8th Army – Gearing Up For Luzon
21 January 1945 – Gen. Swing announced to his 11th Airborne Division that he was ordering up a review as they were transferring to the 8th Army and the reviewing officer would be none other than Gen. Robert Eichelberger. Swing had received Field Order Number 17 which gave him the order to prepare for Luzon.
Luzon was the most populated, most highly developed and the historical island in the archipelago. It was a land of wild boars, birds, snakes, reptiles, feral dogs, tons of insects and an enemy hiding within the cogon grass at every turn. (the plant had coarse spikes with “silky” hairs that made your skin feel as those hundreds of critters crawled beneath it.) There was always a threat of dengue fever, that is contracted from a mosquito and if left untreated resulted in bleeding and death, and we can’t forget malaria.
The 6th Army, under Gen. Krueger, was already in the midst of all this trying to reach Manila. MacArthur had told Eichelberger how upset he was at their slow progress to get to the capital and added, “speed up your ‘palsey-walsey,’ Krueger doesn’t radiate courage.” Ergo – a rivalry was born and a race between the 6th and 8th Armies would exist – the problem was – the 11th A/B had been given more than one priority as their mission.
As X-Day approached, the pace of activity increased dramatically. The division’s supply loading plan put the responsibility on the unit commanders. The G-4, Roy Stout, set up a special section to load the 11th and all ran efficiently despite not knowing what vessels the Navy would be sending. But on 25 January, most of the supply ships were completely loaded within 24 hours.
The LCI’s (Landing Craft Infantry), arrived at 0700 hours on 27 January and a convoy of almost 100 ships pulled out to sea that afternoon,under the command of Adm. Fechteler, and headed south through Mindanao Sea and then swung north. The LCI’s were crowded and there were no cooking facilities, the men ate “10-in-1” rations rather than having the customary steak and eggs before a landing.
Most of the sailing days were spent in map study, planning and orientation. All the troopers would be so well briefed on the terrain from aerial photographs and mock-up reliefs that their landing somehow felt like deja-vu. Excess baggage was not carried – only what the men could carry on their backs. Personal baggage would not be seen for 2 months.
General Eichelberger wrote his wife, Miss Em, of the beauty in watching the large naval convoy and he marveled at their expertise. He noted the Navy’s ability to keep their sense of humor, despite the seriousness of their voyage. Before landing on 31 January, he heard over the loud speaker system, “Sick call _ all sick, lame and lazy report to sick bay.” He also commented that Gen. Swing was grand to deal with.
Eichelberger would write in his book, “Now the stage was set for what I regard as one of the most thrilling exploits for the Pacific War – the 11th Airborne’s dash for Manila”
References: “Our Road to Tokyo”, by Gen. Robert Eichelberger; “The Angels: A History of the 11th Airborne Division,” by Gen. E.M. Flanagan Jr.
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Military Humor –
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Farewell Salutes –
Melton Austin – Live Oak, FL; US Navy, WWII, PTO, Air-Sea Rescue Squad
Dave Barnett – Charlotte, NC; US Army, WWII, PTO
Charles Cooper III – Dover, DE; US Navy, WWII, PTO, Capt., USS Hornet, Washington & San Diego
William Darr Jr. – Dyer, AR; US Army, WWII
Mihail Golin – Riga, LAT; US Army, Iran & Afghanistan, Sgt. 1st Class, KIA
Jacob Hagopian – Providence, RI; US Army Air Corps, WWII & Korea, Col.(Ret.), 11th A/B & 82nd A/B divisions
Ben Jones – Chestertown, MD; US Army, WWII, ETO, Bronze Star
Joseph Medina (103) – MN; US Army, WWII, PTO
Chester Roberts Sr. – Coatesville, PA; US Army Air Corps, WWII, PTO, 11th Airborne Division
Ronald Scott – Claremore, OK; US Air Force, Vietnam, Col., pilot, Silver Star, KIA
Vito Truglio – Staten Island, NY; US Navy, WWII, USS Shangri-la
Marjorie Harris White – Creswick, AUS; AWAS # 11483, WWII
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Posted on January 4, 2018, in First-hand Accounts, Uncategorized, WWII and tagged 11th airborne, 1940's, family history, History, Military, Military History, Navy, PTO, veterans, WW2, WWII. Bookmark the permalink. 98 Comments.
The imagery in that account is unbelievable gp, 100 ships off shore must have been an incredible sight, I often think of war photographer moments when reading your articles, history in the making in real time moments.
Cheers.
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I have to given the photographers loads of credit. Their equipment was heavy, bulky and certainly difficult to use under normal circumstances, yet we now have photos and videos of actual combat – amazing men!
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Hello GP, and Welcome to 2018 – my first visit in the new year. Phew!
Luzon sounds just awful … even without war.
Breaks my heart for those soldiers
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Welcome to 2018 over here at Pacific Paratrooper, LB!! Hope the holidays treated you well.
We never realized what our fathers and grandfathers endured over there.
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Cogon grass sounds like its own kind of torture.
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That’s exactly what I’ve always thought and Koji, who went over there a few years ago – agrees!
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“…Memories are made of this…” and we must never forget all those who made the ultimate sacrifice, but the suffering caused by world leaders jumping on their high horses has caused the untimely death of millions throughout history. I wish it were possible to make those leaders punch the hell out of each other before they press their red buttons of whatever size. Thank you for your amazing trips into the past.
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I’ve been saying just that for as long as I can remember – but it won’t ever happen!
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Gripping reading – and thanks for liking my post!
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I appreciate you coming by, glad you find it interesting! Your post was easy to like!
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Thanks. Hope you have a great New Year!
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And you as well!
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Screw combat, just going through this place would be hell enough. Amazing what they were able to achieve back in these times and the scope of what they were facing really takes your breath away.
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Mustang Koji went over there a few years ago to participate in a Japanese ceremony. He had relatives on both sides , plus he took a letter from me to represent my father. He said the same as you!!
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Luzon is a jungle, Japanese soldiers also died of malaria ,dysentery ,starved without foods ,self-determined .
His Majesty the Emperor visited Philippines in 2017 .
Japanese soldiers who fought for the independence of Philippines returned home Japan and After there was a warm interaction between Filipino families left in the field and Japanese New families.
The Emperor heared about it and was pleased.
On New Year ‘s holidays, I heard various things about ” Tokko “.
At the Missouri Memorial Hall in Hawaii, I learned that American soldiers showed respect for Japanese soldiers as “the same fighter”.
I thought that since soldiers who really fought on the battlefield were more aware of each other’s “battle of life and death” than general people like me, they understood truly.
After All,I like Americans,too.
I am glad to be able to come this blog.
Sincerely Dr.GP Cox. :D
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I am glad you come by as well. I am honored to hear your news and that of Japan, back in those days as well as today. I thank you very much for coming by.
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Niet te verwonderen dat er zoveel onheil was met al die gevaarlijke insecten .de militaire humor kan ik wel smaken.
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Ik ben zo blij dat je deze site interessant vindt, Mary Lou. Je voegt een frisse blik toe aan alles !!
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Boy, that Navy Officer cartoon has got a funny point. Great post.
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Thanks to our “joint” pilgrimage with Smitty and my uncle in mind, I did get to experience the cogongrass and its irritating rubs on our legs first hand. In certain areas, it was so thick that soldier can be hiding in it and you could pass within a foot without detection.
https://www.flickr.com/gp/p47koji/536192
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I was wondering if you did when you were over there. I often think of that journey and watch the video – I still need ‘Puffs’ to get through it!
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Our dear friend GP Cox
We wish you a happy new year with lots of great moments and, of course, health and good luck.
We feel a bit bad as we don’t comment here that much. We always read your blog and learn a lot from it but we don’t really know what to comment. We don’t know enough about the war in the Pacific and about the different armies. It’s like another world for us you make us understand. Nevertheless we want to say we are so happy to learn about this other world and get our eyes 👀 opened up to it. Thank a lot for your brilliant work and being our loyal friend
The Fab Four of Cley
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I can well understand you not commenting about the Pacific, Klausbernd, and no need to apologize. I don’t feel qualified to comment on fiction stories and poetry, but sometimes I’ll put in my 2 cents. It’s hard NOT to comment on your posts, the photography, history of the area, beautiful scenery – a whole different ball of wax.
I’m happy you learn from the site, as that is my main goal. School systems don’t teach it much any more and I feel that’s the next generation’s loss.
GP Cox
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This was the big push to get to Manila. I can just imagine what the soldiers had to deal with besides the Japanese – thick jungles with poisonous snakes, wild boars, insects and diseases. I salute them for what they did for the Filipinos.
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I know you did, Rosalinda, and I thank you for your appreciation of our troops. It’s almost time for your story to run – this coming Thursday or the following Monday. Wouldn’t that put it in the proper time frame?
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Yes. Thank you GP. Stay warm. It’s freezing here. Almost want to move back to the Philippines where it is warm.
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With some of the storms I’ve seen on the news out there, you might better not.
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Someday, I might consider 3 months there (Jan-Mar) and 9 months here.
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That sounds nice.
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“Sick call _ all sick, lame and lazy report to sick bay.”
And as an adjunct, this came over the speaker:
“All those whose granduncle died for the eleventh time, no, you’re not getting time off too.”
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Good one, Eric!!
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I love animals, but not that particular combination!
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I know what you mean – not exactly my favorite menagerie either!
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Reblogged this on Give Me Liberty.
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Thank-you for sharing these stories with us
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When we honor our heroes – we inspire our youth, (hopefully). They don’t teach much history in schools these days, so it’s up to us to pick up the slack, IMO.
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Great post! I especially like the military humor!
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You and me both!! For them – it kept many of them going!!
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Yes, I am sure it did!
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Reblogged this on John Cowgill's Literature Site.
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Thank you, John. When we honor our heroes , we inspire our youth.
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You are very welcome.
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A propose the hilarious sick parade announcement, my father, who fought from ’39 to ’45 in the northern hemisphere, used to say that if sick parade was big, then morale was poor, and vice versa…
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Even their humor bordered on the truth, eh? I imagine aboard ship for some these guys, the sick parade would have to be bent over the railing too?!! haha
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GP: Todays cartoon crack me up: “He always gives me such a nice wave”…brilliant! Where do you find them…I love them!
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Anywhere I can!! Internet images, youtube, magazines, newspapers and of course Bill Mauldin’s book!! I love military humor – it usually borders on the truth!! 🙂
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Even as a civilian I get most of the jokes…I guess they are universal!
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Humn nature as it is – I would say yes to that!! 🙂
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I have to admit that one thing I always forget about in this theatre of the war is the prevalence of so many terrible diseases and all of those insects, snakes etc. I for one could not have managed even the spiders let alone the Japanese!!
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Haha, good one, John!
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Reblogged this on Die Erste Eslarner Zeitung – Aus und über Eslarn, sowie die bayerisch-tschechische Region!.
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Thank you very much for your interest here and for the troops of that era!!
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I loved that sick call announcement. Thanks, GP.
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I HAD to include that when I read it – I think it’s a hoot!
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You would have to be half dead to show up.
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Interesting how the spoken word can set up rivalries or spur activity. The “Sick Call” made me wonder if that was a true call. Did the lazy or weak decide to take sick call rather than put their lives on the line?
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I’m sure there was a bad apple here and there – there’s always one no matter what the situation, right?! But rest assured, no lazy one got a free ride!!
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Luzon sounds like hell on Earth! How anyone survived there, let alone fought there, is incredible!
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During a war – I imagine it felt that way!
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The army was really great vby the time of Luzon!!!
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Still short on supplies compared to Europe, but they had certainly been trained well!!
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GP, shaking my head at the shear horror of the troops dealing with that harsh environment. Our military are the bravest men! Thanks so much for all the war history posts. 📚 Christine
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You know it’s my pleasure, Christine – I am thrilled to have a loyal and interested reader as yourself! Thank you.
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Reblogged this on KCJones.
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Thank you very much, Penny. Say Hi to the boss for me!
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RT, GP. I am constantly amazed how many stories there are about brave soldiers.
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I don’t think wordpress has a big enough program to hold them all, Jacqui – but they should try to collect some, eh?!!
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As several others – including you – commented, it is really amazing they were able to fight as they did when their biggest and most persistent enemy was the climate and topography of the Philippines!
BTW – I’ve meant to comment previously – I like your sidebar item on how to properly fold the U.S. flag.
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I used to be asked so often if I knew how to fold the flag properly, so I searched around the internet for that graphic – it sure saves on explaining. Thanks for stopping b!
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The race to Manila reminded me of George Patton’s victorious race to Messina, Sicily, when he beat the British in capturing it first.
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VERY much the same, Peter! There will also be another reminder for you when the 11th goes into Japan and their band plays for the Cavalry when they storm ashore later!! Human nature is very different from one ocean to another, eh? 🙂
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Those not-so-subtle hints of competition among men and units were interesting. While competition can get out of control, and mess up even the best of plans, it can be a great motivator, too, and it seems as thogh that happened here.
I’ve had malaria, and it’s no picnic. But dengue’s another critter altogether. I know a couple of people who’ve had it and survived, but they don’t call it “break bone fever” for nothing. Apparently the pain can be so bad it feels like every bone in your body is breaking.
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You are correct, Linda. Here the competition got Gen. Kreuger moving and being as the 6th was moving south and the 8th army was going north, they didn’t interfere in each others’ operations – so here it was healthy.
Smitty had developed a small case of malaria and I witnessed one relapse – if that’s what he considered small, I feel really bad for those who had worse!! Dengue, I’ve never seen or dealt with, so I’ll take your word on it!
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The organisational skills are a wonder!
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The logistics and organization is beyond my comprehension – that is one thing for certain!! Thanks for coming by.
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When I was stationed in the Philippines, I had a girlfriend from Bataan. I remember taking the Victory Liner from Subic Bay to her village, Lamao, and seeing all the markers–memorials–that marked the long death march and other events. I remember too the warm feeling I had when old Filipinos wanted to shake my hand as if they were touching memories from the past. I wish I had been more aware at the time of just how much war Filipinos experienced. These posts about the battle for the Philippines are wonderful, just as the Filipinos are a wonderful, friendly, open people.
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There will be more on Bataan (of course) and stories of the guerrillas and civilians from that time. You have an advantage to most by having been there.
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Looking forward to it. Today’s post had me on the edge of my seat!
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Always thrilled to hear that kind of interest!!
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At times, it seems as if the Japanese were only an incidental enemy. Fighting nature was just as difficult, and caused almost as many casualties too.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Very true. The statistics are overwhelming.
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I can’t imagine being, let alone fighting in that environment. It’s hard to imagine a place where even the plants seem like they’re out to get you.
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Isn’t THAT the truth! And all this was done with 60-80 lbs on your back while your shoes and clothes rot off. Jeez!!
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I think I understand why my dad didn’t want to go camping 😉
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haha – ya think?!!
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You have given me some insights that are not available elsewhere. Looking at it, I wonder how on earth they all got through, massive task and such risk.
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Frankly, I wonder that all the time. Tom Brokaw picked the perfect name for them when he said, Greatest Generation! Born out of WWI, grew up in the Great Depression and went packing off into a more huge world war!
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Yes, solid lot.
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Nicely written
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Thank you very much, Derrick!
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Reblogged this on Life On The Lake and commented:
If you are an history buff, like me, you will like this site. The author, GP Cox does a tremendous job in researching and developing his stories about an era of pride for Americans, when she was going through the battles of WWII. Give it a look. I think you’ll like it.
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Thank you very much for the outstanding intro, Phyllis. Being as our schools have been dropping the ball when it comes to history, I feel it’s important to share these stories.
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I agree. Keep up the great work. I’m enjoying it and learning, too!
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Now, THAT’S what I like to hear!! Thank you, Phyllis.
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Thank you, Ian!
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