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29 April 1945
We are
beyond the Army Maps available to us, and are working from aerial
photographs.
S-E-C-R-E-T |
HEADQUARTERS
503D REGIMENTAL COMBAT TEAM
Office of the S-3 |
FROM: 281500 Apr.45
TO : 291500 Apr.45
S-3 PERIODIC REPORT |
No. 20 |
MAP: NEGRITAS PHOTO: 1/25,000. |
1. LOCATION OF TROOPS: See overlay for change. |
2. WEATHER AND VISIBILITY: Warm, clear, visibility unlimited. |
3. OUR OPERATIONS: |
A.
Infantry: |
(1) 1st Bn, "A" Co. had
nil
activity during the night 28-29, and no reported contact in patrolling
on the B. left flank. "B" Co. advancing at 281500 received concentrated
mortar (thought to be 90mm.), MG and rifle fire from
the ridge (40.6-07.4) which inflicted heavy casualties. The company did
not reach its objective until 291030. One 3" naval gun, one 76mm
anti-aircraft gun, and two MG's were demolished during the advance. One
platoon of "C" Co, advanced with "B" Co., see overlay. The remainder of
"B" Co, displaced as shown on overlay.
(2) 2d Bn: "D" Co., with its objective (40.6-96.7) was halted at
(40.5-96.7) by heavy mortar and MG fire that inflicted several
casualties at 281715. During the night of 28-29, reported six rounds of
mortar fire on its position at 280200 followed by an infiltration
attempt by an estimated eight enemy; four were killed. "D" Co. made
local security patrols throughout the day and closed 12 dugouts.
Attempted infiltration cost the enemy. 3 dead in "E" Co's area during
the night 28-29. Security patrols in the company area on 29 Apr. closed
20 caves, killed eight enemy, found a 75-mm field piece (rendered
unoperateably (sic)) and 2 U.S. heavy MG's. "F" Co. moving forward at
281500 killed 32 enemy at 281700and an additional 2 attempting
infiltration of its position at 290230. As the period closed, "F" Co.
was advancing to (40.6-96.7) against long-range rifle fire."
[Note: There is a mix up about D Company's and E Company's advances with
the day before.]"
(3) 3d Bn.: A delay-released 500 lb. bomb fell in the vicinity of the
Bn. C.P. at 281600, killing one and wounding eight Filipino Civilians
Laborers and wounding five of our own troops. "H" Co. was the only 3d
Bn. company having action during the night 28-29. At 282145 "H" Co.
received MG and mortar fire which caused no casualties. Three "Bouncing
Betty" booby traps were set off during the night. Blood in the area was
the only evidence of enemy casualties. "G" and "I" Co's patroled the RCT
flanks to the (39.6-98.0) and (39.1-97.8) areas. Caves in the (39.6-98.0)
area showed signs of a recent enemy occupation
but no contact was made on either flank."
[Note: The 500
pound bomb incident is also reported a
day late here].
b. Artillery: Seventeen support missions and seven harrassing
concentrations were fired by the Artillery during the period.
c. Engineers: Maintenance of .present supply route. Forward of our
present front
lines a supply road must be built to move vehicles. The Engineers began
this task at 29110. Fifteen land mines
were disarmed and dug up.
d. Air: Air strike of 281530 on target (40.8-97.1). One hung bomb fell
in 3d B.C.P. area. See Par. a. (3).
4. RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS: Our advance progressed approximately 300 yds. on the left
flank and 200 yds. on the right. No heavy concentrations of enemy has
been met at close quarters as yet. Enemy action remains at long range
except for small well emplaced delaying groups, well armed with
automatic weapons, rifles and mortars.
5.
CASUALTIES:
a. Our casualties:
(1) For the period: 10 KIA, 30 WIA, 5 IIA
(2) To date : 86 KIA, 239 WIA, 5 IIA.
b. Enemy Known casualties:
(1) For the period: 77 KIA
(2) To date : 392 KIA, 0 POW
CLARK
S-3
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S-E-C-R-E-T |
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0730 |
Suffered our heaviest day yesterday for casualties, 8 KIAs, 17 WIAs. D
having 9
casualties, E Co-7, Hq-5, and F Co-4. Bn strength by Co as follows, Hq
Co-10-0,127-EM, D Co 3-0,88-EM, E Co
4-0,95-EM, F Co 4-0,104-EM.
All companies reported attempted infiltration that was repulsed. |
1000 |
Activities today confined to patrols from their respective perimeters.
Bn C.P. moved forward at 0830 to (40.05-97.23). |
1400 |
Demo section blew up total of 38 caves in which there were several dead
bodies. 1630 F Co moved forward to secure high ground encountering
sniper fire. Sniper fire accounted for most of our casualties of
yesterday the 28th. |
1700 |
No sir strikes today. All units were advised to use telephone when
available for.. person to person transmissions, as many of our radio
transmissions can be picked up by Jap Radio." |
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"E Co moved forward. The second platoon under S/Sgt
Howard occupied the vacated position. Sporadic enemy sniper fire was
received during the day but no
casualties resulted. |
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"Remained in position. No enemy activity during the night. Two (2) squads
of first Plt patrol out 600 yds from prem. No enemy contacted." The
other E Company History entry: "S/Sgt Holder KIA and 1 man W.I.A by
sniper fire. |
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During the night the 1st platoon's perimeter came under enemy mortar
fire which resulted in the deaths of Pfc Ralph Iverson and Pvt Dallas
Workman. |
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As previously
said, two "F" Company platoons were dug in on the narrow ridge. One was
the 1st platoon, as the history states. I believe the other was the 2d
platoon. Dan Lee had returned from the hospital that day. He was sacked
out near me at the company command post. He was the 3d platoon leader.
One rifle platoon, as well as the mortar platoon, was in the draw with
the company headquarters. Lee would have been up on the ridge had his
platoon been up there. I am positive about Lee for a reason I will give
in a moment.
Shortly after
dark, or no more than an hour, a Jap suddenly came running down the
trail which followed the narrow ridge heading south. He was waving a
white "flag", but he was screaming and yelling to the top of his voice
and jumping up and down as he ran. After a momentary pause the men
realized this joker was marking our position. Unfortunately a large
number of the men opened fire, sending the Jap to his ancestors, but
also marking our position. We did not have to wait too long for
verification of this, because mortar shells soon commenced to
raining down in the immediate vicinity. This was by far the
heaviest shelling we had experienced. Our mortar platoon sergeant, S/Sgt
Johnnie "Red Horse" Phillips soon had his 60's in action firing
counterbattery fire. Then the 81's from battalion joined in with Red
Horse acting as their FO. We believe this action saved us from even
heavier attack. Iverson and Workman were killed by a round that fell
directly into their foxhole. Iverson was an old veteran and Workman was
new. We usually put a veteran with the less experienced at night. The
next morning when we could see the remains of these two men it was not a
pretty sight.
The reason I
remember Lee so well is that when the Jap barrage started several rounds
came in close together. Some of the rounds overshot the ridge and fell
near us. I said "Uh-oh!" and Lee promptly countered with "Uh-oh's
right!" The Jap mortar men did keep the ground rocking for a
while. We were much relieved when silence once more returned.
This was our
last defensive perimeter on Tokaido Road. The company would remain here
until 12 May, manning an outpost and doing extensive patrolling. About
this time regiment sent us orders to send our 1st sergeants and company
clerks back to the RCT headquarters for a day, in order to bring their
morning reports up to date. This had not been done since we left
Mindoro. We established an outpost about a mile up in the heavy rain
forest of the foothills. The trail which crossed our ridge led to a
high, round top hill which was just right for 30-40 men to defend. We
kept one rifle platoon reinforced with one LMG section up there and
rotated them every few days.
Soon after the
company got settled at and behind the ridge, farmers would appear early
every morning selling eggs, onions, egg-plants, and tomatoes. They
did a booming business for several mornings. Then the powers that be
noticed this unmilitary action, and there were no more farmer
visitations. I contacted amoebic dysentery from the onions, as did
many others. Strangely, with all our instructions, none was ever given
concerning nightsoil fertilized vegetables. Things that were cooked were
safe, as well as vegetables with skins such as tomatoes, of course if
they were washed, but onions - eat one and you'd had it. I received much
instruction later in the 133d General Hospital on Leyte Island.
Our rations
had improved. We were issued 10-in-1 rations along with the improved
C-rations. Two of the old C rations had been eliminated retaining only
the meat and beans rations which were not bad. I believe seven more new
C rations had been added. The very best ration, though, was the bacon
unit of the 10-in-1 rations. This contained a can of bacon. A key opened
the can length-wise and the bacon was fried in the half can.
I soon learned
that the company commander had best be present when rations were issued
out to the platoons. The best rations, such as the bacon, seemed to end
up in Company Headquarters everyday. We had cussed base supply units so
much and so long it damn sure was not going to happen in "F" Company.
During the
last few weeks we were on this flank Thursday became a special day,
because each man was issued a block of round baloney, an apple, a half
loaf of bread, a quarter pound of butter, and four bottles of beer which
was hot, but it went well with the feast. We always ate it all at one
sitting. Earlier when we bought some eggs, one of the men chose not to
eat his eggs then but to wait until evening when he got in from a
patrol. He was killed, and no one tempted fate in that manner again.
From that day, the philosophy of "F" Company was "Eat your eggs now."
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No. 20
281500 April 45
to
291500 April 45
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30 April 1945
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No. 21
291500 April 45
to
301500 April 45
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The 1st Battalion reported that B Company maintained their objective
they had seized the day before despite a great deal of sniper fire. A B
Company patrol ran into the enemy with two machine guns. A and C Company
patrols made no contact with the enemy. The 3d Battalion reported that they were continuing their patrols
on the south flank. There was not much action there.
2d Battalion report: "D" Co. found a demolished 37mm field piece ay
(40.7-98.4) upon reaching that position 291500. "E" Co. located a 75mm
anti-aircraft gun and two MG's during the security patrolling. There was
nil activity during the night 20-30 throughout the Bn. Extensive
patrolling to the right of the Bn area during the day resulted in nil
enemy contact; however, several enemy positions were located in that
area."
"RESULTS OF OPERATIONS: The probing effects of our patrols indicate the
enemy is withdrawing his main force as we advance, leaving small dug-in
delaying parties to delay the advance as much as possible. A few of
these groups remain and fight to the death. Wire strung from strong
points toward the rear indicate O.P.'s report on our progress to rear
parties who engage in long range MG, rifle, and mortar fire and then
withdraw as our artillery is brought to bear. Being deeply dug in on
reverse slopes, our artillery apparently has little effect."
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Phase X
30 April 45
0930 |
Straggler line established vic CP to keep natives from going forward.
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0730 |
No enemy activity during the nite. We had six casualties yesterday, 3
being KIAs. 1200 No advance planned for today, companies sending out
local patrols. |
1400 |
Summary of Casualties by companies to date: |
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KIA & DOW
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WIA |
Hq |
12 |
17 |
D |
9 |
25 |
E |
10 |
19 |
F |
9 |
20 |
Total |
40 |
81 |
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1800 |
No casualties today at this hour. All companies were alerted to the fact
that today is the Emperor's birthday and to be on the look out for any
fanatical plans of attack. |
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At 0900 the 3d platoon under Lt Watkins, reconnoitered the area 100 yds.
to the right flank SE. Patrol discovered enemy bivouac area, but
reported no enemy contacts. Patrol returned at 1500 and Bn. demolition
squad destroye enemy positions in the bivouac area. Interdictory mortar
flares were used during the night. |
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Remained in position. No enemy activity during night.-two-(2) squads of
first plt patrol out 600 yds from prem. No enemy contacted. |
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No entry. |
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Some of the
country is impassable. The walls of some of the canyons are high cliffs
which cannot be climbed or descended.
We had reached the lower parts of the mountains. In getting
there, we had destroyed the miles of
fortifications which had faced us as we attacked along the all
weather road, then the railroad, and then finally a Caribou trail known
as Tokaido Road. All this was done by a parachute combat team of
two reinforced battalions (less than 2,000 men) until 24 April.
While we were
doing this a 5,000 man Infantry RCT sat in their fortified positions on
our right flank firing their attached corps heavy artillery along with
their own division artillery into the mountains, calculating their
Japanese casualties by the number of rounds they fire, and allowing us
to suffer for the very lack of artillery, mortars, and ammunition they
were pumping into vacant real estate.
Our RCT had
even suffered from non-supply of other weapons and materiel which, we
discovered, would have furnished us great assistance. Of
particular hurt to us was the denial to us of battery operated magnesium
flares, which the supply chains of the larger, more powerfully fostered
units never delivered or shared with us.
However, our
success would not go unnoticed.
Within two
weeks two-thirds of us would be moved to the right flank to do the work
for the 160th RCT who was forted up on the right of the 184th. The
reason only two-thirds of us were sent is that our 3d Battalion had to
stay and protect the 184th. Before we get to that move there was still
lots to do where we were. |
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1 May 1945
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No. 22
301500 April 45
to
011500 May 45
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The 1st and 3d Battalions were patroling without much action.
2d Bn: Nil activity throughout the night 30-1. Patrol activity to the
south and southwest occupied all units during the day. An E. Co. patrol
reported the only semblance of enemy activity. The patrol reportedly
sighted eight or ten enemy in a small bivouac area vicinity (unreadable)
was --(the rest is unreadable)."
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0730 |
No enemy activity during the nite. We suffered no casualties yesterday.
0900 Recco patrols sent out by D, E, & F Co. |
1300 |
No casualties reported for today. |
1800 |
Capt Taylor & Lt LaVanchure made aerial recto flight over front lines. |
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At 0900 one squad of the 2nd platoon under S/Sgt Howard patrolled area
800 yds. to find route across Malaga River but returned at 1430 with a
report that cliffs along the river were impassable. No enemy contacted. |
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Remained in position, 2 squads made a recon patrol 500 yds. to our front,
sighted a small group of Nips who ran. Nips are on the move out of the
area to our front. |
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No entry. |
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At this time intelligence believed that the enemy had withdrawn, so there
is doubt expressed in the periodic report above of "E" Company's report,
"The patrol reportedly sighted ..." We would find plenty of Japs still
in the region, but to the staff, "what did not suit could not be true." |
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2 May 1945
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No. 23
011500 May 45
to
021500 May 45
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The 1st
Battalion was patrolling with few contacts made. The 3d battalion was
patrolling attempting to cut the enemy off from withdrawing south, but
few contacts were made because the enemy was not withdrawing toward the
185th.
2d Battalion: Nil activity throughout the night (01-02). Patrol from
"D" Co. working southwest along the road to establish RCT limiting
point, was fired upon the vicinity (41.05-96.2) by at least two MG's and
several rifles. Mortar fire was laid on the position with results
undetermined at close of the period.
"F" Co. patrolled southwest to vicinity (39.5-98.?) with nil
contacts.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS: The direction of the RCT advance changed from SE
to NE and extensive reconnaissance of the route to be taken later in
force was made. Nil contact has been established at close of period.
Reconnaissance further SE established the fact that at least part of the
enemy's forces are still in that direction. our immediate strategy is to
split the enemy in the area from those in the SE. A holding force of one
Bn. will be maintained at the RCT limiting point (41.4-95.9).
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0730 |
No enemy activity during the hours of darkness. Nil contact yesterday. |
0900 |
Aerial recco flights by CO's of E & F & Lt LaVanchure. Routine patrols
sent out by companies. |
1400 |
D Co C.P. group on recco for new site contacted enemy. We suffered 3 KIA
& 1 WIA. |
1600 |
Have been receiving 10 in 1 Rations almost everyday, occasionally we get
C Rations. Beer being issued
regularly. |
1745 |
Capt Taylor attends meeting at Col Jones office. |
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At 0900 the CO, Lt. Collins, with Lt Watkins and seven men moved NE
along the road for the purpose of locating a platoon outpost.
Approximately 900 yds. from the perimeter the group was ambushed by
several enemy armed with automatic weapons. S/Sgt. Wister, platoon sgt.
of the attached machine guns, was killed and the intensity of the enemy
fire did not allow the group to neutralize the enemy fire
or recover S/S Wister's body. The group withdrew but were again fired
upon at approximately 100 yds. along the road. Pvt. Buchanan of the attached machine guns was
killed. A patrol of two squads under S/Sgt. Davis, which had left the CP
at 0930 to reconnoiter the area to the north of the road, heard the
firing and assaulted the enemy on the left flank. The attack was
repulsed. and S/Sgt. Davis was wounded in the leg. The patrol
reorganized under S/Sgt. Minor and again assaulted the position causing
the enemy to withdraw. Reinforcements consisting of the 3rd platoon,
mortar platoon, and one section of machine guns were ordered from the
CP. Attempts to lay mortar preparation on the area failed because of the
heavy rain ruining the available ammunition. The attack continued with
one squad under S/Sgt. Howard and one section of light machine guns
moving up the road to east and the 3rd platoon under Lt. Watkins moving
up the ridge to the port. As the 3rd platoon moved thru the area as
skirmishers an enemy automatic weapon opened fire on the right flank
killing Pfc. Slowe, but because of the thick undergrowth and heavy rains
the enemy could not be located. The platoon continued on until it joined
the machine gun section on the road and then under covering machine gun
fire and small arms fire the first squad under Sgt. Dablock advanced and
recovered S/Sgt Wister's body. The enemy had stripped the body of all
equipment and some clothing. The Co. returned at 1400. |
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Remained in position. No activity. |
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No entry. |
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3 May 1945
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No. 24
021500 May 45
to
031500 May45
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(1) 1st Bn: "A" and "B" Co patrols working toward MALAGO RIVER reached
their objectives at (41.2-96.7) and (40.6-00.0) respectively at about
021600I with nil contacts. The "A"
Co patrol reported a ford at (41.2-98.7) as having been well used.
There was nil activity
throughout the Bn during the night-of 02-03. "B" Co., remaining in the
TAYAP area over-night, continued to patrol the MALAGO RIVER 03 May from
(39.7-00.1) to (41.0-99.7) with nil contact. An "A" Co patrol exploited
the draw from its position to the MALAGO RIVER (41.2-98.7) with nil
contact. A "C" Co patrol penetrated the thick lantana weed to the MALAGI
RIVER AT (41.4-97.1) with nil contact. "B" co was returning to the Bn
area as the period closed. See overlay for positioning.
(2) 2nd Bn: A figure running toward "F" Co's position at 022230 was
fired upon by "F" Co. At daylight a body of what appeared to be a
half-cast Japanese 16-18 years of age,
was found about 10 yds from the front line. A torn piece of white cloth
tied to a branch was found near the
body. It is believed the enemy was attempting to surrender.* No weapons
of any kind were found on or near the body. No other activity during the
night. A "D" Co patrol observed 2 bonfires and heard movement in a draw
vicinity (40.4-98.4)
at 03120 (?) hour. Surprise mortar fire was brought to bear on the area;
however, torrential rains made entry into the draw impossible for
investigation as period closed. "E" Co sent a platoon to (40.996.5) for
the purpose of establishing a strong point and to patrol to the MALAGO
RIVER. Nil contact to close of period. As the 02 period closed mortar
fire was being placed in vicinity (40.0-96.1). An 'F" Co patrol sent to
determine the results
saw five enemy run from the area. Two were killed but the others escaped
in the heavy underbrush.
Reconnaissance of the position showed abandoned foxholes only.
(3) 3d Bn: Under cover of darkness "G" Co. moved to (38.5-00.1) in an
attempt to surprise any enemy making an early morning move in the MALAGO
RIVER area. There was enemy activity in the area during the night 02-03.
"G" Co patrolled the MALAGO RIVER area in vicinity (40.4-99.8) without
contact. An "H" Co patrol to vicinity of (39.3-00.5) received MG and
knee mortar fire at 031100, One on our troops was slightly
injured. Results of mortar fire laid on position had not been reported
at end of period. Another "H" Co patrol to vicinity (38.8-03.0) made nil contact. An "I" Co
patrol to vicinity (37.4-00.5) reported nil contact."
"RESULTS OF OPERATIONS: Extensive patrolling with nil contact in The
TAYAP area. Contact
four hundred yards to the SE of our front lined indicate continuing
withdrawing of enemy's main force
leaving delaying parties along our route of advance."
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*
The battalion S-3 and the RCT S-3 account of the Jap with the white
"flag" is out of place and fictitious as any "F" Company man who was up
there that night will tell you. As stated before, the incident of
the 'white flag' occurred the night that Iverson and Workman
were killed, namely the night of 29 April. "F" Company occupied the
narrow ridge the night of the 28th. The next night the Jap came running
down the ridge. The next morning we examined the body of the body in a
Jap uniform searching for papers as the SOP. We then threw the body down
the steep slope to our front where it disappeared into the under-growth
- another SOP. Battalion got the account from us and recorded it later
and imperfectly, using their imagination to send an account to Regiment
where the granddaddies of imagination resided. |
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0730 |
Our casualties for yesterday were 3 KIA & 1 WIA making our total to
date 43 KIA & 82 WIA. F Co. 3d Plt reports
[Note: This was the only rifle platoon in "F" Company which
was not up on
the ridge where the incident of the 29th happened.]
firing at an object during the nite,
which the(y) found this morning to be a Jap with a white flag.
Bn strength by companies
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Hq |
10 Off |
127 Em |
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D |
3 Off |
93 Em |
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E |
4 Off |
92 Em |
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F |
4 Off |
112 Em |
Total: |
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21 Off |
424 Em |
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0900 |
Companies have routine patrols, F Co ordered to clear area wher D Co
group contacted enemy yesterday. |
1000 |
Engrs continue work on roads assisted by Demo Section blowing trees and
stumps. 1200 Lt Col Lawrie has returned from C&G School and leave in the
States |
1500 |
F Co contacted enemy, suffered 1 KIA & 3 WIA. Bn C.O. ordered E Co to
put 1 Plt forward and maintain position overnite as a strong point. |
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At 1300 one squad of the 3rd platoon under Pfc. Richard reconnoitered to
the south approximately 300 yds. The patrol discovered two fresh cooking
fires but could not locate any enemy. Heavy rains cut radio
communications and the patrol returned at 1500. The 3rd platoon under
Lt. Watkins moved out to the same
area but rains prevented the patrol from descending the slippery trail
so that the platoon returned at 1630. no enemy contacted. |
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1st platt moved up 300 yd's to F Co's front and set up perimeter for the
night. No activity during the night. |
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1st platoon moved up into the forest approx. 1000
yds. to set up a platoon outpost, where they contacted approx. 200 enemy
and were surrounded. 2nd Platoon went
to their relief and after fierce fighting both platoons withdrew
leaving an unknown number of enemy dead. During this action Pfc. Jose
Caldron was killed and Pfc Allen Martin was fatally wounded. Pfc.'s
Perry Bandt and Phillip Smith were LWA. |
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For several days "F" Company had been maintaining an outpost, previously
described, a
mile or so up in the forest. The 1st platoon was manning this outpost
with one section on LMG's attached. On the 3rd we sent the 2nd platoon
up to relieve them along with the other section of LMG's. About the time
the relief force arrived on top of the hill a large Jap force attacked
from the southeast side of the hill employing a number of automatic
weapons, a large volume of rifle fire, and heavy mortar shelling. Our
force answered with fierce fire power. After about twenty minutes the
Japs withdrew. The 1st platoon returned , and the 2nd platoon with their
attached machine gun section stayed. Calderon from the 1st platoon was
killed, and Martin from the 2nd platoon soon died of his wounds. Bandt
from the 1st platoon and Smith from the 2d platoon were wounded. I
believe there were casualties in the machine gun platoon. The battalion
S-3 journal is incorrect in the number killed, so their wounded number
may be incorrect.
Although the
S-3 journal made no reference to the allocation of replacement into "F"
Company, Jose Calderon was in the assignment of replacements on 28
April. There is more about this unfortunate young paratrooper who was
to spend less than one week with his new company. The morning of the
3rd, after the 2nd platoon had left, a cablegram came in addressed to
him informing him that his wife had given birth to a baby boy. The wife
and baby were doing fine. We didn't know this boy, but it was a very sad
group of us who viewed this message after we found out the young father
was dead. During the period I commanded the company I wrote the letters
of condolence to the next of kin. This was one of the most unpleasant
tasks I ever had the responsibility to perform. The letter to Jose
Calderon's wife still haunts me.
The outpost
was out of radio contact, so these men were cut off from support. I
requested that in the face of such strong enemy activity the men be
brought in. This was refused, and I was told that there were no strong
enemy forces left in this area, that the enemy was withdrawing and that
there were only small delaying parties were left in our sector.
The Marine
Corps' Corsairs had been supporting us with air strikes. We liked their
support because they were specialist in ground support. They came in
under guidance of their ground observer and, if they were off target,
were careful to get in the proper place before they made their firing
and bombing runs. We did receive some P-38 support. These "hot fighter
pilots" seemed to resent our ground support missions. They came in
without caution, flew their mission without regard for the proper
target, and left. A good example of this was a strike they made while
"F" Company was holding the high ridge. The liaison team came up to the
ridge, and I joined them. The team consisted of a lieutenant and a radio
team of two men. We got situated in a couple of deep foxholes (since the
night of the mortar shelling, the foxholes were plenty deep), because
the lieutenant said we'd better, because P-38's were making the strike.
He had a low opinion of their ground support work. Sure enough, soon we
saw a P-38 coming straight at our ridge. The
lieutenant was on the radio telling
the flight leader that he was lined up on our positions. Suddenly
the fifties in the nose of the plane started firing and he dropped his
bomb aiming at us. Five planes followed him, strafing and bombing our
lines despite the fact that the liaison officer was screaming to them to
pull up, that they were on their own troops. They then flew on their way
back to Mindoro, with the ground observer telling them in the most
profane language he could muster what they were. Fortunately, although
they raked is good, we had no casualties, thanks to our deep foxholes.
A quad 50
caliber machine gun unit was brought up to our position and strafed some
of the forest to our front. The destruction of these four machine guns
was awesome. They literally seemed to eat up the trees. I wished we had
one of the AA units at our outpost, but it was a towed unit and had to
have a road to travel on. |
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4 May 1945
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No. 25
031500 May 45
to
041500 May 45
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(1) 1st Bn: All patrols had returned by 031700I with nil contacts. No
activity throughout the night 03-04. "B" Co relocated at (40.4-97.0). An
"A" Co patrol NE to MALAGO RIVER (40.3-00.2), a "B" Co patrol to
(40.6-97.4) and two "C" Co patrols to the MALAGO RIVER at points
(41.4-98.5) and (41.6-96.6). All reported nil contact or evidence of new
enemy occupation.
(2) 2 Bn: "F" Co, with a platoon at (40.9-96.1), sent a second platoon
equipped to establish an overnight strong point in that vicinity.
Enroute this second platoon was fired upon by a considerable force using
MG's and rifles from vicinity (40.9-96.3). The forward platoon pulled
back and in conjunction with the already engaged platoon fought off a
heavy attack. An estimated twenty-five casualties were inflicted before
the enemy retired. The two "F" Co platoons returned to the area. at
021815 a 4.2 mortar shell intended to fall in the vicinity (40.8-96.3)
fell short in the vicinity (40.6-96.5). A ration detail, returning from
"E" Co strong point position vicinity 940.9-96.6), heard scrambling,
shouts and moans in the shelled area. A patrol searching this area
040830I found only blood as evidence of enemy casualties. Subsequent
forces advancing to the
vicinity of the "F" Co engagement could locate no enemy casualties. (See
3d Bn activities). There was nil
activity night 03-04.
A "D" Co patrol, given the mission of making a
reconnaissance for a possible trail into the PATOG area, reached
the ridge vicinity (39.9-96.1).
Enroute back the patrol reported on an abandoned bivouac consisting of
some six grass and tin shacks and chicken coops. One shed was about 35
feet in length and twenty feet in width. A caribou carcass was found
partly cut away apparently 2 or 3 days ago. Some MG parts also found in
the area. A large cave discovered at (40.1-96.1) contained one enemy
that escaped through a second opening or air shaft. A quantity of rifle
ammo and hand grenades found in the cave was destroyed. At (40.6-96.1)
the patrol drew fire from a shack. Return fire routed three enemy from
the shack leaving one dead. "E" Co. advanced to (40.9-96.1) with nil
contact. At 041000I "E" Co. reported automatic fire from 200 yds. to its
front. "I" Co. advancing through "E" Co. proceeded forward to meet this
resistance. At 041500I "E" Co. received 5 rounds of knee mortar fire and
as the period ended was searching for the source. An "F" Co. patrol to
the MALAGO RIVER vicinity (41.1-96.9) reported nil activity.
(3) 3d Bn: Nil activity throughout the Bn night of 03-04. "G" and "H"
Co.'s returned from positions of 031500I to location shown on overlay.
Heavy rains prevented their displacing forward as planned as supplies
were unable to be brought up in time. After an 040730I air strike "I"
Co. began advancing SE along the road beyond "F" Co.'s position and were
immediately met with automatic weapons fire- including what was believed
to be a BAR. 4.2 mortar fire was placed on the target before the Co.
again pushed forward.
This time eight rounds of knee mortar fire was received and MG fire
opened up from ridge vicinity
(40.6-96.1). At the close of the period "I" Co. was attempting to secure
the high ground vicinity (41.1-95.8) against automatic and rifle fire."
"RESULTS OF OPERATIONS: Continued patrolling in the TAYAP area
discovered no evidence
of enemy activity south of the MALAGO RIVER. Our efforts to the SE met
with enemy resistance in the form of
knee mortar, automatic and rifle fire. this fire came from well
emplaced, mutually supporting positions. Artillery and mortar fire
seemed to have no apparent effect indicating the usual well dug-in
positions."
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"F" Company did not withdraw both platoons. The company continued to man
this outpost
holding the
trail where it passed over the high hill
until a few days before the battalion was withdrawn from this flank. At
this time 1st Lt Roscoe Corder and his 2d platoon of "E" Company
relieved "F" Company at the outpost.
The "F"
Company patrol to the Malago River
mentioned in the PR is one that I took out, consisting of two platoons.
We got to the headlands above the gorge and searched the area, but we
could find no way down the cliffs to the river below. |
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0730 |
No enemy activity during the nite. casualties yesterday were 1 KIA and
3WIA all of F Co. |
0800 |
Patrols sent out by all companies. F Co assigned mission of providing
security for the bulldozer cutting road beyond our front lines. |
1300 |
The men are inquiring as to when we are going to be relieved. They have
varied rumors, that this division or that division is out in the bay.
Rotation rumors also are numerous. |
1500 |
E Co fired upon by knee mortar and MG fire, suffered 1 KIA & 2 WIA. We
had one air strike today. |
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At 1000 2nd platoon under T/Sgt Howard moved out to patrol
area approximately 500 yds. SE and to contact 185th TCT. Patrol
discovered several small enemy bivouac areas but all had been vacated
for several days. At 1130 the platoon surprised several enemy and
opened fire killing one Jap. Other enemy could be heard talking
excitedly in the undergrowth so no attempt was made to search the body.
As the patrol was small no attempt was made to engage the enemy and the
patrol returned at
1300." Note the new rank of Sgt Howard. He now holds the platoon
sergeant's rank and rightly should, since he is leading the platoon. |
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Entire Co with LMG's moved up road past F Co 500 yds,
picking up 1st platt at 0900 hr. For 1 hr. previous to 0900, area to be
occupied had been dive bombed by
Corsair's, plastered by 75's, 4.2 mortar's. Area was occupied, patrols
sent out, men dug in, patrols returned without any Jap interference. At
1530 hr. Nips opened up from our rear with mortar and 1MG. One man KIA,
2 WIA. no activity during the night. |
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No entry. |
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The 3d Battalion had moved toward the Malago River and were in that area
along with
the 1st
Battalion. As they moved east and southeast they came into our area of
operations. As can plainly be
seen the enemy was still here in strength. He seemed to lie low at times
and then suddenly appear. He always had many automatic weapons with
mortar support. He abandoned some weapons, but they seemed to be the
heavier, more difficult weapons to move, such as 50 caliber heavy
machine guns, 20mm, 37mm, and even a few 75mm multi-purpose guns.
Keep in mind that the regiment was now operating in heavily wooded area. |
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5 May 1945
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No. 26 041500 May 45 to
051500 May 45 |
(1) 1st Bn: Nil activity
during night 04-05. "A" Co
moved across MALAGO RIVER to
become RCT left flank
protection and to patrol N
side of MALAGO RIVER. The
company had reached
(39.6-003) with nil contact
or new evidence of enemy
occupation at close of
period. A "B" Co patrol
along the heavily wooded
draw (40.7-97.4) (39.7-99.8)
reported nil contact or
signs of previous
occupation. No trails were
found in the draw area. A
"C" Co patrol to the N
reported a freshly dug grave
at (41.3-98.4). Native fruit
trees along the trail had
been recently stripped of
fruit. The patrol crossed
the MALAGO RIVER at
(41.4-98.3).
two enemy were seen on the
ridge (41.6-98.6).
Investigation showed
non-occupied positions
along this ridge. Another "C
Co patrol E to MALAGO RIVER
at (41.5-97.1) thence N
along MALAGO RIVER bank to
(41.4-98.5) with nil
contact. No trail exists on
the western bank between
these points.
(2) 2d Bn: "D" Co reported
seeing a presumed enemy bon
fire vicinity (40.2-96.1) at
042030I. Mortar fire
caused the fire to
disappear. No other activity
in the Bn through‑out
night 04-05. An "E" Co recco
patrol followed the ridge
line (41.0-97.1) S to
(41.0-96.7) thence E to
MALAGO RIVER at (41.5-96.7).
No evidence other than old
bivouac at (41.0-96.5) was
found of enemy occupation.
An "F" Co patrol towards the
PATOG area reported a small
evacuated bivouac and
emplacement vicinity
(40.2-96.3), a second
evacuated bivouac vicinity
(39.7-96.1). In this
vicinity were also found
three large caves containing
discarded women's clothing,
one sack of rice, 5-25 lb
bombs, a damaged knee
mortar, 11 American Carbine
clips, 6 Jap gas masks and
miscellaneous equipment.
Continuing on mission the
trail faded near
(39.4-96.0), however, a
trail near 185th Inf
position was seen apparently
leading into PATOG HILL
area.
(3) 3d Bn: The "I" Co
action in progress at 041500
ended with "I" Co holding
its position without
further opposition. Nil
activity throughout Bn area
night 04-05. "H" Co moved to
vicinity or (40.9-96.1)
behind "I" Co thence W along
ridge to (40.5-95.9). A
dummy gun proporting to be a
75mm and many abandoned
positions were found enroute.
Nil contact. "I" Co moved
forward to (41.5-95.9), the
ridge from which all the 04
opposition had emanated.
There was nil enemy
resistance during this
movement. An elaborate
defense system was found
consisting of an elaborate
network of connecting
trenches, barbed wire,
bunkers and foxholes all
showing evidence of very
recent occupation, but no
sign of the enemy."
"There was no contact with
the enemy within the RCT
sector throughout the day;
the enemy unaccountably
having abandoned an
elaborate defense system of
bunkers, foxholes and trench
net work. The strong
positions straddled our
route of advance. As a
result of this withdrawal,
our forward elements
advanced approximately 400
yards." |
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0730 |
Our casualties yesterday
were 1 KIA and 4 WIA. Easy
company having four of the
five casualties. No enemy
activity reported during the
nite. |
0800 |
Extensive patroling
continues. |
1200 |
The Japs have retreated
somewhere but no one knows
just where. He has left
behind
some very good defensive
positions, positions from
which he could hold off a
large force for
sometime. They may be low on
ammo. |
1700 |
Patrols report bivouac areas
that have not been occupied
recently. Made no contact
with enemy. |
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No air strike today. |
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No patrols. No enemy
contacts. |
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Co H.Q., 1st platt. and 1
squad fr mortar platt pulled
back of Fox Co, 2nd & 3rd
platt, LMG's, and one squad
of mortar's remained to
support Item Co. No activity
during night."
The other E
Company history states: "5
May Company moved forward
500 yds., received mortar
fire, P.F.C. Douglas K.I.A.
2 men W.I.A."
Obviously the
two versions are a day
apart. As previously stated
these diaries were written
some time after the action,
so mistakes were made.
Fortunately we have these
recordings even if they do
miss the correct date at
times. Leabhart's medical
log lists Douglas as being
killed 4 May. There were
mistakes made in the medical
log, too, but it is
relatively reliable. It,
therefore, is reasonable to
accept the first history
given above. |
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No Entry |
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"F" Company makes no entry
and will not make another
one until 23 May. Our
patrols were going north and
south - north to the Malago
River and south to the Patog
Hill area. The Patog Hill
area was over near the 185th
area. During this period
Captain Taylor, Lt
LaVanchure, S-3, "F"
Company 1st Sergeant Baldwin
and I went to the outpost.
When we came back, one of the
men in the attached machine
gun section came back with
us. I believe he was sick.
He was a gunner and wearing
a holster containing a 45
caliber automatic pistol.
The rest of us were carrying
carbines or rifles. The
machine gunner was last in
the column an we walked
along the narrow trail in
the dense brush. A shot rang
out, and the machine gunner
fell dead. We surmised that
the pistol had marked him as
an officer to a well
concealed Jap . I say he was
an attached machine gunner,
but my memory may be faulty.
I do remember well that the
irony of the happening was
that the Jap killed the
lowest ranking man in the
column after letting all the
others pass. |
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