Russell W. Volckmann
Encyclopedia
Russell W. Volckmann was a West Point graduate and a leader of guerilla resistance to the Japanese in the Philippines
during World War II
. After the fall of Bataan
in 1942, he retreated into the hills and organized a resistance force among the Ilocanos. His force operated in the western and northern coasts of Luzon
, launching attacks against the Japanese occupiers. During the U.S. invasion of the Philippines in January, 1945, Volckmann's guerrillas attacked the retreating Japanese forces far behind the lines, capturing bases and air fields, thereby allowing the American advance to proceed at a lightning pace.
After the war, Col. Volckmann remained active in the U.S. Army, and was a co-founder of U.S. Army Special Forces (the "Green Berets"), together with Col. Aaron Bank
, and later ended his military career with the rank of Brigadier General, Retired.
Philippines
The Philippines , officially known as the Republic of the Philippines , is a country in Southeast Asia in the western Pacific Ocean. To its north across the Luzon Strait lies Taiwan. West across the South China Sea sits Vietnam...
during World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
. After the fall of Bataan
Bataan
Bataan is a province of the Philippines occupying the whole of the Bataan Peninsula on Luzon. The province is part of the Central Luzon region. The capital of Bataan is Balanga City and it is bordered by the provinces of Zambales and Pampanga to the north...
in 1942, he retreated into the hills and organized a resistance force among the Ilocanos. His force operated in the western and northern coasts of Luzon
Luzon
Luzon is the largest island in the Philippines. It is located in the northernmost region of the archipelago, and is also the name for one of the three primary island groups in the country centered on the Island of Luzon...
, launching attacks against the Japanese occupiers. During the U.S. invasion of the Philippines in January, 1945, Volckmann's guerrillas attacked the retreating Japanese forces far behind the lines, capturing bases and air fields, thereby allowing the American advance to proceed at a lightning pace.
After the war, Col. Volckmann remained active in the U.S. Army, and was a co-founder of U.S. Army Special Forces (the "Green Berets"), together with Col. Aaron Bank
Aaron Bank
Colonel Aaron Bank was an officer of the United States Army, and the founder of the US Army Special Forces, commonly called "Green Berets". He is also famous for his exploits as an OSS officer during World War II, parachuting into France to coordinate and activate the French Resistance and...
, and later ended his military career with the rank of Brigadier General, Retired.