6-12 May 1945

6 MAY - 12 MAY 1945

MAY 1945
S	M	T	W	T	F	S
		1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14	15	16	17	18	19
20	21	22	23	24	25	26
27	28	29	30	31	1	2
3	4	5	6	7	8	9

6 May 1945

No. 27 051500 May 45 to 061500 May 45	The 1st Battalion is patrolling the Malago River and Tayap areas. No contact. Only one enemy is sighted, and he ran. 3d Battalion advancing to the southwest moved approximately 800 yards through well prepared enemy positions which were abandoned. The lead company, H Company, saw 6 or 8 enemy, killed one, wounded several and captured one. 2d Bn: Bn patrol found one enemy dead (39.9-97.6) at 051630 I. Insignia of 1st Lt removed from collar. No contact. Had evidently been dead for several days. Nil contact throughout night 05-06. A "D" Co. patrol to Patog Hill area (see overlay) reached recent enemy activity. Another "D" Co. patrol last reported at (40.5-97.5). Transmission was poor but part of report pertained to enemy activity. No further report end of period. An "F" Co. detail closed six caves and one large bunker vicinity (39.7-96.3).

0730	No enemy activity during the nite. We had one casualty yesterday. D Co. WIA.
0800	Routine patrols by D, E, & F Co.
1200	1st Bn have moved forward of our battalion area, leaving ours, the 2d, the rear element. Regt'l C.P. (S-2 & S-3 & Col Jones's Hqs also moved forward of our C.P. site.
1700	Capt. Taylor received letter of commendation today from Major Donovan, Regt'l S-2, on the reports of our Bn S-2.


	2nd platoon under T/Sgt Howard moved out at 0900 to reconnoiter the Patog area approximately 1000 yds. Patrol discovered several small enemy bivouac areas and defense positions but no enemy contacks were made. Radio contact lost so patrol returned at 1600. At 0915 the third platoon under Lt. Watkins, moved through 1st Bn. to Mulago River to find possible enemy evacuation route. Patrol had moved upstream approximately 1600 yds. when several enemy were discovered. Patrol opened fire killing three enemy but three others escaped. Because of poor tactical position only one body was searched and patrol withdrew, climbed the steep walls of the gorge and returned to the perimeter at 1730.
	Co. remained in their respective positions. No patrols, all quiet. No activity during night.
	No entry.
	È

7 May 1945

No. 28 061500 May45 to 071500 May 45	The 1st Battalion is still patrolling in the same area with no contacts. Two enemy seen 500 yards away. The 3d Battalion's G Company contacted 185th RCT. Discovered large bivouac area with approximately 75 huts and large caves. Found 4 destroyed 20mm guns. G Co. killed two enemy. 2d Bn.: A "D" Co. patrol out of communications with Bn at end of 06 period reported contacting enemy at (41.6-96.5). Six enemy were seen and an estimated 6 or 7 others were in the group, judging from the overhead voices. Three enemy were known to have been killed in the ensuing fire fight before the enemy withdrew. Out patrol did not pursue. One of the dead enemy had a surrender leaflet. Nil activity throughout Bn. night 06-07. An "F" Co. patrol destroyed 3000 rds. of enemy .50 cal MG ammunition (39.9-96.1). The patrol continued to vicinity (39.4-96.2) with nil signs of enemy activity. An "F" Co. patrol NE to MALAGO RIVER (41.3-98.1) and up river last reported as being vicinity (41.5-96.5) with nil enemy activity. "RESULTS OF OPERATIONS: Further exploitation of the area to the S and W (PATOG area) continues to confirm the belief the enemy has withdrawn all his forces into the mountains. A few stragglers have been found but no organization has been met. There are indications the enemy may have a few troops E of the TAYAP area."

0730	No enemy activity during the nite. We suffered no casualties yesterday.
0800	Patroling continues.
1200	Received word that two men of F Co. seriously wounded in action, died of wounds making our casualties, 47 KIA & 88 WIA.
1700	Patrols report several enemy, caves containing ammo, food & equipment. Usable equipment was destroyed.


	No patrols. No enemy activity.
	Co. remained in position, C.O. left for Silay and Bacolod to visit patients in hosp. and to carry mail to them. No activity during night.


	Sometime in here, and it may have been several days earlier, 1st Lt. Roscoe Corder brought his platoon up to the outpost as relief for the "F" Company platoon. Accompanying him was a lieutenant colonel wearing a fatigue cap. This was against Colonel Jones' explicit orders that steel helmets would be worn at all times. We all hated wearing them day in and day out, but Colonel Jones had impressed upon us that they would be worn... period! "Losing helmets" was no longer tolerated, and we all resented seeing this officer come through wearing a fatigue cap, but you don't jump a lieutenant colonel; however, this time justice won out. Just as the relief platoon and the lieutenant colonel reached the top of the outpost hill, the Japs attacked with a terrific machine gun, rifle, and mortar fire. Our men hit their foxholes, but there were no holes for the new arrivals. Many of these squeezed in against a large tree trunk lying on top of the hill. As they lay there with hundreds of bullets splitting the air and mortar shells raining down, the LTC demanded in a loud (desperate) voice that Roscoe get him a helmet. The cleaned up version of the incident goes as follows: Corder: "Where?" LTC: "Get one off one of the men!!" Corder, in a loud and clear voice: "Get one yourself! You're the one who came up here without a helmet!!" Such is what heroes are made of. Roscoe was not only a hero with his own platoon, but he was also a hero with the "F" Company platoon, and the attached machine gunners. After the attack was beaten off, our platoon returned gleefully recounting the incident. The LTC who had come back with them went straight way to the rear. Fortunately for Roscoe he received a severe leg wound and was evacuated back to the States before Col. Jones left.
	È

8 May 1945

No. 29 071500 May 45 to 081500 May 45	(1) 1st Bn: Nil activity in Bn area night 07-08. An "A" Co patrol (see overlay) reported good, well-traveled trail following a generally NW course around the base of mountains. The trail was dotted with abandoned emplacements and showed no signs of recent occupation. Another "A" Co patrol reported abandoned enemy emplacements and bivouac area vicinity (48.0-02.0). A quantity of abandoned equipment - helmets, and several sets of American fatigues were also found. "B" Co contact patrol to "A" Co and security patrols along ridge to NW of Bn area reported nil activity. A "C" Co patrol encountered 2 enemy vicinity (41.3-99.1) at an apparent outpost manning a telephone. Both enemy were killed and the patrol followed the telephone wire along a well beaten path to (41.5-98.9) and encountered two enemy that turned and ran. The patrol fired upon the escaping enemy and 15 to 20 additional enemy appeared from caves. A short fire fight ensued in which 4 enemy were known to have been killed and 1 wounded. The enemy returned the fire with 2 MG's and rifles. Being only a recco. patrol it returned to the Co CP and reported. A reinforced platoon is being dispatched at twilight to attempt a dawn attack of the ridge (41.9-99.1). Another "C" Co recco. patrol encountered 5 enemy at (41.6-98.7) advancing on the trail to the S. A fire fight ensued in which 2 enemy were known to have been killed. Three of our troops were lightly wounded. (2) 2d Bn: Nil activity in Bn area night 07-08. Security patrolling to the left and to the right of the Bn area comprised the Bn's activity during the day 08. All reports were nil contact and nil evidence of recent enemy occupation. Nine caves were sealed by the Bn Demolition Section. (3) 3d Bn: Nil activity in Bn area night 07-08. "G" Co patrols (see overlay) made a thorough search of the caves and bivouac area vicinity (41.1-95.1). One dead enemy was found in a cave. A second patrol moving N and NW reported nil contact but old bivouac areas all along the way. "H" and "I" Co's security patrols laterally reported nil contact but the usual small abandoned bivouac areas."

0730	No enemy activity during the hours of darkness. No casualties.
0800	Patrols sent out with orders from division to seal all caves. Demo squads attached for this purpose.
1200	Our Battalion strength remains about the same (22-0 - 403-EM). Some battle casualties are returning to duty, these are being offset by men going to the hospital sick. Capt. Hill, E Co C.O., returned to duty today.
1700	Nothing of note reported by patrols.

	At 0930 the 3rd platoon under Lt. Watkins moved NE to the Mulago River with the CO Lt. Collins and CP group moving 500 yds. NE to act as possible litter bearers and maintain radio contact. Patrol reached river and set up security at 1500. Lt Watkins and one squad under Pfc Hucock crossed the river and advanced approximately 150 yds up the opposite shore but heavy rains prevented climbing the steep slope. There was no enemy contact but several enemy positions were discovered and blown. Jap explosives with a large quantity of U.S. cal. 30 M-1 ammo in good condition were found. Patrol returned at 1500.
	Co remained in position. No activity during day. Two NIP's spotted by 2nd platt at 2130 hr. walking down trail toward their position. NIP's ran before any firing was done.
	No entry.

	È

9 May 1945

No. 30 081500 May 45 to 091500 May 45	1st Bn patrolling but no contacts. "2d and 3d Bns.: Companies of both battalions engaged in patrolling as shown on overlay. No new evidence of enemy occupation in the areas Southeastmost of the RCT forward elements were found."

0730	No activities during nite and no casualties for yesterday.
0800	Routine patrols
1700	Patrols report caves & bunkers containing some ammo and 2 sacks of papers which were turned over to Regt'l s-2. Demo squad sealed 8 enemy caves."

	No patrols. No enemy activity.
	No activity during daytime. " " " night.
	No entry.

	Even though we were patrolling, we were getting a breather. We would need it for the weeks to come. We had come through a grueling campaign, but there was more to come.
	È

10 May 1945

No. 31 091500 April 45 to 101500 April 45	RESULTS OF OPERATIONS: Continued small party contacts in the TAYAP area only evidence of enemy occupation of ground in the RCT area.

0730	No activity during the nite, no casualties for yesterday.
0800	Patroling continues.
1300	E Co patrol contacted enemy, reports 2 enemy KIA. 2 enemy surrendered to patrol.
1700	Total enemy KIA today- 7, 2 enemy surrendered.

	The second platoon under S/Sgt Howard moved S appr. 800 yds. on security patrol at 0800. No enemy contacted. Patrol returned at 1100
	1st platt left at 0830 hr on combat patrol to our front along a tributary of the Malago River. After crossing river an estimated ten Japs were encountered. Fire fight ensued. Two Nips killed, two prisoners capt. They appeared to be in good health. Were turned over to regt for questioning. No casualties in lst platt. The platt was back in position by 1700 hr.
	No entry.

	È

11 May 1945

No. 32 101500 May 45 to 111500 May 45	The 1st Battalion had little contact killing a few enemy. the 3d Battalion was patrolling with no contacts. 2d Battalion: "The E Co. patrol reported working E from (41.5-95.2) at 101500 reported that at 101315 an estimated force of twenty enemy were observed around a bunker on the trail. In the ensuing fire fight five enemy were killed. The patrol (recco) there withdrew with enemy still in possession of the bunker. There was nil activity in the Bn. area night of 10-11. An "E" Co. platoon dispatched to establish an ambush vicinity (41.5-96.5), reported nil activity in that area. An "F" Co. patrol dispatched to set up an ambush in the trail area of SINAYPANAN, reported as having reached the area without contact. The latter will remain in the area until recalled.

0730	No activity last night. no casualties yesterday.
0800	E Co ordered to Sinaypanan to set up ambushes & patrol. Civilians reports Jap foraging parties in this area.
1600	E Co reports no activity in Sinaypanan area.
1900	2d Bn alerted for move tomorrow.

	No patrols. No enemy contact.
	2nd Platt patrolled area and set up ambush along river bank 500 yd's to the front. No activity reported. No (activity) during night.
	No entry.
	È

12 May 1945

0700	No activity, no casualties. Battlion will move out at 0800 hrs, 6 trucks to shuttle companies in following order. D, E, Hq, F to RSO area. 1130 23 trucks departed to RSO for 2d Bn convoy (2d Bn, 503d, Batt "D" FA and 4.2 Chem mortar platoon.
1400	Convoy arrived Bacolod and parked in town square. The men filled their canteens, some bought fruit and visited the University Canteen Club.
	Delayed entry - E Co rejoined Bn at RSO are from Sinaypanan area.
1500	Convoy left Bacolod to proceed to a position between Murcia and the Hills 4055 & 3355.
1700	2d Bn arrived at (36.1-89.2) and established bn perimeter and dug in for the nite.
1800	We are now on the right flank of the 160th with the mission of blocking escape of the enemy from hills 1055 & 355.

	RCT minus one Bn will deploy to new area. Details not available as yet."


	"Co. entrucked at 0800 and moved to regt. CP area at 1200. Bn. convoy formed and Bn. moved through Silay and Bacelod to area appr. 500 yds. SW of Hill 4055 and 5 Kilo. NE of Murcia and set up perimeter appr.1000 yds S of 160th RCT's right flank."
	"The entire Co with attch MG's and 50's moved out of position and loaded on trucks at 1000 hr and moved back six miles to R.S.O. and unloaded. At 1230 hr. loaded back on trucks and with the entire B.N. were convoyed to a point 19 mile east of bacolod. Unloaded fr trucks and set up perimeter around R.C.P. Distance traveled by truck 45 mile. We are now on 160th R.C.T.'s right flank, and appr. 6000 yds south of our original position. No activity during night." The other "E" Company History says, "Company moved by trucks by way of Silay and Bacelod to the right flank of 160th inf. Regt. 20 miles east of Bacelod.
	No entry.


	This morning "F" Company marched back to the battalion command post and entrucked. We went to the regimental rear area and then the entire battalion moved in convoy down Tokaido Road to Highway No. 1, turned west and proceeded through Silay to Bacelod. The trucks parked around the city square or plaza, an we loafed for about an hour. I still have two snapshots of two puppies we carried along. One was named Babe and cared for by our company clerk, Raymond Ostrander. We entrucked and moved south along Highway No. 1 for several miles before turning off on a dirt road heading east toward Murcia (a small village in the foothills). We were headed directly for large mountains whose tops were hidden in the clouds. We never saw Murcia but detrucked in the area. The tall grass was soggy wet. It had been, and still was, raining steadily. We set up a perimeter for the night. Our wet clothing and equipment would remain in the same condition for the next three weeks - shades of New Guinea! Tomorrow we would be back in the steaming, wet rain forest. We would also be placed under the control of the 185th Infantry. Phase I of the 503d's Negros journey had ended. We had never seen anything like it, nor would we, in this war. It was a slugging Infantry war. We were a lightly armed Airborne unit and had had been sent to the edge of civilization to learn to fight with heavy support: tanks, self propelled cannon, heavy mortars, and heavy artillery. We learned, but our lesson was paid for by the lives and blood of good men.
	È