S.taff Department · THE INFANTRY SCHOOL Fort Benning, Georgia ADVANCED INFANTRY OFFICERS COURSE 1949-1950 TEE OPERATIONS OF THE 2D BATTALION, 50JD PARACHUTE INFANTRY REGIMENTAL COMBAT TEAM IN TEE RECAPTURE OF CORREGIDOR ISLAND, 16 FEBRUARY - 23 FEBRUARY 1945 (LUZON CAMPAIGN) (Personal Observation of a Parachute Rifle Platoon Leader) , . • Type of operation described: PARACHUTE INFANTRY BATTALION ASSAULTING A SMALL PACIFIC ISLAND lst Lieutenant Edward T. Flash, Infantry ADVANCED" INFANTRY OFFICERS CLASS NO II ( ·. ..•
TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE - Th"DEX•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• I • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 1 BIBLIOGRAPIIY•••••••••••••••••••••••••••• ,............................ 2 ORIEI~TATIOI~ •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• ·• • • • • • • • • • • • • • 3 Introduction••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 3 The General Situation•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 4 Dispositions and Plan of the 503d Parachute Regimental Combat Temn•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• ·-·................... 5 The Battalion Situation•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 10 The Battalion Plan of Attack••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 10 The Air Movement to Corregidor and Final Preparations for the Attack•••••·•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 11 ~RiiATION...... • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • . • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • . • • • • • • • • • • • 12 The Attack on Corregidor Island•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 12 The First Night and second Day on Corregidor ••• , •••• , ............ 14 The Third Day on Corregidor•••••••••••••••••• ·-· ••••••••..•••••••• 16 The Third Night and Fourth Day on CorregidoP••••••••••••••••••••• 18 The Sixth, and Seventh Day on corregidor••••••••••••••••••••••••• 22 The Last Day of Organized Resistance for the 2d Battalion on Cottegidor ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• ~ • • • • • . .• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 23 ANALYSIS AND CRITICISM••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 25 IBSSONS •••••••••••••••••••••••• ~ •••••• , • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 27 1~P A Operations in Philippines from 10 November 1944-11 February 1945 1':AP B Manila Bay Area MAP C Terrain Map of Corregidor Island HAP D Corregidor Operations 16-18 February 1945 llAP E Corregidor Operations 18-23 February 1945 ~J 1
BmLIOGBAPHI A-1 Luzon Campaign, Sixth US Army, Volume I (9 Jamiary 1945 - 30 June 1945) (TIS Library) A-2 Biennial Report of General George c. J,larshall (1 July 1943 - 30 June 1945) (TIS Library) A-3 U.S.A.F.F.E. Board Report Number 208 (16 :May 1945) (TIS Library) A-4 Historical Report, Corregidor Island Operation (Operation Number 48) (Personal possession of author) A-5 Corregidor of Eternal Memory The Combat History Division, Headquarters, AFWESPAC (Personal possession of author) A-6 "The Corregidor Operation" Lieutenant Colonel Edward L. Jenkins, C&GSS Military Review, April 1946 (TIS Library) A-7 Airbome Warfare Major General James M. Gavin (TIS Library) A-8 Combat Notes, Number 8, (June 1945) US Sixth Anrr:r (TIS Library) A-9 Field order Number 91 503D Parachute Infantry Regimental Combat Team (TIS Library) A-10 Medal of Honor Book, 1948 (TIS Library) A-11 History, Company! 2d Battalion, 503d Parachute Regiment (1 February - 9 lfarch 1945) (Personal possession of 1st Sergeant A. E. Vance, former 1st Sergeant, Company E) A-12 General order Number 91 Headquarters XI Corps (7 March 1945) (Personal possession of author) 2
THE OPERATIONS OF THE 2D BATTALION, 503D PARACHUTE INFANTRY REGIMENTAL COMBAT '.l'EA.M IN THE RECAPTURE OF CORREGIDOR ISLAND, 16 FEBRUARY - 23 FEBRUARY 1945 . (LUZON CAMPAIGN) · (Personal Observation of a Parachute Ri!le Platoon Leader) ORIENTATION INTRODUCTION This monograph covers the operations of the 2d Battalion 503d Parachute Infantry Regimental Combat Team in an unusual airborne assault on enemy held CORREGIDOR ISIAND, PHIIJ.PPINFS, 16 February - 23 February 1945, and the part it played in reopening the PORT of MANILA. to Allied shipping. In order to orient the reader it will be necessary to discuss briefly the major events Which led up to this action. Early in January 1945, the forces of the US Sixth Anny were organized and ready to make an invasion of the LUZON ISLAND, PHILIPPINFS, in the third and most important phase in the overall plan for the liberation of the PHILIPPINE ISLAND. By the end of 1944, organi:oed resistance had .ceased in the LEYTE and MINDORO Operations. Thus the first two phases of the overall liberation of the PHILIPPINE ISLAND were COlllpleted. (§!! Map A) (1) on 9 January 1945 troops of the US Sixth Anny, consisting of I and XIV Corps, hit the beaches in the LINGAIEN GULF Area a1"1;er a naval, air, and surface.bombardment previously unequaled in the Southwest Pacific warfare. The Sixth Army immediately launched a swift and aggressive offensive toward MANILA and finally arrived at the northeastern outskirts of the city on 3 February 1945. (See Map A) (2) on 2:t January 1945, troops of the US XI Corps under the strateg;c direction of the US Eighth Army landed ·on the west coast of LUZON near SUBIC BAY, wi~h the mission of driving eastward and isolating BATAAN PENINSULA.. (See Map A) (3) By (1) A-1, P• l (2) A-1, P• l (3) A-1, P• 2 3
14 February these forces had reached halfway down the east coast of BATAAN with little or no organized resistance. (4) Meanwhile the.final closing of the perimeter encircling MANILA was made with the landing of US Forces on BATANGAS PROVINCE, Southern LUZON, and by the 10 February 1945 these troops were approaching the southern outskirts of the city. (See Map A) (5) THE GENERAL SITUATION While the Battle of :MANILA raged at its height, the immediate availability of the port facilities for further operations against the Japanese was therefore imperative. (6) One single position presented an opportunity for a brilliant stroke that would insure the possessor complete control of MANILA HARBOR and surrounding islands. Sitting astride the entrance to :MANILA BAY and guarding its approaches from the CHINA Seas, stood CORREGIDOR ISLAND, a mass of rock that rises abruptly from the sea. (See Map B) (7) The Sixth Army plan for this coming attack divided the operation into three separate invasions. For the first invasion, US XI Corps would land in the :MARIVEIBS BAY Area on D-Day; secure a beachhead and establish control over the southern tip of BATAAN. One reinforced infantry battalion would accompany the :MARIVELES force to be used in conjunction with the second and third invasions by combined airborne and amphibious landings on CORREGIDOR ISLAND. In the airborne and amphibious phase, D plus 1, the 50Jd Parachute Regimental Combat Team, mounted by troops from the US Eighth Army, on MINDORO ISLAND, PHILIPPINES, would drop on CORREGIDOR ISLA.ND. Control of the 50Jd would pass to the XI Corps upon completion of the drop. The third and final assault, of this plan called for the Jd (4) A-1, P• 51 (5) A-1, P• 2 (6) A-1, P• 1 (7) A-3, P• 1 4
Battalion, 34th Inf'antry, reinforced, to make an amphibious assault on SAN JOSE BEACH, CORREGIDOR, tw:> hours after the parachute landing. This battalion was to be mounted for its shore-to-shore operation from MARIVEIES BAY. (See Map B) (8) Tactical planning for the assault on CORREGIDOR involved the highest degree of ·coordination of operations by ground, sea, and air forces. Japanese e:xperience in 1942 had demonstrated that an amphibious assault on this island could be extremely costly~ The means to avoid a . costly amphibious assault were available. 'Also, points of our Ollil choosing to land would make it possible by surprise to seize the key terrain features of the island before the enemy could react to thwart our action. (9) DISPOSIT.IONS AND PIANS OF THE 503D PARACHUTE REGIMENTAL COMBAT TEAM On 4 February 1945 the 503d was in the process of integrating, training, and orienting replacements that had recently arrived on MINDORO ISIAND, PHILIPPINES. (10) Early on the 6 February 1945, the Headquarters of the S03d received an alert order for the assault on CORREGIDOR. (11) Available forces and composition of the 503d at this time were as follows: three infantry battalions; a Headquarters and Headquarters Company; and a Service Company. Each infantry battalion consisted Of three rifle Companies and Battalion Headquarters Company. Each rifle Company consisted of three rifle platoollB and a mortar platoon. The Battalion Headquarters Company contained a light machine gun platoon, 81-mm mortar platoon, communications platoon, and a medical detachment. The Field Artillery Battalion consisted of: three gun batteries armed With the 75""111111 pack howitzer, one battery of .50 caliber machine guns, and a Headquarters and Service Company. · The Engineer Company consisted of a Company Headquarters (8) A-1, P• 49-51 (9) A-1, P• 51 (10) Personal knowledge (11) A-4, P• 1
Platoon and three engineer support platoons. (12) On 8 February 1945, a copy o! the Sixth A:rmy Field Order Number 48 was received by the 503d RCT, and a thorough sta!! study o! the airborne aspects o! the operations immediately !ollowed. Maps and charts were ' procured, sand tables erected and all battalion and separate company commanders were alerted. (13) A map study brought out the important !eatures o! CORREGIDOR be!ore a decision was made as to the selection o! possible drop zones. CORREGIDOR is a tadpoled-shaped island only 7,000 yards long. Its bulbous head, commonly called Topside is 2,300 yards in diameter and surrounded by precipitous cli!!s that rise well over 500 !eet out o! the water. It gradually tapers down to the North and South Docks and is commonly called Bottomside. The distance between the North and South Docks is 500 !eet and does not exceed 25 !eet above the water's edge. Arising almost straight up !rom Bottomside to a towering 400 !eat is MALINTA HILL, the second most important piece o! key terrain on the island. This key terrain !eature dominates all the remainder o! the island that extends to East Point on the eastern tip o! the island. (See .I.lap C) (14) From this terrain study, three possible drop zones were selected. O! the three, one -s a pre-war emergency air str:ip (KINDLEY FIEID) just north o! MONKEY POINT, :iJDmediately discarded since landing there would be tactically unsound. The main Jap positions were located in and around MALD!TA HILL which completely dominated the air strip. (See Map C) (15) The other two were on Topside and were respectively designated•l and '!I' drop zones. (16) 'l" ~ea was the pre-war parade grOU!ld and approXimated (12) (13) (14) (15) (16) Personal knowledge Personal knowledge; statement o! ·Maj or La:wson B. Qaskey, Commanding O!!icer, 2d Battalion, 5 November 1949 A-6, P• 59 A-7, P• 125 A-7, P• 125 6
250 yards by 150 -yards. (See Map C) "B" area -s a small area that formerly passed as a golf course. It was barely 300 by 150 yards and located on the slope of a hill. (See Map C) Aerial photographs of areas further revealed these drop zones to be covered with bomb craters, sharp cement boulders, tin, glass, steel bl"""' from the nearby buildings, and sharp tree limbs sticking skyward, (17) The nat-ural defensive installation had been further elaborated on by the United States at the time it occupied the island, with at least eight 12-inch disappearing guns, concrete barracks, and a series of underground shops, and tunnels, all reinforced.by five feet of concrete and steel. The road network was of the standard military construction, leading to the guns, magazines, quarters, and shops, (18) The pounding that the island had taken from the Jap artillery in 1942, changed the very topography- of the island, Hills and hummocks were depressions, Paved roads in many cases were covered with landslides or dotted by craters. (19) This operation represented one of the most difficult ever carried out by paratroops. (20) The high degree of coordination required by the ground, sea, and air forces had already begun at Sixth Army Headquarters, on 7 February, and on the flagship of the Commander, Amphibious Group Nine on 8 February. The conference aboard the flagship -s attended by: the Commanding General, XI Corps; the Commanding General, 54th Troop Carrier Wing; the Commander, Seventh Amphibious Forces; the Commander, Cruisers Seventh Fleet; the Commander, Amphibious Group Nine; G-3, II Corps; A-3 Fifth Air Force; the Commanding Officer, S03d RCT; and various staff officers assigned to the headquarters and commands (17) Personal knmrledge (18) A-5, P• 5 (19) Persmal knowledge (20) A-8, P• 2 7
named. (21) Frequent and personal visits bltween the Commanding Officer, 503d and Commanding Officer, )17th Troop Carrier Group, afforded extremely close liaison on matters concerning the drop. (22) To summarize the final plan for the CORREGIDOR Operations, the 151st Regimental Combat Teams would by amphibious assault land in MA.RIVELES BAY on 15 February 1945. The Jd Battalion, 34th Infantry reinforced by the Jd Platoon, Antitank Company and Jd Platoon Cannon Company of the 34th Infantry would accompany the 15lst to MARIVEIES and prepare for its shore-to-shore assault on CORREGIDOR. On 16 February 1945, the 503d Regimental Combat Teams would drop on CORREGIDOR, secure a perimeter for the following airborne drops, and support by fire the amphibious landing. (23) On 12 February 1945 all planning had been completed and all uni ts received the Regimental Command Teams Field Order Number 9. (24) Usjng terrain models, aerial photos and sand tables all troops were briefed on the mission. Detailed instructions on each phase of the operation was clearly defined. Reconnaissance flights by all jumpmasters were flown over CORREGIDOR. Maj or General Marquat, Artillery Officer on CORREGIDOR prior to its capture, personally addressed the officer and men of the 503d Regimental Combat Team and further elaborated on exacting details of the terrain and important locations. (25) The regiment planned to have the Jd Battalion, reinforced by Battery C, 462d Parachute Field Artillery Battalion, Company c, 16lst Airborne ·Engineers, one platoon of Battery D (.50 Caliber Machine Guns), 462d Parachute Field Artillery Battalion, and elements of the Regimental Headquarters Company make the initial drop on CORREGIDOR at 0830 hours on (21) A-6, P• 57 (22) Personal knowledge (23) A-1, p. 51 (24) A-4, p. 2 (25) Personal knowledge 8
16 February 194.5, and secure both "A" and •B". drop *°nes for the second and third airborne lifts. They would also support by fire the amphibious landing which would follow shortly after the first drop. (See Map C~ The 2d Battalion, reinforced by Battery B, 462d Parachute Field Artillery Battalion, Service Company, Platoon Battery D (.50 Caliber Machine Guns); 462d Parachute Field Artillery Battalion, and elements of Regimental Headquarters Company constituted the second lift, wruld drop on "A" arrl "B" fields at 1240 hours on 16 February 1945, and upon landing would relieve the 3d Battalion of perimeter responsibility to enable it to make contact with the 3d Battalion, 34th Infantry. (See Map C) The third lift consisting of the 1st Battalion, Battery A, 462d Parachute Field Artillery Battalion and the remainder of Regimental Headquarters Company were to leave MINDORO ISIAND at 0700 hours 17 February 194.5 and drop on "A" and "B" fields upon arrival, (26) Each parachutist was to carry one unit of ammunition for his individual weapon, two canteens of water, and four meals of K ration on his person for the drop, (27) All resupply would be by aircraft until replaced by amphibious resupply as soon as contact was completed between airborne and alilphibious forces, Our major supply problem was water, as no information was available as to water supply condition existing on the island, (28) The regiment adopted a flight pattern of two columns of single C-47 type aircraft in trail, one column· over each field, each plane to make a minimum of two or three passes, dropping a stick of 6 to 8 men on each pass, The drop point for each field was a distinct ground feature, and on the green light "Go" signal from the pilot, each jumpmaster was (26) A-9, par 3 (27) A-9, Administrative Officer (28) A-4, Supply Annex 9
to count three seconds and jump. (29) To furt'her eliminate the vulnerability that is always present immediately after the jump, mortars, Browning automatic rifles, and light machine guns were jumped on the individual person. {30) THE BATTALION SITUATION After the battalion had been alerted for the CO~GIDOR mission, each jurnpmaster was required to make a practice spot jump from an altitude of 500 feet, followed with unit assembly problems on the ground. (31) Since the regimental plan of attack did not call for the 2d Battalion to make the initial parachute drop, and in order to expedite the relief of the 3d Battalion after dropping, Major Lawson B. Caskey, Battalion Commander, made arrangements to have his S-3 and Company Executive Officers drop with the initial wave in order to expedite the relief of the 3d Battalion upon arrival. (32) Morale was extremely high throughout the battalion. On the night before the battle, captured Japanese movies showing the fall of CORREGIDOR in 1942 and the insulting treatment of the American prisoners of war and American flag were shown the troops. Aside from the sentimental aspects of the retaking of "The Rock", the urge for revenge surged in every man. THE BATTALION PLAN OF ATTACK. (33) (see ¥.ap c) Since little was known of the actual enemy's strength or dispositions other than the general estimation of 850 troops, the battalion commander was well aware and ready for the changing situation that could confront the Regimental Combat Team Commander after the parachut~ drops had been made. (29) (30) (31) (32) (33) A-3, par 7 Personal knowledge Personal knowledge Personal knowledge; statement of Major Lawson B. Caskey, 2d Battalion Commander, 5 November 1949 Personal knowledge; statement of W_ajor Lawson B. Caskey, 2d Battalion Commander, 5 November 1949 10
All unit commanders were warned to allow for great flexibility in the,ir plans and be ready to change on a moments notice. (34) Immediately after dropping on "B" field, Company D, reinforced, would assume responsi - bility for the northeast and eastern sector of the regimental perimeter, and continue to "mop up" in and around the immediate area. (See Map C ) E Company would drop on "A" field, and assume responsibility for the northern and northwestern portion of the perimeter on Topside, and be prepared to attack JAMES RAVINE on order. (See Map C) (JS) Company F would drop on "B" field and cover that portion of the perimeter on Topside between E and D Compaey1s flanks. Upon attachment of supporting fires, they would attack and secure Wheeler Battery. (See Map C) (36) Battalion Headquarters Company would establish the Command Post and Aid Station in the long barracks on Topside. (See Map C) (37) The Battalion Communication Platoon, upon :j.anding, would enter into the regimental net and at the same time establish the battalion net. With the uncertainty of the situation, no attempt would be made to wire the companies with battalion. The only means of comnunication available at that time would be the radio and messenger. The aerial resupply of water being the only known assurance of water, all personnel were warned against the danger of consuming the majority of the water contained in their two canteens. THE AIR MOVEMENT TO CORREGIDOR AND FINAL PREPARATIONS FOR THE ATTACK Preparations for the assault on CORREGIDOR had begun as early as 23 January 1945, when twenty 13th Air Force B-24s dropped one hundred and eighty 250-pound general purpose bombs on the island and sixteen Sth Air Force A-20s bombed and strafed the island. From 23 January on, the (34) Personal knowledge (35) A-3, overlay 4 (36) A-3, overlay 4 (37) A-3, overlay 4 · ll
tempo of the bombing increased steadily up to the day of the actual drop. By the day of the airborne assault, 16 February 1945, a total of 1,012 sorties had dropped 3,128 tons of bombs. (38) On 13 February elements of a US Navy Task Force, consisting of five cruisers, six destroyers, motor torpedo boats, and other vessels began shelling MARIVEUIS HARBOR and CORREGIDOR ISLAND. The shelling of CORREGIDOR was directed against pillboxes, water line caves, tunnels, and visible gun installations. The shelling continued through the landings made at MARIVEI.ES oh 15 February and CORREGIDOR on 16 February 1945. (39) Early on 16 February 1945, twenty-four 5th Air Force B-24s hit gun positions on CORREGIDOR with nine hundred and sixty 260-pound i'ragmen- · tation bombs. One minute after that had lii'ted, eleven B-25s bombed and strai'ed, dispersing eighty 100-pound bombs, and 1,592 rounds oi' .50 caliber ammunition. Simultaneously, twenty A-20s bombed and .strai'ed both '~"and11B11i'ields. At 0830, just one minute after the last bombing and strafing was lii'ted, the i'irst aircraft i'rom MINDORO ISLA.ND started to discharge the paratroopers oi' the i'irst lii't. As the c-47s circled over the island and continued to drop their passengers, A-20s bombed and strai'ed the eastern hali' oi' the island, (40) At 1030 hours, the 3d Battalion, 34th Infantry, reini'orced, began storming the beaches at Bottomside under heavy enenw i'ire. (See Map C) (41) NARRATION TEE ATTACK ON CORREGIDOR ISLAND At 1240 hours with the element oi' surprise T¥' longer existing, troops · (38) A-6, P• 59 (39) A-6, P• 6o (40) A-6, p~ 60 (41) A-1, P• 53 12
of the 2d Battalion 503d led by Major Lawson B. Caskey, Battalion Commander, • began dropping on"A "and"B"fields over a murderous hail of enemy ground fire. Grazing enemy fira covered both drop zones and surrounding areas. The stunned Japanese, apparently partially recovered from the initial surprise shock, started to leave their holes anq caves in a fanatical manner to shoot or bayonet the descending troopers. (42) As parachutist hit the ground with a thud, one was never sure whether he was going to be capable of walking away from the landing. Many of the radios that were fastened to the legs of the troopers for the descent we:re smaished beyond use. Thirsty and hot, many started to consume large quantities of water from their limited supply. The counterattacking Japs started towards Topside from all directions. By 1500 hours, with the assistance of the 3d Battalion's fire power, the 2d Battalion swiftly effected the relief as planned and established the regimental perimeter around Topside. (See Map C) (43) At 1600 hours Company F reported to battal,ion that it was receiVing heavy machine gun ,fire from the Vicinity of Wheeler Battery. At this point, Private Uoyd G, Mccarter of F Company crossed thirty, yards of open terrain under intense enemy fire, and at point-blank range silenced a machine gun with hand grenades. (See Map C) (44) Out in front of Company F•s perimeter, dangling in their suspended harness which had caught in trees, were those few unfortunate parachutist who will never know what it was like to make that final landing. Scattered troopers, who had drifted from the drop zcnes, could be observed fighting their way back to rejoin the perimeter. Due to the lateness of the day, Major Caskey, 2d Battalion Commander, ordered the attack on Wheeler Battery and JAMES RAVINE cancelled fo:r the time being, and instead (42) Personal knowledge (43) Personal knowledge (44) A-10, p. 364 13
ordered positions to be consolidated for the evening. (45) No logical conclusions could be arrived at as to how the Japanese defenders would attempt to destroy the invaders, or keep them from firmly establishing themselves on Topside. However, several captured prisoners revealed that COR.REGIDOR was commanded by Captain Ijn Itagaki of' the Japanese Navy, He had app~oximately 6,ooo assorted troops to man its defense. (46) Later, captured staff personnel related how Captain Itagaki, after being informed of the approaching amphibious assault left his Command Post to go to an Observation Post near BREAKWATER POINT, There he ran into a group of paratroopers and in the ensuing skirmish the Japanese Commander 11as killed. (47) It was further learned that Captain Itagaki had been directed to look into the antiairborne defense of the island. He then announced to his subordinate collllQB.Ilders that an airborne landing would not take place because it could not take place. All these incidents added immeasurably to the confusion of the enemy. (48) THE FIRST NIGHT AND SECOND DAY ON CORREGIDOR At dusk the enemy could be heard and seen advancing toward Topside. Each and every trooper had heard of or experienced those well known night infiltration tactics of the Japanese. They also knew that the firihg of weip ons, unnecessarily, would bring on an attack in fJrce. About 2300 hours that evening the expected infiltration of the enemy started all through the battalion perimeter. The first firing on the infiltration. took place in F Company's sector and was immediately answered with a volley of enemy grenades on attempts of penetration, The enemy mortar shells started to land on top of' the buildings housing perimeter troops. The Nips were crawling all over the slopes not more (45) Personal knowledge (46) A-7, P• 129 (47) A-3, P• 9 (48) A-7, P• 129
tban yards to the front. The men did not luive to be told to hold an cost. Movement toward Topside would brinr; dovm a friendly prep::i.- r~1tion that .multi be sure death to oll who attempted to move :i.n J.t. 1:uch movement could be heard and soen in the vicinity of .U1eekr 3attery r:hich was located directly :.n .front of :&' Company's posit:i::m. Thero was no doubt that the enemy was reinforcing th:is key piece of terrairl. (See Map C) (lt9) On the morning of the 17th, the regiment<:i.l comrriailder decided not to drop the 1st Battalion as planned. Inste~d they would fly over the isla.11d as schediJled, drop their equipment bundles ilnd sup1 lies o.nd after l:::..'1ding on BA.TA.AN, move amphibiously to CORREGIDOR~ (50) to lessen casualties that vrould result from an Airborne 18.:ri.ding. At 0830hours, Major 3askey, 2d Battalion Gon"llander ordered F ~o:<rpany to proceed with their miss ion of ta.king ·i'ihee ler Battery. (~ :·z.p C) (51) By 0900 hours the Jd Platoon, ;;' Company r;ith sup; orting .fires advdnced rapidly toward the batt.e.ry wh::.~h was located ah out 50 ::,;;.rds in front of slightly below their perimct€r. All supporting fires were lifted just as the pl.:itoon started on top of ::1beel€r Battery• .kt the sa'lle time the Japs started to emerge from the countless openings screaming and firing with fierce determination to chase the attackers back. It became al.most useless to try to hold what had been gained. As one Ui:p would fall another would emerge to take his place. Slow b',t sure the Jd Platoon was forced to withdraw. The overwhelming enemy force had killed the platoon leader and wounded seven before the last man had wi thdraJin to the safety of the perimeter. (5 2 ) E Company1s attack on JAMES RAVINE started on schedule at 0930 hours, {49} (50) (51) (52). Personal knowledge A-8, 'p.12 Iers0na.l kno11ledr1e , - - - - ---0 A--11~ P• 19
·::~t Wt:re forced to •Yithdraw when the leudinc element vns suddenly 12n- -;-~loped and c11t off from the rest of tbe company• The combined efforts c:' the Sl-mm mort<;.r platoon, a section of light machine guns and the 2.ssista:ice of naval shelling fin<:::.lly freed the trapted force. It wo_sn1 t until 1610 that afternoon that th:s last :nan w:::.s able to rejoin L:.s comrany. (See ?t,ap C) At 1630 hours on 17 February the 1st Battalion landed amphibiously on 3otto7:side nnder heav,Y fire coming from caves located along the water 1 s edge. The entir.;; beacl1 remained under fire until of,fsh9re destroyers mc·ved i:1 and silenced the enemy oms. (53) N0 exact .:'igure for the battalion's dead or enemy kilJed are ava:Uat::.:~ 1 bc1t the Regimental Cc:nr.1and T<~m•s total to date were 29 killed in actio:: Or: the morn int; of the 18th tbJ? ls t lht+.d.io;: ~,'H'\ talion's Southern Sector, th s · 1 • ·t "'LU maKlnL l 1 rossiblt· for tf1>? ~JP.ttalJ_.:.i~-~ SEctors. (See Jrap D) (S5) 3y 0700 hours with the 2d Battalion pErimet:r firmly est.;,blisl:cd ....:·. the northwest sector, Uaj or C2skey lost no tir:ic on Wheeler Battery and J.AMl~ NiVIHE once at;'iin. Due to the ineffectiveness of air stri.kes at,;2.inst ' '.neclcr Batt;:;::-~ .. sunken posi tL;;~, t!:c ; 0Si tion had to be taken ' th · oy "'e 1ni'a~1try i1Sin0 ;-.;. system o! securing and sealing each entrance or outlet. Under the s ·· port of heavy machine i.:un fi:re and 75-mm howitzer fire, a reinforct:c rifle platoon from D Compa.ny ass lt d th b . . au e· 1e attery swiftly and witl: o. A-8, p. 12 A-~ overlay 4 ··Pe~s~• knowledge
f.3\:t' ('lff a b2ck blast, th;it aL'Tiost inflicted serious cas~~altics or: our A:T'arently realhil1t; their defeat. the:•' withdrow into tbci darkness oi' ......... -, ,.,,-·,. J ;.,.. ,,. -..· .Se.fore t:1e day ended we had learned to shoot the ~mi;:;nited liquid with a mass cf impen6traole r:Bch.ine ;;;un and mortar iir'e, i':rci~:t:; o. h<il t to the adv~.mce. i~ather than taking tlle risk of recei'1i::g; a 1a:.t'(;G c'nber ::>f casualties at t'1is time, the battalion comrnCJ.nde.::· ordcreu a to halt and i!13tructed .S Gom:t any to contour lsvel 250 a.nd/oe 1.repared to tie-in with the battalion ;:orinete:::· for the night. (58) !Jeammile ::J Cor:lpany advanced toward contour 2)0 under the suprort of ~ a heav-.1 artillery concentration. Vii th the aid of atkched fla:ne ti>re>Yrcr (56) (57) I,-'.) \.::.>0 I'ersonal Personal • 11 . J;,- < 1 p. I l' knowledge knowledge 20 17
t..c:11::s :md en.;inccr demolit:on crv••s theJ :..:. •. ivzinccd rapidly toward Datt.cry \J ,.'1_..«.e'J1AY· ("'"'"' 'hp D) - -~ ·~ --- .h.'•""' ;' ::lnipcr fire was her.v:• but not effective enoubh to s~ow ckwa1 t1 cir advance. The ini'antrymen soon l·~arned to lemrc the closi:-ii;; of caves and demolition wor~: tci the closely followi:'.; ent;ineer dernoli tion te:uns. lip to this point they had a tendency to waste too m:ich ti:::e bJ.ocktnc; the entr;:;nces to caves and as a rc.:::ult slowed :·Lrwn t:.eir advance E1nd ;a"<·c thG cnerny s'.lffj_cient tir~c to reorganize. 3~r lboO hours that afterY10on Cornp;::..ny D had reached conto:ir level 2)0 :rn:l set ·.ip their Con'Tii.nd Fost in tbe vicinity of 'ii11eeler Point. (59) Co:nrany F witt the aiC. of air and artillery cover uls.) ".':Jved '!:';::.pi.dly loce;ted in the :",:my caves. This oJSterr: wi;ich c0::s:~ste='. of :1 base of - - .., -- armed vd th Tor.i'.r'.Y guns c.!.~d <:mto- down "';til-e' a- r--_-o r1«'' "'qu2.-1,. - · - ~c:. tic r iflcs, co::t·nr sctt.l2ci a',_1;.-~""Y"I,. i'~1· t'i-- · ht · t' · f · .. • v , :•.::: ;-.1;; · in neir ox ,;o}.es. (See ~.'.2.p E) ( t '" \ .A) .J D11ring? Cor.ipany•s advance to th~.ir objective, Private ~,·ccart.r cont~nually pushlnc aheo.d with the 1e:2ding eler•ient had t:ersoric.J lv :-1CC'"l"1tc'd 4 .......... ~ ~; - .>'··'I.... ' .J ·,. for six mo re eneny dead. ( 61) . By 16oO hours 18 Febru;;,;ry the battalion perilneter had extended fron ~1ht:eler roint to JA!.::ZS RAVINE, a distance oi' about 2,000 yards. All three rifle CO'T:panics •Jn line, :rnd as .a reserve the 81-rnm mortar platoon, (59) ( 6o) (61) Person21-knowledge Personal knowlcd~e A·~lO, P• '364 18
elements of the battalion medical detachment, and clerks and supply personnel. D Company with their Command Post near Wheeler Point, tiedin their left flank with the.1st Battalion 503d. E Company located in· the vicinity of JAMES RAVINE, tied-in their right flank with the 3d Battalion 503. (See Map E) (62) Before dark automatic weapons were placed in sectors to cover the most likely avenues of approach into the perimeter. Mortars and artillery barrages were registered on those areas that were masked by slopes and cliffs. Commanding the high ground and being able to loC!Dk down in the direction of the enemy, there was no doubt that the perimeter cculd hold under any type of attack that the enemy would attempt. (63) At 1800 hours that evening, Major Caskey and his staff started out on one of their many and frequent inspections of the company positions. The usual reports of enemy movement directly in front of the perimeter was received at all positions and as a result all personnel were alerted for an expected counterattack that night. About 2300 hours that evening the Japs started, what was to be their first organized attack.in any force, by letting off a series of explosions in the underground positions in D Company's sector. (64) Lieutenant Joseph A. Tµrinsky, D Company Commander, called battalion at about 0200 hours on 19 February and reported unusual activity below and in front of his position.had been noted, and requested illumination flares to light the area. Upon the battalion commander's request, the naval supporting forces commenced to drop star shells in the area. (65) The light revealed a large body of Japanese moVing in between D and F Companies and startled them into a fanatical attack. The star shells (92) A-3, overlay nuMber 12 (63) Personal knowledge; statement of Maj or Caskey, 5 November 1949 (64) Personal knowledge (65) Personal knowledge; statement of Captain Lawrence s. Browne, S-3, 2d Battalion, 15 June 1949 19
were requested to continue until ordered stopped. The Japs turned and started to attack D Company from the rear. The first report of contact with the enemy caine from D Company•s right !lank. Then reports were received that penetrations were being attempted throughout the entire company sector. Immediately afterwards the attack materialized and communications, both wire and telephone between D Company and battalion ceased. It was suicide to attempt torein!orce D Company. Nips could now be seen moving everywhere. The artillery and mortar fires laid down did not seem to stop them. (See Map E) (66) A report from F Company revealed minor attempts of penetration of their perimeter. During the conversation, heavy fire broke out on F Company's left !lank. Private Mccarter seeing a large force of Japs attempting to avoid F Company•s fire, moved swiftly to an exposed position and in blocking their passageway drew their fire and forced the Japs to attack his position. Several men from Company F moved over to assist Mccarter. The fanatical and superior force wounded McCarter and two other men. Out of ammunition, Mccarter again drew the enemy fire as ./ he exposed himself to get the much needed allllll1lnition. Upon return he was wounded again but still continued to shout encouragement to all around him to carry on the fight. This continued until the break of dawn when the company Commander of F Company could reinforce McCarter•s. position. Though wounded and weak !.lcCarter stayed on until the enemy ceased to attack. Over 30 enemy dead could be counted in front of the position. For this heroic deed Private Uoyd Mccarter was later awarded the Medal of Honor. (67) Just about the time F Company was penetrated the 2d Battalion Command (66) Personal knowledge; statement of Captain Browne, S-3, 2d Battalion, 15 June 1949 (67) A-lo, p. 364 20
Post was showered with enemy hand grenades. ( 68) The Nips were all over the place. At the break of dawn the Navy ceased firing the star illuminating shells. Radio contact_ came in from D Company, and the Executive Officer stated,"that the enemy attack was stopped, but not without a great deal of loss; there were many dead and wounded: and that reinforcements were needed immediately if they were to hold." He further requested additional first aid men and blood plasma. Maj}or Caskey then told D Company to "hold at all cost". (69) By 0630, a reinforced platoon, consisting of the battalion surgeon, engineers, mortarmen, and clerks, proceeded by a close pattern of supporting artillery fire, began to fight their way to D Company. (~ MllP E) By the time this relief had reached D Company, over 150 Japanese were counted laying dead along the trail. (70) The counterattack had been stopped at approXimately llOO hours. He ordered D Coiupany to secure its Jr esent position and prepare to move back to the 500 yard contour perimeter. Though we had accounted for over 200 enemy killed, our casualties Cha,_rles H. had been heavy. CaptainjBradford, the Battalion Surgeon, per.formed the almost impossible job o.f caring for the sick and wounded in the midst of heavy fighting and hand-to-hand skirmishes. There were between 15 and 20 stretcher cases to be evacuated to the aid station on Topside. Our casualties were ten killed arid twenty wounded. Among the dead were the Commander of D Company, his radio operator, and messenger. (71) Major Caskey, in remembering the Regimental Combat Team Commander's terse operation order of "Clear the damn Nips from your area,n immediately (68) (69) (70) (71) Personal knowledge; statement of Major Lawson B. Caskey, 2d Battalion Commander, 5 November 1949 Personal knowledge; statement of Major Lawson B. Caskey, 2d Battalion Commander, 5 November 1949 Personal knowledge; statement of Major Lawson B. Caskey, 2d Battalion Commander, 5 November 1949 A-12, p. 2 21
ordered E Company to take JA1£S RAVINE. It was 0900 that same morning, when E Company adva:nced into the ravine. Passing through three unoccupied machine gun positions, the leading element suddenly opened fire on a mob or Japs, streaming out of the entrance to the underground barracks located in the ravine. It was a slaughter. Sixty-five Nips were killed before they stopped coming. (72) Placing five gallon cans of Napal• and demolition charges into the ventilation shafts and tunnel entrance, a violent explosion was set off and fire ended all resistance in that area. PatlPls were dispatched to locate immediately an electrical mine control system which controlled all mines along the beaches and off-shore, At 1620 hours that afternoon the control system was found and destroyed, Fourteen Japs and one man from E Company were killed in the skirmish that occurred during the destruction. (73) Late in the afternoon of 19 February, Major Caskey ordered all companies to move back to contour level 500, Weary and tired from the lack of sleep the gallant men who had held their own against overwhelming odds moved back to the positions that they had occupied two days before. (~ l'ap E) (74) It was felt that the enemy had recovered from his initial surprise and the thin and expanded peri.~eter invited attack. THE FIFTH, SIXTH, AND SEVENTH DAY ON CORREGIDOR The preceding night had been fairly quiet and early the next morning a systematic clean-up of our area was begun. The same pattern consisting of platoon and company sized patrols, supported by bazookas, flame throwers, demolitions, artillery, air and naval support, moved out from the battalion perimeter as far as each day would: allow, and return to the perimeter before nightfall. The Japs, unable to organize, continued to fight in isolated groups. (75) (72) A-11, p. 20-21 (73) A-3, P• 21 (74) Personal knowledge (75) Persohal knowledge 22
Because of the small area of the perimeter, it was possible to assemble the Company Commanders in the evening to plan and coordinate the following day's operation. (76) As the patrols reached the beach areas, it was impossible to get at the enenzy- emplacements half-way up the cliffs that rose to a height of several hundred feet. The cliffs were sheer and jagged and afforded the enemy excellent cover as well as concealment. At the base of the cliffs, the beach would extend fifty feet in certain areas, to impassable areas in others. One of the battalion officers would board the destroyers to point out enemy positions. The destroyers would move in and fire point blank into the el!lplacements. Each salvo would send hundreds of tons of rocks roaring into the waters below, (77) At the end of the seventh day, strong and aggressive patrol action finally enabled all companies to reach the water's edge in their sectors. (See Map E) From captured prisoners, S-2 learned between 175 and 200 Japs were holed-up ·in the vicinity of Searchlight and Wheeler Point. This force was the remains of the Endo Force that penetrated 2d Battalion's perimeter -- on the night of the 18th. (78) At dawn of the 22d, Captain Lawrence s. Brown, S-3, led Captain Hudson C. Hill, S Company Commander and his reconnaissance group to a vantage point overlooking Wheeler Point. From there they observed the terrain and made plans for E Company's attack on the 23d. THE LAST DAY OF ORGANIZED RESISTANCE FOR THE 2D BATTALION ON CORREGIDOR Early on the 23d, E Company moved through C Company, 1st Battalion (76) Personal knowledge (77) Personal knowledge (78) Personal knowledge; statement of Captain ~wrence s. Browne, S-3, 2d Battalion, 5 June 1949, 23
'to clean out the last enemy strong hold at Wheeler and Searchlight Point. With a five minute softening of the objective by destroyers and an air strike by the air cover, E Company attacked and worked to a position around Searchlight Point reaching Wheeler Point with only five casualties and 59 enenzy- killed. (79) As scheduled, the destroyers let loose With a salvo at 1255 hours that afternoon and pulverized the emplacements in Wheeler Point, followed by E Company•s immediate attack. Screaming, charging, Japanese hurled , themselves at the attackers. One Jap Officer, swinging his shining saber, mortally wounded one of E Company's men. Lieutenant Emory Ball, in rushing to the wounded man's assistance, caught a burst of machine gun fire in the chest and stomach. Staggering back toward the rear of the skirmish he fell in his blood stained tracks and died. (80) E Company in a final effort killed the remaining Japanese and by 1600 hours announced Wheelll?' Point secured. At 1700 hours on the 23d, the Regimental Combat Team Commander ordered the 2d Battalion to take over the perimeter of all<;>f Topside, and by nightfall, Major Caskey, redisposed his battalion to cover the western half of the island. (See Map E) (81) On 2d March 1945, the operation was officially closed when the Rock Force Commander, Colonel George M. Jones, presented fortress CORREGIDOR to the Commander-in-Chief, General Douglas MacArtlmr. (82) (79) (80) (81) (82) To sum up the results of this battle: This operation clearly showed that parachute troops could be used under the most adverse condition. Even though the disadvantages of the vertical envelopment outweighed the advantages in the preliminary Personal knowledge and statement of Captain Hudson c. Hill, E Company Commander, 8 July 1946 Personal knowledge of Hudson c. Hill, Captain, E Company, Commander, 8 July 1946 A-8, P• 16 A-4, P• 4 24
planning stages, th~ Japanese experience in 1942 had demonstrated that an amphibious assault on tl:is island could be extremely costly. By landing on terrain of our own choosing, we could surprise and defeat the enemy before he was capable of reorganization. (83) The enenzy-, by completely ruling out the possibility of an airborne assault in his defensive plans, enabled the 503d to do in 18 days what he had taken 4 months to do. His losses of 4,49.7 killed, in comparison to our 209 killed during the same period, showed the high caliber of leadership, and aggressiveness that can be obtained from the American soldier by proper training and education. (84) CORREGIDOR is a shining example of perfect teamwork between air, land and mval forces. The re-taking of "The Rock" could not have been possible without the perfect coordination and planning of all three services. By General Order Number 112, Headquarters US Army Forces in the Far East, dated 8 May 1945, the 503d Parachute Infantry Regimental Combat Team was cited for outstanding performance of duty in action on CORREGIDOR ISIAND and un:l.er the provisions of Section IV, War Department, Circular Number 333, 1943, awarded the Distinguished Unit Badge. ANALYSIS AND CRITICISM 1, SUPPLY .'.ND EVACUATION Re-supply en CORREGIDOR was of no problem to this regiment. Air ' superiority allowed complete freedon of movement by the re"."supplymg aircraft in sufficient quantities. The dropping of the 'attacking forces on top of their objective allowed the o.ver-loading of the individual soldier with sufficient food, ammunition and water for the first few days of combat without hindering his combat efficiency. However, the (83) A-1, P• 50 (84) A-1, P• 55 25
itmnediate treatment of the wounded and the care of the sick and injured could have been expedited by the dropping of additional surgeons and medical personnel in the initial parachute drop. A~ it was, the organic medical units were over-taxed and unable to properly care for the casual~ ties sustained in the first few days of the operation. The Portable Surgical Unit was not able to reach Topside until the 18th February, and the i.Jmnediate evacuation of the dead and wounded did not hinder the flow of these needed medical supplies and equipment forward. 2. THE OBJECTIVE The mission assigned this regiment in the re-taking of CORREGIDOR ---~- ··-·- was the perfect example of the type mission conceived by the founders of American airborne warfare. The early concepts of airborne warfare were to drop in the heart of the enemy after a preliminary bombing by air arms, expand and destrcy the interior arrangements of the enemy's defensive positions and force a union and effect contact with advancing ground forces. The element of surprill'.e was completely demonstra:l:ed by the fact that the enemy could never reorganize his forces sufficiently to make the necessary counterattacks in any size •. By immediate and aggressive e:xpansion, the troopers were able to seize the necessary key terrain without any major resistance. The bold exploitation and advancement by the 2d Battalion forced the large number of enemy in their sector to go underground and seek security in the tunnels below. 3. COMMUNICATIONS Where bard landings are anticipated, additional radios should be allotted to company sized units. In many cases, the 536 radio carried on the individual jumpers were damaged beyond use during the parachute landing, thus leaving certain elements without communication. The only communication left between the platoon leaders and company commander is messenger, and unnecessary movement in and arourxl the drop zones tend to add confusion to the already fast moving situation. 26
4, EllEMY POOITIONS The Japanese Commander was guilty of a great error in announcing to his subordinate COllllllailders that an airborne landing could not take place. This seafaring naval officer could only envision mass amphibious landings and accordingly failed to extend his defense in depth to the natural defensive terrain. Had he occupied Topside, the airborne and amphibious assaults might not have been as successful, As it was, the enemy was forced to leave the natural defensive position and attempt fanatical disorganized attacks to regain control of the high ground. 5. THE 2D BATTALION'S CLEARING OF THEIR ASSIGNED SECTOR The successful clear.iing of the southwestern sector of Topside was made possible only by the aggressive and courageous spirit of the attacking forces, In digging out the "gopherlike" Japanese, they were forced to burn and route him from the hundreds· of caves and tunnels dotting their :sector. The systematic method of attacking the enemy with daily patrols from a strongly established perimeter, proved very effective. · Counterattacks against this close periiileter had prai:tically ceased, and • it further allowed the maxi.mum utilization of forces at all times. LESSOO 1, Simplicity of a plan will lead to a more aggressive execution of that attack plan. I 2. Additional medical personnel should be attached to airborne units where temporary isolation from regular medical support is e:xpected. -- J, Inflexibility and refusal to deviate from sound practical principles have no part in an airborne commander's pl.afis. - .. -·· ""•" 4. During the assault on fortifi~d positions, infantry troops must be taught to continue their advance without wasting too much effort in . ' .. "".,., ""·-''·-·' .,,,~-~ demolishing enenzy' positions, ,., ~ ., -5,· .. The post of a defending comm;aoder during an airborne assault .. \ t 27
should be at his command post. He must depend upon his Oll"t<Post and warning stations for information. , J' 6. Once the element of surprise has been gained, a vigorous and aggressive exploitation of this advantage must be continued. ,7. Parachutist should l!De taught to conserve their water supply immediately after a parachute jump. B. Parachutist can be used successfully to assist in amphibious landings. ' --·· 9. Perfect coordination can be.,~:~~eve<!, through proper planning and ~·-~ -- ~~--' ~ ......... _.... - ,,,,....",, ~~ ~ ' training. -- 10. Adequate communication facilities are essential to achieve unity of effort and command. 28
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