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Corregidor: The Rock Force Assault

"Corregidor, fortified rocky island (2 square miles) in the Philippines, at the entrance to Manila Bay. Under U.S. control from 1898, it fell to the Japanese in May 1942 when General Jonathan Wainwright surrendered after four months of fierce fighting. Recaptured in 1945, it is now a World War II Memorial."

With those fifty words, the Concord Encyclopedia sums up tersely yet unemotionally varied and tumultuous history of the island fortress regards the approaches to Manila Bay. This book is a story of those fifty words, with emphasis on three words: "Recaptured in 1945."

That Corregidor would have to be recaptured was never in doubt. It could not be left to wither on the vine has had other fortified Japanese islands in the American leap-frog advance across the Pacific. The ultimate question is how could the "Rock" the successfully attacked without appalling casualties. The American attackers would be faced with rugged terrain, a fanatical enemy would fight to the last man, and strong defenses anchored steel and concrete fortifications which had been built up not only during the years of Japanese occupation, but during the decades as the United States's fortress of the Pacific.

The 503rd Parachute Regimental Combat Team, reinforced by the third Battalion Combat Team of the 34th Infantry Regiment, 24th Division, made up the "Rock Force," which assaulted Corregidor (The Rock) and 16 February 1945. The 503rd would jump on to the small island, despite the Japanese commander's firm conclusion that a parachute assault on Corregidor was impossible because there were no suitable drop zones. In the already risky world of airborne assault, this operation would require pinpoint accuracy and split-second timing.

In the event, the surprise was complete. The defending Japanese were completely confounded. By successfully parachuting onto the forbidding high ground, the 503rd was able to control the terrain and dominate the island. In spite of the heavy fortifications and superior numbers of the defenders, the Americans were able to defeat the Japanese forces in detail.

The odds were stacked overwhelmingly in favor of the enemy. Yet, through the careful implementation of its daring plan of attack — the bravery, discipline and superb training and fitness of its soldiers — and the wholehearted and unwavering support of the other services, the Rock Force prevailed.

  • Format
  • paperback
  • Pages
  • 336
  • Language
  • english
  • ISBN
  • 9780891416593
  • Genres
  • history
  • Release date
  • 1998