U.S. Philippine Division
Encyclopedia
Philippine Division, or from 1944–45 the 12th Infantry Division, was the core U.S. Infantry Division of the United States Army's
Philippine Department
during World War II
. On 31 July 1941, the division consisted of 10,473 troops, mostly enlisted Filipino
s, known as the Philippine Scouts
. All of the division's enlisted men, with the exception of the 31st Infantry Regiment, and various military police
and headquarters troops, were Philippine Scouts.
In October 1941, as part of the U.S. Army Forces Far East
, plans were made to "triangularize" the division. The 34th Infantry
was detached from the 8th Infantry Division and moved to a port of embarkation in December 1941, along with two battalions of 105mm field artillery. The Philippine Division was to have two complete U.S. regimental combat team
s in place by January 1942 to provide General Douglas MacArthur
with a modern, trained mobile reaction force, while freeing up Philippine Scouts for rounding out other units. The outbreak of war in December 1941, however, isolated the Philippines and prevented implementation of the plan. It was briefly reconstituted as the 12th Infantry Division in 1944–45.
and Corregidor") by the Regimental Commander. Upon her capture she told the Japanese that they were "only a shawl" and kept them safe throughout more than three years of captivity. Today, the colors are on display at the U.S. Army Quartermaster Museum
, Fort Lee
, Virginia.
United States Army
The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
Philippine Department
Philippine Department
The Philippine Department was a regular US Army unit, defeated in the Philippines, during World War II. The mission of the Philippine Department was to defend the Philippine Islands and train the Philippine Army...
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...
. On 31 July 1941, the division consisted of 10,473 troops, mostly enlisted Filipino
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...
s, known as the Philippine Scouts
Philippine Scouts
The Philippine Scouts was a military organization of the United States Army from 1901 until the end of World War II. Made up of native Filipinos assigned to the United States Army Philippine Department, these troops were generally enlisted and under the command of American officers, however, a...
. All of the division's enlisted men, with the exception of the 31st Infantry Regiment, and various military police
Military police
Military police are police organisations connected with, or part of, the military of a state. The word can have different meanings in different countries, and may refer to:...
and headquarters troops, were Philippine Scouts.
In October 1941, as part of the U.S. Army Forces Far East
U.S. Army Forces Far East
USAFFE included the Philippine Department, Philippine Army , and the Far East Air Force. USAFFE Headquarters was created on July 26, 1941, at No.1, Calle Victoria, Manila, Luzon, the Philippines, with Major General MacArthur as commander. The Chief of Staff was Lieutenant General Richard K...
, plans were made to "triangularize" the division. The 34th Infantry
34th Infantry Regiment (United States)
The 34th Infantry Regiment is a Regular Army infantry regiment of the United States Army. It saw combat in World War I, in the Pacific Theater of Operations in World War II, and was the first full American regiment deployed in combat in the Korean War...
was detached from the 8th Infantry Division and moved to a port of embarkation in December 1941, along with two battalions of 105mm field artillery. The Philippine Division was to have two complete U.S. regimental combat team
Regimental combat team
A regimental combat team was a provisional major infantry unit of the United States Army during the World War II and the Korean War, and of the U.S. Marine Corps to the present day...
s in place by January 1942 to provide General Douglas MacArthur
Douglas MacArthur
General of the Army Douglas MacArthur was an American general and field marshal of the Philippine Army. He was a Chief of Staff of the United States Army during the 1930s and played a prominent role in the Pacific theater during World War II. He received the Medal of Honor for his service in the...
with a modern, trained mobile reaction force, while freeing up Philippine Scouts for rounding out other units. The outbreak of war in December 1941, however, isolated the Philippines and prevented implementation of the plan. It was briefly reconstituted as the 12th Infantry Division in 1944–45.
Shoulder Sleeve Insignia
- Description: On a scarlet spade-shaped shield, a yellow carabao's head caboshed.
- Symbolism: The carabao is suggestive of the Philippines, and the colors red and gold represent the Spanish heritage of the islands.
Organization
- Philippine Division Headquarters (181)
- Philippine Division (10,473)
- 31st Infantry Regiment (2,131)
- 43d Infantry Regiment (PS)43d Infantry Regiment (PS)The 43d Philippine Scout Infantry Regiment was part of USAFFE's Philippine Division, during World War II.-History of the 43d Infantry Regiment:...
(329) - 45th Infantry Regiment (PS) (2,265)
- 57th Infantry Regiment (PS) (2,279)
- 23d Field Artillery Regiment (PS) (401) (2.95 in)
- 24th Field Artillery Regiment (PS)24th Field Artillery Regiment (PS)The 24th Philippine Scout Field Artillery Regiment was part of the US Army's Philippine Division, formed in 1922 and active until April 1942. Antecedent units dated back to 1899....
(843) (75mm) - 14th Engineering Regiment (PS) (870)
- 12th Ordnance Company (PS) (142)
- 12th Signal Regiment (PS) (227)
- 12th Military Police Company (PS) (136)
- 12th Medical Regiment (PS) (421)
- 12th Quartermaster Regiment (PS) (592)
- 4th Veteran Company (11)
- Special Troops (5)
Lineage
- Constituted 29 April 1921 in the Regular ArmyRegular ArmyThe Regular Army of the United States was and is the successor to the Continental Army as the country's permanent, professional military establishment. Even in modern times the professional core of the United States Army continues to be called the Regular Army...
as Headquarters, Philippine Division. - Organized 8 June 1921 in the Philippine Islands, with Regular Army and Philippine ScoutsPhilippine ScoutsThe Philippine Scouts was a military organization of the United States Army from 1901 until the end of World War II. Made up of native Filipinos assigned to the United States Army Philippine Department, these troops were generally enlisted and under the command of American officers, however, a...
personnel. - Surrendered 9 April 1942 to the Japanese 14th Army.
- Redesignated 6 April 1946 as the 12th Infantry Division.
- Inactivated 30 April 1947 in the Philippine Islands.
- Disbanded 23 March 1953.
Combat Chronicle
- Units of the Philippine Division were on security missions at ManilaManilaManila is the capital of the Philippines. It is one of the sixteen cities forming Metro Manila.Manila is located on the eastern shores of Manila Bay and is bordered by Navotas and Caloocan to the north, Quezon City to the northeast, San Juan and Mandaluyong to the east, Makati on the southeast,...
, Fort McKinleyFort McKinleySeveral places have been named Fort McKinley* Fort William McKinley * Fort McKinley, Maine* Fort McKinley, Ohio--------------------------------------------------------------------------------...
, and BataanBataanBataan 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...
prior to the declaration of war in the Pacific, 8 December 1941. After undergoing 2 days of bombings, the Division moved into the field to cover the withdrawal of troops to Bataan and to resist the enemy in the Subic BaySubic BaySubic Bay is a bay forming part of Luzon Sea on the west coast of the island of Luzon in Zambales, Philippines, about 100 kilometers northwest of Manila Bay. Its shores were formerly the site of a major United States Navy facility named U.S...
area. From 11 December 1941 to 23 December 1941, positions were organized and strengthened and on 23 December 1941 the Division was assigned to the Bataan Defense Forces. While the 31st Infantry Regiment moved to the vicinity of Zig Zag Pass to cover the flanks of troops withdrawing from central and southern LuzonLuzonLuzon 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...
, 30 December 1941, the rest of the Division organized the main and reserve positions on Bataan. The 31st Infantry Regiment moved to a defensive position on the west side of the Olongapo Road near Layac Junction, 5 January 1942. This junction was lost on 6 January 1942, but the withdrawal to Bataan had been successfully concluded.
- The Division was placed in reserve from 7 January 1942 to 14 January 1942. This period was largely one of reconnaissance and development by the Japanese in preparation for their attack on the main battle position on the Abucay line. Elements repulsed night attacks near Abucay on 10 January 1942 – 12 January 1942, and other elements of the Division counterattacked on the 16 January 1942. Strong offensive and defensive action was not able to prevent enemy penetrations and the Division withdrew to the Reserve Battle Position in the PilarPilarOur Lady of the Pillar is the name given to the Blessed Virgin Mary for her claimed appearance during the start of Christianity in Spain. She is considered the Patroness of the country and the Spanish Civil Guard. Her shrine is in the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar in Zaragoza, by the river...
– Bagac area, 2 February 1942. Until the latter part of March the enemy, made cautious by heavy losses, engaged in patrols and limited local attacks, and after a general retirement, 24 March 1942, did not undertake any serious activity on this front until 28 March 1942. During this period elements of the Division were shifted to assist in the defense of other sectors. The enemy attack on 28 March struck at a division weakened by malnutrition, sickness, and prolonged exposure to combat. The Division, no longer operating as a coordinated unit, was unable to counterattack against heavy enemy assaults.
- On 8 April 1942, the 57th Infantry Regiment57th Infantry Regiment (United States)The 57th Infantry Regiment was a unit in the Philippine Scouts. During their combat in Bataan members received 1 Medal of Honor, 21 Distinguished Service Crosses and 68 Silver Stars.-History:...
and the 31st Infantry Regiment were lost near the Alangan River, and the 45th Infantry Regiment45th Infantry Regiment (United States)The 45th Infantry Regiment was a unit of the Philippine Scouts in the Philippine Division.-History:The 45th along with the 57th Infantry Regiment were the first two infantry regiments of the Philippine Scouts which were formed after World War I...
surrendered, 10 April 1942.
- The victory over Japan ended the misery of Japanese prison camps for the survivors of the Philippine Division.
- The Division was briefly reconstituted as the 12th Infantry Division in 1944–45 as the US & Filipino army liberated the Philippines, but was disbanded after the war. However, prior to being disbanded some subordinate units were tasked with Occupation duties on Saipan, Okinawa, and elsewhere. Furthermore, members of the 1st and 2nd Filipino Infantry Regiments who wished to remain in the Philippines upon being discharged were transferred to a subordinate unit under this division.
Wartime assignments
- U.S. Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE) – 8 December 1941 – 24 December 1941.
- Bataan Defense Force – 24 December 1941 – 6 January 1942.
- U.S. Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE) – 6 January 1942 – 26 January 1942.
- II Philippine Corps – 26 January 1942 – 7 April 1942.
- I Philippine Corps – 7 April 1942 – 10 April 1942.
- Prisoner Of War Captivity – 10 April 1942 – 1945
Miscellaneous
The Regimental Colors of the 12th Quartermaster Regiment (PS) were given to an Army nurse (one of the "Angels of BataanAngels of Bataan
The Angels of Bataan were the members of the United States Army Nurse Corps and the United States Navy Nurse Corps who were stationed in the Philippines at the outset of the Pacific War and served during the Battle of the Philippines...
and Corregidor") by the Regimental Commander. Upon her capture she told the Japanese that they were "only a shawl" and kept them safe throughout more than three years of captivity. Today, the colors are on display at the U.S. Army Quartermaster Museum
Army Quartermaster Museum
The United States Army Quartermaster Museum, located at Fort Lee, Virginia, is one of a number of small museums in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The museum's aim is to preserve and exhibit the history of the Quartermaster Corps, which was formed in 1775 and to date it has collected more than 20,000...
, Fort Lee
Fort Lee, Virginia
Fort Lee is a census-designated place in Prince George County, Virginia, United States. The population was 7,269 at the 2000 census.Fort Lee is a United States Army post and headquarters of the U.S. Army Combined Arms Support Command / Sustainment Center of Excellence , the U.S. Army Quartermaster...
, Virginia.
Commanders
- MG. William WeigelWilliam WeigelWilliam Weigel was an American general, known for commanding the 88th Division in World War I.-Early career:...
(January 1925 – February 1927) - MG. Jonathan M. WainwrightJonathan Mayhew Wainwright IVJonathan Mayhew "Skinny" Wainwright IV was a career American army officer and the commander of Allied forces in the Philippines at the time of their surrender to the Empire of Japan during World War II...
(November 1940 – December 1941) - BG. Mason S. Lough (December 1941 – May 1942).
Campaign Participation Credit
- World War IIWorld War IIWorld 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...
- Philippine Islands
Unit Awards
- Presidential Unit Citation (Army)
-
- Streamer embroidered LUZON 1941–1942
- Streamer embroidered BATAAN
- Streamer embroidered DEFENSE OF THE PHILIPPINES
See also
- Battle of the Philippines (1941–42)
- Divisions of the United States ArmyDivisions of the United States ArmyThis list of United States Army Divisions is divided into three eras: 1911–1917, 1917–1941, and 1941–present. These eras represent the major evolutions of army division structure...
- Military History of the PhilippinesMilitary history of the Philippines-Battle of Mactan:The Battle of Mactan on April 27, 1521, is celebrated as the earliest reported resistance of the natives in the Philippines against foreign invaders. Lapu-Lapu, a Chieftain of Mactan Island, defeated Christian European explorers led by the Portuguese navigator Ferdinand...
- Military History of the United StatesMilitary history of the United StatesThe military history of the United States spans a period of over two centuries. During the course of those years, the United States evolved from a new nation fighting the British Empire for independence without a professional military , through a monumental American Civil War to the world's sole...