Post by friscohare on Apr 9, 2011 12:28:26 GMT -5
Hi everyone,
Today (or yesterday in the P.I) is the 69th Anniversary of the fall of Bataan. In memory of all those who served there, I would like to share with you this Chicago Herald-American Newspaper. It is an interesting read, especially what Secretary of War Stimson says about the situation in the P.I.
May we always honor these courageous heroes that sought to defend our liberties.
Here is the main article.
_______________________________
WASHINGTON, April 9. - Bataan fell today to numerically superior Jap forces, entrapping 36,800 heroic American-Filipino troops who were physically exhausted from five days of terrific bombardment, a shortage of rations, and the ravages of disease.
Announcement was made in a brief communique issues at 4:15 A.M. (Chicago time), followed later by a statement from Secretary of War Stimson that the fate of the encircled defenders is not known, although they apparently face death or surrender.
The end came when Gen. Wainwright reported from Corregidor that the valiant little band of Americans and natives on Bataan had been outflanked and that efforts to relieve them had failed.
At a press conference later, Stimson expresses conviction the brave defenders of Bataan will be avenged.
"I believe this will be a temporary loss," Stimson said. "We will ultimately drive out these invaders. We shall not stop until this is done."
Island Forts Fight On
The secretary said Corregidor and other island forts are fighting on and that President Roosevelt has left to Gen. Wainwright the decision for future action in the Philippines.
Details of the disastrous Jap break through are not available, Stimson said. He appeared deeply moved as he described the collapse of the Bataan defenders.
"I have nothing but praise for the men who have conducted this epic chapter in American history," Stimson said.
Also on the peninsula were 20,000 native civilians who followed Gen. MacArthur into the peninsula for safety and protection.
It was presumed this large number of civilians were fed partially or wholly from American army stores and this fact contributed to the eventual downfall of the peninsula.
The secretary said that every effort was made to get supplies and food to the embattled Philippine army, but said that those efforts were only partially successful.
As early as January 17, Stimson said American officers arrived in to do everything possible to break the Jap blockade. Brig. Gen. Patrick J. Hurley was authorized to take every step to secure food and ammunition for Gen. MacArthur's forces, Stimson said.
Stimson said undisclosed number of ships succeeded in running the blockade in the Philippines, but for every ship that arrived, at least two were lost. He asserted:
"Because of these of these actions, I am glad to say that the Philippine forces have never been short of ammunition."
"But they have been on short rations since MacArthur put them on January 11and that strain has been a potent factor in wearing down the defenders."
"We do not know what has happened since that communique, but it is evident as stated therein that the defenses on Bataan have been overcome."
"A long and gallant defense has been worn down and overthrown." [Emphasis added by the newspaper]
Today (or yesterday in the P.I) is the 69th Anniversary of the fall of Bataan. In memory of all those who served there, I would like to share with you this Chicago Herald-American Newspaper. It is an interesting read, especially what Secretary of War Stimson says about the situation in the P.I.
May we always honor these courageous heroes that sought to defend our liberties.
Here is the main article.
_______________________________
WASHINGTON, April 9. - Bataan fell today to numerically superior Jap forces, entrapping 36,800 heroic American-Filipino troops who were physically exhausted from five days of terrific bombardment, a shortage of rations, and the ravages of disease.
Announcement was made in a brief communique issues at 4:15 A.M. (Chicago time), followed later by a statement from Secretary of War Stimson that the fate of the encircled defenders is not known, although they apparently face death or surrender.
The end came when Gen. Wainwright reported from Corregidor that the valiant little band of Americans and natives on Bataan had been outflanked and that efforts to relieve them had failed.
At a press conference later, Stimson expresses conviction the brave defenders of Bataan will be avenged.
"I believe this will be a temporary loss," Stimson said. "We will ultimately drive out these invaders. We shall not stop until this is done."
Island Forts Fight On
The secretary said Corregidor and other island forts are fighting on and that President Roosevelt has left to Gen. Wainwright the decision for future action in the Philippines.
Details of the disastrous Jap break through are not available, Stimson said. He appeared deeply moved as he described the collapse of the Bataan defenders.
"I have nothing but praise for the men who have conducted this epic chapter in American history," Stimson said.
Also on the peninsula were 20,000 native civilians who followed Gen. MacArthur into the peninsula for safety and protection.
It was presumed this large number of civilians were fed partially or wholly from American army stores and this fact contributed to the eventual downfall of the peninsula.
The secretary said that every effort was made to get supplies and food to the embattled Philippine army, but said that those efforts were only partially successful.
As early as January 17, Stimson said American officers arrived in to do everything possible to break the Jap blockade. Brig. Gen. Patrick J. Hurley was authorized to take every step to secure food and ammunition for Gen. MacArthur's forces, Stimson said.
Stimson said undisclosed number of ships succeeded in running the blockade in the Philippines, but for every ship that arrived, at least two were lost. He asserted:
"Because of these of these actions, I am glad to say that the Philippine forces have never been short of ammunition."
"But they have been on short rations since MacArthur put them on January 11and that strain has been a potent factor in wearing down the defenders."
"We do not know what has happened since that communique, but it is evident as stated therein that the defenses on Bataan have been overcome."
"A long and gallant defense has been worn down and overthrown." [Emphasis added by the newspaper]
