their be one of the most significant, yet un- malnourished for several months, were focus to the war in Europe before spar- derappreciated events in WWII. Despite now forced to complete this march ing any available resources to the Far having, in many instances, outdated in the tropical heat with scant provi- East, the Philippine defenders were es- WWI equipment; severely dwindling sions of food and water. Those who sentially doomed. supplies; and many defenders experienc- survived the journey, punctuated by ing the onset of malnutrition, malaria, Japanese cruelty, would be imprisoned Allied air support was either weak or and dysentery, the defenders of Bataan at O’Donnell where many would die non-existent, with aircraft having been steadfastly thwarted repeated attacks, from disease and starvation. During destroyed by Japanese planes at Clark and inflicted heavy casualties upon the the march, those who could not keep up Field several hours after Pearl Harbor Japanese. were often bayoneted or shot by their through a series of miscommunication, Japanese guards. Colonel Olsen com- weather related issues, and bad luck. According to Col. Rosen, “Had the mented that “Whether you made it or Although Captain Parazo’s 26th Cav- Japanese been able to adhere to their plan not depended on what your condition alry was supported by the 192nd tank of conquering the Philippines in 50 days, was like at the start of the march.”

Page 10 Philippine Scouts Heritage Society

Japanese soldiers were so angered at were destined for labor camps in Japan, The day after the reunion, the display the casualties inflicted upon them by the transported on “hell ships” where the items, viewed by many guests in the Scouts that identified Scouts could be torturous conditions down in the over- hotel lobby, had been packed away. The subject to some of the cruelest punish- crowded, hot, and filthy holds resulted participants said their goodbyes, and ment. Major Fredric Foz, then incom- in horrific stories of madness and death prepared to return to their homes, some ing national president of the PSHS, for many. Having survived the hell ship as far away as Virginia, Hawaii, and noted during a panel discussion that six journey to Japan, he would later be liber- Texas. The veterans moved slowly about decades later, he becomes filled with fear ated from the labor camp following the the hotel lobby – no doubt the result of whenever he sees a man digging a hole. surrender of Japan in 1945. age and many decades of toil. In the eyes He explained that during the march, he of others, these measured movements saw several who dug their own graves The Philippine Scouts were eventu- reflected the sacrifices of proud and and were bayoneted. “They did not ally disbanded in 1949, with many of dignified men who had suffered much, regard us as humans, but as animals,” the Filipinos opting to continue their and given every measure of themselves Parazo added. Lt. Col Edwin Ramsey careers in the regular army. Captain to defend the Philippines. Colonel Rosen discussed his war-time experiences as a Parazo retired in 1972, and worked for provided one last point of consideration, guerrilla, explaining that surrendering to RCA, until 1984. Colonel Rosen retired namely, “That even in defeat, the Philip- the Japanese often meant death. in 1970, and worked for Rand and Lit- pine and American forces on Bataan and ton Industries until 1985. In retirement, Corregidor may have given the United While thousands died on the 4 day Colonel Olson was instrumental in help- States one of its most important victories march, Col Olson further noted that ing to establish the Fort Sam Houston in World War II.” in 5 months, 26,000 Filipinos died at Museum in San Antonio, Texas, as the O’Donnell, and in the 2 months that official repository of Philippine Scouts The author, a PSHS member, resides the Americans were there before being records and memorabilia. in the San Francisco Bay Area with his transferred to Cabanatuan, 1500 died. wife and three children. His father, 1st Some Filipinos were released from While there were many heroic actions Lieutenant Jose Ruiz, was a Philippine prison as a goodwill gesture to gain performed by the defenders on Bataan Scout who survived the Death March, compliance from the local population. and Corregidor, the Congressional Medal prison camps, and subsequently fought Some escaped. Many, including Parazo, of Honor was awarded to three members as a guerrilla. The author welcomes became guerrillas and continued to of the Philippine Scouts: 1st Lt. Alexan- comments and can be contacted at fight until General MacArthur returned der Nininger; Captain Jose Calugas, [email protected]. in 1944. Others, like Colonel Rosen, and 1st Lt. Willibald Bianchi. My Legacy by Jean F. Hall only assignment was to establish an all came that all dependents were being Philippine Army. shipped home. This also included a few The 57th Infantry (PS), a unit first officers with family who had served the commissioned during the Civil War, One man, my father, was serving in required time. found its young officers building an the Reserves here in the States. In 1940, Army at Fort McKinley, just outside Ma- Captain George Frothingham Fisher It was an easy life; almost royal. nila, Philippine Islands. This was 1937 was ordered to serve a year on overseas Homes on base, servants to tend to all - 38 and it was a wonderful life. They maneuvers. In January, 1941, he sailed needs; parties - what one would call were a mixture of West Point graduates from San Francisco, California, stopping "The Good Life." and reservists from ROTC programs. briefly in Hawaii, arriving in Manila about May. He was promoted to Major Came the day the headlines read: The Philippines were a world away, and was in charge of supplies. "Japs Bomb Pearl Harbor." Disbelief at promising travel and adventure for a first: a joke. When the Japanese began to carefree bachelor. For a married man it I was 8 and my sister was 7 years bomb the Northern Philippines, reality was also a chance for travel and an op- old. Mother had the trunk all packed struck home. The lifestyle was gone. portunity to educate his children. The for our departure in August. Word See My Legacy Page 12 Page 11 Philippine Scouts Heritage Society

My Legacy From Page 11 General Douglas McArthur mar- In 1945 the World War II was over. ing, or medicines. Many did not have shaled his forces - American and Philip- Peace once again! The survivors came the resources to survive. pine together. Retreat to Bataan where a home. Several wrote letters to my defense could be established. mother - to praise her husband and At that first reunion, I was made an "un- offer sympathy. official" member of the 57th Infantry (PS). On January 15, 1942, the first officer It is such an honor. Also "King Quan" was from Pennsylvania fell. He was Major In December of 1984, John E. Olson established. Where the King lives is where George F. Fisher. It was a quiet day and wrote his story for the "VFW Maga- the next reunion would be held. Quan is two Filipino soldiers and he went to zine." As it turned out, this was the same just a word but can take on many mean- the river to bathe. He was killed when John Olson who was a roommate of my ings: as in the camps it might mean rice, a lone plane flew over and dropped a father at Fort McKinley. We exchanged medicine or an item for bartering. single bomb. It was a shock to all who letters. After 43 years the few survivors served with him. were to hold their first reunion in Grand And I attended several of these reunions. Junction, Colorado. Would it be possible It was always such an honor to be there. The war continued with devastat- for me to come? I was so honored to be ing consequences for all the men and asked. Imagine - these men were a link And the 57th motto: “Anytime, women serving there. Finally, Major and knew my father. Anywhere”. General Edward P. King surrendered and the ordeal began: The Death March; I came home from that reunion to The author, Jean Hall, writing to Camps O'Donnell and Cabanatuan; the catch-up on my history of the Pacific honor the memory of her Philippine devastating sea voyage to Japan, Korea, Theatre. The stories of the POW camps Scout father, is a lifetime member of the and China. were brutal with very little food, cloth- Philippine Scouts Heritage Society.

The U.S. Cavalry Association has copies available of a new painting by John Solie, "U.S. Cavalry's Last Charge," reproduced in 100 high quality paper print copies, 16" x 20", of which a number remain. The color prints depict LT Edwin Ramsey and Philippine Scouts of the 26th Cavalry on Bataan, January 1942. Each print is numbered and has been signed by Edwin Ramsey. The cost is $195, including tax, shipping and han- dling. Prints may be ordered by sending a check to: U.S. Cavalry Association, c/o Philip L. Bolte, 175 Warrior Creek Drive, West Union, SC 29696.

Page 12 Fall 2007 Filipino War Hero to be Remembered at Arlington National Cemetery

By Chris Schaefer

After six years of sometimes frus- trating effort, Gregg Baltazar Timbol received an important post card: “This is to inform you that the memorial marker has been received at Arlington National Cemetery.”

Sixty years ago Gregg’s Filipino grandfather, Corporal Fernando Bal- tazar, was killed in action fighting for the United States at the beginning of World War II. On January 23, 1942 Corporal Baltazar’s unit, the 45th Infantry Regi- ment, Philippine Scouts, was ordered into the front line on Luzon Island in the Philippines to attack a Japanese regiment that made an amphibious landing on the rocky cliffs of Bataan Peninsula in the dead of night. Standing, left to right: Mrs. Marylou Plata, Naval Cadet Catherine Plata, Mr. Donald Plata, The battle raged on in the dense jungle Consul Enrico T. Fos, Mrs. Olive Rosen, MGen. Delfin Lorenzana for more than a week and although the Kneeling: Naval Cadet Christine Plata, Mr. Gregg Baltazar Timbol 45th was ultimately successful in driving the Japanese force back over the cliffs special honor which does not convey if his grandfather could be honored at and into the sea, many men were killed. benefits but recognizes the soldier’s Arlington National Cemetery. Corporal Baltazar’s body was never personal sacrifice. recovered. The Army posthumously Gregg submitted the application on awarded him the Bronze Star for his The application was first delayed April 30, and got a quick response. Just bravery in combat, and the Purple Heart and then denied because a fire at the after the 4th of July, 2007 Arlington for his fatal wounds. National Personnel Records Center installed a marker commemorating in 1973 had destroyed Fernando Corporal Fernando Baltazar. On August Fernando’s three young daughters Baltazar’s Army records. Gregg re- 14 Gregg, his family, and any others were left orphans and there was no one submitted the application through attended a U.S. Army memorial service to arrange a memorial service for him. Senator Dianne Feinstein’s office and at Arlington National Cemetery, Wash- it has again been denied, but Gregg is ington, D.C., honoring the bravery and Having heard the story of his grand- submitting another appeal. sacrifice of Corporal Fernando Baltazar, father’s bravery as he was growing up, more than sixty years ago. Gregg Baltazar Timbol, decided to do During this process Maxine McLean, something about it. He began in 2000 a member of the Philippine Scouts Chris Schaefer is a Vietnam combat by applying for U.S. citizenship for his Heritage Society whose father com- veteran, an author and the Public Rela- grandfather. Non-citizen soldiers killed manded Fernando Baltazar’s unit, tions Officer for the Philippine Scouts in action in the U.S. Army are sometimes urged Gregg to contact the National Heritage Society. eligible for posthumous citizenship, a Battle Monuments Commission to see

Page 13 Philippine Scouts Heritage Society Member Activities An important objective of this newsletter is the encouragement of our members to raise public awareness of the proud patriotic legacy of the Philippine Scouts. Examples of member’s efforts to accomplish this over the last six months follow: Major Fred Foz and Col. Mel Rosen groups concerning his late uncle, A print of the Last Cavalry Charge is were selected for the Society’s Lifetime Sandy Nininger, the Philippine Scouts now on display in the Museum. Achievement Award at our annual meet- and WWII. ing. Col. Rosen passed away shortly af- Col. John E. Olson has spoken sev- ter the reunion and his obituary is the In Lt. Col. Ed and Raqui Ramsey have eral times on the Philippine Scouts and Memoriam section of this newsletter. been invited by both the House and continues to process Scout information Senate Committees to be present in the in cooperation with the Fort Sam Hous- Zosimo Guiang, long-time GGBA White House for the signing ceremony ton Museum. Chapter member, reports that SFC for the Filipino veterans pension equity Edilberto Vergara, 92 yrs old, is liv- bill which is expected to become law Authors Elizabeth and Michael Nor- ing in San Francisco. The two served before the end of this year. Ed has previ- man are finishing the final, chapter of together in the 86th Artillery (PS) ously testified before Congress in favor their new book Tears in the Darkness during WWII. of this legislation. and expect to have it published in the The Ramsey’s attended the mid-Sep- fall of 2008. It represents nine years As we go to press, National Presi- tember Fort Riley, Kansas, inauguration of research and some 3,000 documents dent John Patterson is at West Point of the new Painting of the “U S Cavalry’s and books, as well as more than 500 attending the second annual awarding Last Charge”. Ed, as a young officer in interviews, including 23 with former of the Alexander R. Nininger Award for the 26th Cavalry (PS), led this historic Imperial Army soldiers. Valor at Arms. This award not only rec- charge in Morong, Bataan, on January ognizes recent West Point graduates who 16th, 1942. Information on ordering Lina Susbilla, owner of Lina’s have been cited for heroism in battle, but prints of this painting is available else- Flower Shop in Daly City, continues also keeps alive the memory of one of where in this newsletter. to provide flowers gratis for PSHS the Academy’s greatest warriors—Lt. Earlier in September Ed was the key- members, thereby honoring the request Sandy Nininger, 57th Infantry (PS), note speaker when the San Diego Veter- of her father, Pablo Mesina, a veteran who was awarded a Medal of Honor ans Memorial Museum and Center held, of the 45th Infantry (PS). Lina has been posthumously for combat heroism while for the first time, a ceremony commemo- providing this generous service for over defending Bataan. rating the Liberation of the Philippines. two years. Since the last newsletter, John also About 300 attended the event, which has spoken to several Rhode Island was covered by the San Diego Tribune.

Chapter News Capt. Jose Calugas, Sr. Chapter: The New chapter members include Adora ter now has 61 members, all but six of 23rd PSHS National Reunion held on Figuracion Brouillared , daughter of whom are life members. May 18-19, 2007 at La Quinta Inn & Dan Figuracion, 26th Cavalry (PS), Suites, Tacoma was a total success. The Leila Mukai, Simplicio S. Ochoa, Lastly, Mrs. Dometela Mocorro, members and officers worked hard in 23rd Field Artillery (PS), Robert B. wife of the late Mark P.Mocorro found- planning for and running the reunion. Hitchcock, J. Carmoreau Hatier, son er and First President of the Capt. Jose Congratulations to each and every one of Col. Joseph Carmoreau Hatier, C. Calugas, Sr. Chapter in Tacoma died who participated in the program. Commanding officer of the 45th Infantry in July. The son Jesse M. Mocorro, and (PS) in the mid 1930’s, and LTC. Den- daughter Linda Mocorro Nyman are Chapter President/National Vice nis P. Mocorro, USAF (Ret), the son life members of the Tacoma Chapter. President Joe and National Treasurer of the late Mark Mocorro, founder and Goody Calugas combined with the first president of the Tacoma Chapter. Golden Gate-Bay Area Chapter: The Capt. Jose Calugas, Sr. Chapter to do- Chapter President and National V.P. Golden Gate Bay Area Chapter will host nate $75 to the PSHS general fund. Joe Calugas, Jr. reports that the chap- the 24th Annual reunion of the Philippine

Page 14 Fall 2007

Scouts Heritage Society to be held May Cion Rael reports that the event “will Filipino WWII military reenactment 23 – 24, 2008 at the Embassy Suites, be a tribute to our heroes, our Philippine group called the Buhay na Kasaysayan San Francisco Airport – Burlingame. Scout fathers and mothers.” (Living History). This group took part The $40 registration fee is unchanged in our May reunion in Tacoma. from the past several years and covers Lt. Alexander R. Nininger and LTC the banquet, dance, hospitality hours, Lloyd E. Mills Chapters: Currently Monterey County Chapter: educational programs and business ses- inactive; however, a group of Filipino No activities reported. sions. Maj. Gen. Antonio Taguba, who reenactors are attempting to resuscitate led the investigation of prisoner abuse a Los Angeles area chapter. Included in Gen. John J. Pershing Chapter (El Paso): at Abu Ghraib, has tentatively agreed to this group are Gil Mislang, Jun Mis- No chapter activities were reported. be our speaker. He is the son of a former lang, Rudy Mislang, Philip Garcia, Philippine Scout. Ray Ortega, Teddy Ortega, Victor Verano, Rudy Cabigas, Frank Tinio The theme and attire set for the re- Lopez, Ramil Oyteza, Joseph Ro- union are “Let’s Swing It! WWII and the camora and Anthony Ardisone. All Fabulous Forties”. Chapter President or most of them are members of the

In Memoriam First Lt. Jose “Joe” S. Aquino, born from 1996-2001, as well as a founding MSGT Dionisio (Denny) Ganioco, in1916 in Pagasinan Province, passed member of the Golden Gate-Bay Area Co F, 12th QM Regt. (PS), passed away in San Francisco on August 24. Chapter of the Philippine Scouts Heri- away on Jan 29 in Alhambra, CA after Soledad, his wife of 69 years, prede- tage Society. He was a life member of a long bout with cancer. He was 93 ceased him by four months, as did his several other veterans’ organizations. years old. son, Fred, who passed away in 1971. He is survived by a brother and sister; and SFC Geoffray Dumaquit, Co. “B”, Col. Daniel Laureta Ledda, a by his remaining two sons, Renato and 14th Engineers Bn. (PS), passed away much decorated veteran of World War Robert and their families. August 27 in Cathedral City, CA. Geoff II, as well as the Korean and Vietnam Joe enlisted in 1935 with the 92nd was one of the founding members of Wars, died on August 10 in Sacramento, Coast Artillery Corps (PS). Becoming the Golden Gate-Bay Area Chapter. In California at the age of 88. Col. Ledda a POW when Corregidor fell, he joined 1941he enlisted as a machine gunner in was born in Balaoan, La Union, Philip- the guerrilla resistance upon release. the Scouts and was a Bataan Death pines and raised in Tondo, Manila. He Rejoining the Army in 1945, he was March survivor. Following WWII, he graduated from the Philippine Military commissioned in the Military Police. continued in the U.S. Army, serving in Academy in 1942. As a company com- When Philippine Scout units were de- the Korea War before retiring in 1961. mander on Bataan, Captain Ledda re- commissioned, he became a master ser- His military decorations included a ceived life-threatening injuries from a geant in the U.S. Army, retiring from the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, POW Medal, hand grenade, shrapnel from which he 163rd Military Police Company as a first American Defense Service Medal, Asi- carried to the end of his life. Recover- lieutenant. His decorations included: atic Pacific Campaign Medal, WWII ing, he returned to battle. He survived the American Defense Service Medal Victory Medal, Korean Service Medal, the Death March and POW camp. Upon with Bronze Star; the Asiatic-Pacific United Nations Service Medal, Philip- release, he participated in resistance Theater Medal with Bronze Star; the pine Defense Medal, Philippine Libera- activities against the Japanese. For his Philippine Defense Ribbon with Bronze tion Medal, Presidential Unit Emblem, acts of heroism during WWII, he was Star; the Philippine Liberation Ribbon and Philippine Republic Citation. awarded the Purple Heart, Bronze Star with Bronze Star; the Distinguished Unit Geoffray Dumaguit is survived by and Silver Star, and later received the Badge with two Oak-Leaf Clusters; and Alicia Tejada Dumaguit, his wife for U.S. Army Commendation Medal and the POW Medal. 57 years, sons Geoffray Jr., Gerald the Joint U.S. Armed Forces Commen- Joe was president of the national and George, daughter Grace; and two dation Medal. Philippine Scouts Heritage Society grandsons. See In Memoriam Page 16

Page 15 Philippine Scouts Heritage Society

In Memoriam From Page 15 Following WWII, Daniel Ledda was Major Prospero Q. Ringor, who Medal and numerous other service med- commissioned in the newly-created 12th served with Co. L, 57th Infantry (PS) als. In December, 1990, the King of Infantry Division (PS). He continued during WWII, passed away March 12 Norway awarded the Saint Olav Medal a 30-year Army career until retiring in of an aortic aneurysm. to both Mel and his wife, Olive. The 1974, after becoming the first Filipino- Enlisting in the Scouts in 1941 and medal is the highest given by the King born American to attain the rank of full discharged in 1945, he then joined the to non-Norwegians. colonel. He settled in Santa Maria, Philippine Army from which he retired He is survived by his wife Olive, California with his wife Cresenciana in 1963. son David (daughter-in-law Jeanette), to whom he was married for almost 57 Major Ringor fought in Bataan, daughter Barbara (son-in-law Dr. Gregg years until her death in 1998. Since but was also stationed in Pangasi- Powell) and four grandchildren and two 2005, he has lived in Sacramento with nan. His WWII decorations include a great grandchildren. his son, Derek. Purple Heart, a Bronze Service Star, Col. Rosen’s actual funeral/burial will an American Defense Ribbon, and a occur on October 18 at 11:00am at Ar- Eleuterio M. Maquinana, Golden Philippine Defense Ribbon with two lington National Cemetery. His widow Gate-Bay Area chapter member and re- oak leaf clusters. has designated the Philippine Scouts tired Scout, passed away on September 6 He is survived by his wife Lydia Heritage Society for those wishing to at the age of 91. Mr. Maquinana enlisted and two grandchildren. His son passed donate in Mel’s memory. Gifts may be in the Philippine Scouts in 1941 and was away sixteen years ago. Surviving fam- designated for the PSHS newsletter, discharged in 1947. During WWII, he ily members all live in the Philippines, library or general funds, made out to fought with Company “L”, 57th Infantry where he is buried in his hometown of “PSHS” (with the preferred fund listed (PS) and then survived the Bataan Death San Fabian, Pangasinan. on the memo line) and mailed to Trea- March and POW camp. In recent years surer Goody Calugas, 2907 Narrows he lived in Daly City. Col. Melvin Herbert Rosen was Place, Tacoma, WA 98407. Such gifts He is survived by Servilla, his wife for born in Gloucester, Massachusetts in are tax deductible. To date $950 has 61 years, and sons Cesar, Rod, Manuel 1918, the son of Russian immigrants. been received. and Victor. He passed away on August 1 at his home in Falls Church, Virginia. Norberto “Ben” Morana Zabala, Felix Peralta, a GGBAC founding Upon graduation from West Point in Sr. died July 23 at age 98. Born in member and one-time chapter president, 1940, Lieutenant Rosen was assigned 1909 in Tolosa, Leyte, Philippines and passed away on September 30. Felix to the 88th Field Artillery (PS) at Fort a resident of San Francisco since 1953, enlisted in the Philippine Scouts in 1938 Stotsenburg, Philippines. Upon ar- Ben was very proud of his service in the and was a squad leader with the 45th rival he found magnificent Philippine 92nd Coast Artillery (PS) during WWII. Infantry (PS) during the heavy fighting Scout soldiers using WWI and pre He received the Bronze Star and the on Bataan. He survived the Death March WWI equipment. Purple Heart for his WWII service and and POW camp, where he nearly died Eleven days after Pearl Harbor, Mel was a POW. Following a post-war U.S. of beriberi, dysentery and malaria. Fol- was promoted to Captain on the first Army career, Ben worked for Northwest lowing WWII, he completed his career battlefield promotion list of WWII. Airlines in Alaska before moving to with the U.S. Army. He commanded a battery until Bataan San Francisco where he worked in civil Felix’s military decorations include was surrendered on April 9, 1942. He service for 35 years. He was a long- the Bronze Star, Army Commendation survived the Bataan Death March, time member of the Philippine Scouts Medal, Prisoner of War Medal, Ameri- three Hell Ships and over three years Heritage Society, Golden Gate Bay Area can Defense Medal [1-star], Asiatic Pa- of Japanese prison camps. By 1945, Chapter and the Defenders of Bataan cific Campaign Medal [3-stars], United Mel weighed 88 pounds. He was fi- and Corregidor. Nations Service Medal [3-stars], Phil- nally liberated from Inchon, Korea in Ben was predeceased by his wife of ippine Defense Medal [1-star], Presi- September, 1945. 50 years, Enrica Abando Zabala and is dential Unit Citation [3-Oak clusters], Mel retired from active duty in 1970, survived by sons Norberto Zabala Jr. Philippine Presidential Unit Citation and having been awarded the Silver Star, and Felix Zabala; and daughters Norma Korean Presidential Unit Citation. Legion of Merit with Oak Leaf Cluster, Zabala, Rosario Velasquez, and Gloria Mr. Peralta is survived by his wife, Bronze Star, Purple Heart with Oak Washington, as well as thirteen grand- Lucila. Leaf Cluster, Army Commendation children and nine great grandchildren.

Page 16 Fall 2007

To the Philippine Scouts Filipino World War II by 1st Lt. Henry Lee Veterans Memorial

The desperate fight is lost; the battle is done. Artist/Sculptor Cheri Gaulke do- The brown lean ranks are scattered to the breeze. nated 50 copies to the PSHS of her book Their cherished weapons rusting in the sun. “Valor”, which describes the Filipino Their moldering guidons hidden by the leaves. World War II Veterans Memorial she No more the men who did not fear to die created under a commission from the Will plug the broken line while through the din city of Los Angeles. The large memo- Their beaten comrades raise the welcome cry, rial, partially funded by a USG grant, is “Make way, make way, the Scouts are moving in!” located in Lake Street Park in historic Filipinotown. The jungle takes the long defended lines The trenches erode; the wires rust away, Cheri describes the memorial as fol- The lush dank grasses and the trailing vines lows: “The project memorializes the Soon hide the human remains of the fray. brave men of the Philippines who fought The Battle ended and the story told side-by-side with American soldiers To open to the Scouts as they unfold during WWII, and commemorates the The tired little soldiers enter in. fight to gain recognition from the US government as war veterans in the The men who were besieged on every side service to the United States. Five large Who knew the dissolution of retreat black granite monoliths rise from the And still retained their fierce exultant pride ground and two granite benches allow And still were soldiers—even in defeat, viewers to sit in meditation before them. Now meet the veterans of ten thousand years Engraved onto the face of the monoliths Now find a welcome worthy of their trade are photographs and text that succinctly From men who fought with crossbows and with spears tell the story of these veterans’ many With bullet and with arrow and with spade. sacrifices for the United States. Included in the images is a map of the Philippines The grizzled veterans of Rome built upon denoting significant sites. Key words are The Death-head horde of Attila the Hun etched in English and Tagalog in the The Yellow Horror of the greatest Khan memorial.” The guardsmen of the First Napoleon All the men in every nameless fight The memorial pays specific homage Since first Man strove against Man to prove his worth to Philippine Scout Sgt. Jose Calugas, Shall greet the tired Scouts as is their right Sr., who was awarded a Medal of Honor No finer soldiers ever walked the Earth. for his bravery in defending Bataan. The PSHS assisted Ms. Gaulke in col- And then the Scouts will form to be reviewed lecting photos and information for the Each scattered unit now once more complete memorial. Each weapon and each bright crisp flag renewed And high above the cadence of their feet Will come the loud clear virile welcoming shout From many throats, before the feasts begin, Their badge of Honor mid their comrades rout— “Make way, make way, the Scouts are moving in!”

Written by 1st Lt. Henry Lee, 12th Military Police Company, during the Battle of Bataan. Lt. Lee was taken prisoner when Bataan fell and perished in the sinking of a Japanese “Hell Ship” Oryoko Maru transporting American POWs to Japan towards the end of WWII.

Page 17 Philippine Scouts Heritage Society The Story of the Invasion of Japan The following article may be of particular interest to many of our readers, as Philippine Scouts, including “New Scouts” would certainly have played a role in the invasion of Japan. The story of the plans for invading Japan is published with the permission of the author and will be serialized over the next few issues of the newsletter.

By James Martin Davis Deep in the recesses of the National With the exception of a part of many, would not be sufficient to bring Archives in Washington, D. C., hidden the British Pacific Fleet, "Opera- and end to the war. While most of our top for over four decades, lie thousands of tion Downfall" was to be a strictly military minds believed that a continued pages of yellowing and dusty docu- American operation. It called for the naval blockade and strategic bombing ments. These documents, which are utilization of the entire United States campaign would further weaken Japan, now declassified, still bear the stamp Marine Corps, the employment of few of them believed that the blockade "Top Secret." Contained in these little the entire United States Navy in the or the bombing would bring about her examined documents are the detailed Pacific, and for the efforts of the 7th unconditional surrender. The advocates plans for "Operation Downfall," the Air Force, the 8th Air Force recently for invasion agreed that while a naval code name for the scheduled American deployed from Europe, the 20th Air blockade chokes, it does not kill; and Invasion of Japan. Force, and for the American Far though strategic bombing might destroy Only a few Americans in 1945, and Eastern Air Force. Over 1.5 million cities, it still leaves whole armies intact. fewer Americans today, are aware of the combat soldiers, with millions more in Both general Eisenhower and General elaborate plans that had been prepared support, would be directly involved in Ira C. Eaker, the Deputy Commander of for the American Invasion of the Japa- these two amphibious assault. A total the Army Air Force agreed. So on May nese home islands. Even few are aware of 4.5 million American servicemen, 25, 1945, the combined Chiefs of Staff, of how close America actually came to over 40% of all servicemen still in after extensive deliberation, issued to launching that invasion and of what the uniform in 1945, were to be a part of MacArthur, to Admiral Chester Nimitz, Japanese had in store for us had the inva- "Operation Downfall." and to Army Air Force "Hap" Arnold the sion of Japan actually been launched. The invasion of Japan was to be no Top Secret directive to proceed with the "Operation Downfall" was prepared easy military undertaking and casualties invasion of Kyushu. The target date was in its final form during the spring and were to be extremely heavy. Admiral set, for obvious reasons after the typhoon summer of 1945. This plan called for William Leahy estimated that there season, for November 1, 1945. two massive military undertakings to be would be over 250,000 Americans killed On July 25th, President Harry Truman carried out in succession, and aimed at or wounded on Kyushu alone. General approved the report of the Combined the very heart of the Japanese Empire. Charles Willoughby, MacArthur's Chief Chiefs of Staff, which called for the In the first invasion, in what was code of Intelligence estimated that American initiation of Operations "Olympic" and named "Operation Olympic," Ameri- casualties from the entire operation "Coronet." On July 26th, the United Na- can combat troops would be landed would be one million men by the fall tions issued the Potsdam Proclamation, by amphibious assault during the early of 1946. General Willoughby's own which called upon Japan to surrender un- morning hours of November 1, 1945, Intelligence staff considered this to be conditionally or face "total destruction." on Japan itself. After an unprecedented a conservative estimate. Three days later, on July 28th, DOMEI, naval and aerial bombardment, 14 com- During the summer of 1945, America the Japanese Government news agency, bat divisions of American soldiers and had little time to prepare for such a broadcast to the world that Japan would marines would land on heavily fortified monumental endeavor, but our top mili- ignore the proclamation of Potsdam and and defended Kyushu, the southernmost tary leaders were in almost unanimous refuse to surrender. of the Japanese home islands. agreement that such an invasion was During this same time period, the On March 1, 1946, the second inva- necessary. While a naval blockade and intelligence section of the Federal Com- sion code named "Operation Coronet," strategic bombing of Japan was consid- munications Commission monitored would send at least 22 more American ered to be useful, general Douglas Mac internal Japanese radio broadcasts, combat divisions against one million Arthur considered a naval blockade of which disclosed that Japan had closed all Japanese defenders to assault the main Japan ineffective to bring about an un- schools to mobilize its school children-- island of Honshu and the Tokyo Plain in conditional surrender. General George it was arming its civilian population and a final effort to obtain the unconditional C. Marshall was of the opinion that air forming it into national civilian defense surrender of Japan. power over Japan as it was over Ger- units, and that it was turning Japan into

Page 18 Fall 2007 a nation of fortified caves and under- seaplane bases would be established and of support ships, plus three fast carrier ground defenses in preparation for the radar would would be set up to provide task groups. From these fast carriers, expected invasion of their homeland. advance warning for the invasion fleet, hundreds of Navy fighters, dive bombers "Operation Olympic," the invasion of to serve as fighter direction centers for and torpedo planes would hit targets all Kyushu would come first. Its purpose the carrier based aircraft and provide over the island of Honshu. was to seize and control the southern emergency anchorage for the invasion The Fifth Fleet under Admiral Spru- one third of that island and to establish fleet, should things not go well on the ance would carry our invasion troops. American naval and air bases there in day of the invasion. This fleet would consist of almost 3,000 order to effectively intensify the bomb- As the invasion grew imminent, the ships, including fast carriers and escort ings of Japanese industry, to tighten the massive power of the United States carrier task forces, a gunfire and cov- naval blockade of the home islands, to Navy would approach Japan. The naval ering force for bombardment and fire destroy units of the main Japanese army, forces scheduled to take part in the ac- support, and a joint expeditionary force. and to support "Coronet" the scheduled tual invasion consisted of two awesome This expeditionary force would include invasion of the Toyko Plain, that was to fleets--the Third and the fifth. thousands of additional landing craft of come the following March. The Third Fleet, under Admiral "Bull" all types and sizes. Several days before On October 27th, the preliminary Halsey, with its big guns and naval air- the invasion, the battleships, heavy invasion would begin when the 40th In- craft, would provide strategic support cruisers and destroyers would pour thou- fantry Division would land on a series of for the operation against Honshu and sands of tons of high explosives into the small islands to the west and southwest Hokkaido in order to impede the move- target areas, and they would not cease of Kyushu. At the same time, the 158th ment of Japanese reinforcements south the bombardment until after the landing Regimental Combat Team would invade to Kyushu. The Third Fleet would be forces had been launched. and occupy a small island 29 miles to composed of a powerful group of battle- the south of Kyushu. On these islands, ships, heavy cruisers, destroyers, dozens To be continued in our next issue.

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