THE FALL OF BATAAN

 Only historians and old Vets remember the heroic battle there and the infamous "Bataan Death March".  But the story is worth the telling today simply because of the impact that battle had on the outcome of WWII.
On April 9, 1955 the following article appeared in the base newspaper of the Navy Base at Sangley Point, PI:
The Fall of Bataan---A Magnificent Victory
BATAAN---April 9, 1955.  On a peninsula 30 odd miles northwest of Sangley Point, one of the principle events of World War II took place thirteen years ago today.  We have often times passed the Bataan Peninsula on recreation cruises to Corregidor and White Sands Beach.  As you stand gazing toward Bataan, memories of the memorable fall of the Filipino and American forces are recalled.
The late Major Genaral Jonathan M. Wainwright defended Bataan from January 10,1942 when 200,000 members of the Japanese Imperial Army ruptured Abecoy-Moran Line in northern Bataan, until April 8, 1942.  Sangley Point and Cavite were captured by Gen. Homma on January2, 1942.
From January until the final attack on April 3, the Japanese kept regular patrols to forstall any USAFFE (United States Armed Forces Far East) counter attacks.  In March, the bombing and shelling of the Japanese No. 2 Corp line beame more severe.  General Homma moved his headquarters from San Fernando to Orani.  Philippine Scout patrols reported the strength of the enemy to be over 60,000 men and with strong tank and artillery support and about 1,000 trucks.
Two weeks before the main assault, Gen. Douglas MacArthur left Corregidor for Australia and MAJ. GEN. Wainwright took command of USAFFE which he redesignated as USFIP (United States Forces in the Philippine Islands).
In the planning phase of the battle of Bataan, Gen. Wachi, Chief of Staff to General Homma, was greatly aided by a captured USAFFE situation map of Bataan.  Washi declared that his general estimate of USAFFE strength was 50,000 to 60,000 men.  As to planes, he knew that there were one or two planes at Corregidor.
General Homma decided to break through near Mount Samat: First, USAFFE would least expect a frontal assault against the 65 foot cliffs, and second, Homma wanted to take the key terrain to get commanding artillery support to his attacking troops.
On the eve of the fall of Bataan, the USFIF numbered 28,000.  On the Japanese front, the Imperial 4th Army had 50,000 to 60,000 combat troops with tank, artillery and air support.
The zero hour was set at 1500 hours April 3, 1942.  For the Japanese the day was "Empire Foundation Day"; for the Fil-Americans it was Good Friday.  From that time on, the final stages of the Battle of Bataan were on, and the death throes of the gallant USAFFE began.  
"The Bataan garrison was destroyed due to its dreadful handicaps, but no army in history more thoroughly accomplished its mission.  Let no man henceforth speak of it other than a magnificent success"----Gen MacArthur! ...................Medicineman!