Luzon | February 1945 (2)

Japanese in Manila

The final attack on the outer Japanese defenses came from the 11th Airborne Division.  The division had been halted at Nichols Field on the 4th and since then had been battling firmly entrenched Japanese naval troops, backed up by heavy fire from concealed artillery. Only on 11 February did the airfield finally fall to the paratroopers, and the acquisition allowed the 11th Airborne Division to complete the American encirclement of Manila on the night of the twelfth.

As February opened, the 7th Allied Air Force continually bombed Iwo Jima, Marcus Island and Corregidor, while the 5th Allied Air Force not only targeted Corregidor, but Cavite, Cebu City, and enemy positions on Mindanao and Borneo.

Col. Robert Soule

The 11th A/B continued on to Tagaytay Ridge where they would come upon more of the enemy. Colonel Soule directed the artillery of the 674th and the 675th while the final assault was made by the infantry. The troopers went uphill through the Mount Cariliao-Mount Batulao defile. This was Shorty Ridge; the eastern area that needed to be free of Japanese before the 511th made their jump. (The regiment had to be capable of meeting up with the rest of the division within twenty-four hours of their landing.) The forward Command Group of the Headquarters Company went through a mile of enemy territory to destroy the resistance on the ridge and make that first contact.

A mere two hours later, the Command Group followed along the fire-swept road and set up the division command post on the ridge. The Reconnaissance Group, right behind them, did not rest, but continued on toward Manila. The Command Group then folded in behind and set up another command post while under heavy fire.

CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE.

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Author’s Note – 

I am having trouble with my wordpress notifications.  They do not always give me a link to return to your site anymore.  I’m doing the best I can to not only get this glitch repaired, but find a way back to each site.

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25 April   |   ANZAC Day

MAY WE ALL REMEMBER ON ANZAC DAY

Let’s all wish our Australian neighbors and friends a memorable ANZAC Day.

For those unaware of its meaning…

“Anzac Day is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand that broadly commemorates all Australians and New Zealanders “who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations” and “the contribution and suffering of all those who have served”.

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Current News –

Crocodile in Key West

In South Florida, surprise visitors can crawl on their bellies.  And wear out their welcome.

Naval Air Station Key West had to remove a stubborn crocodile from its airfield on Boca Chica Key so planes could take off and land. The croc was photographed basking in the spring sunshine with a Super Hornet fighter jet in the background.

Navy officials knew what to do. The air station, at mile marker 8, off the Overseas Highway, is located within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.  She had been tagged about  years ago, but now has a new tag.

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Military Humor – 

Quite a tee off position!

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Farewell Salutes – 

Hemming Anderson (104) – Tauranga, NZ; 2nd Expeditionary Force, WWII # 32089

Ian Cosgrove (100) – Winton, NZ; RNZ Army Medical Corps, WWII

Bob R. Hayes (100) – Mt. Vernon, NY; US Army, WWII

Aubie Kreusel – Gansville, LA; Civilian, WWII, Consolidated Vultee Aircraft (B-24 production)

Bernard Lampinen – Ashby, MA; US Navy, WWII

Harold Mann – Columbus, GA; US Army, WWII, ETO, 1255th Engineer Battalion

Jack E. Matson – Rock Island County, IL; US Army, WWII, PTO, SSgt. # 36431461, 382/96th Infantry Division, KIA

George Nelson – Wheatland, WY; US Army Air Corps, WWII, ETO, Sgt., radioman, 8th Air Force

Hans Petersen – Shelby, DEN; Danish Resistance, WWII

William Ragsdale – TN; USMC, WWII, PTO, Cpl. # 433627, HQ Co/1/24/ 4th Marine Division, KIA (Saipan)

Hillary Soileau – Bunkle, LA; US Army, WWII, PTO, Pvt. # 34233291, Co F/2/27/25th Infantry Division, Bronze Star, KIA (“Galloping Horse Hills”, GUAD)

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