13-343 Garand Picture of the Day

[Mark in Rochester]

The original image on this thread does appear to be U.S. troops in the Philippines, and it is reminiscent of images of Battling Bast'ds of Bataan. however we are un-iformed where the image was taken and it may have been taken elsewhere.

The image of the soldier mounted at "Draw Pistol" doesn't have anything to do with the Philippines, probably taken in 1943 at Ft. Bliss. The rifle scabbard is for the rifle M1 so presumably the rifle was an M1.

The last mounted action which could hardly be called a charge, cited above, was conducted by a provisional patrol as a spoiling attack and did succeed in temporarily confusing the Japanese, giving the unit time to withdraw.

ACCOUNT OF CHARGE

Upon reaching the Batalan River that formed part of Morong’s eastern border, Ramsey’s unit swung west and cautiously approached the seemingly deserted village, composed of grass huts suspended on stilts, with the livestock living beneath the structures. The only stone building was the Catholic Church, located in the middle of the village. At the village outskirts, Ramsey reorganized his force into squads and ordered a four-man point unit to lead them in.

As the point unit approached the village center, it came under fire from a Japanese advance guard that had just crossed the bridge spanning the river. Ramsey saw in the distance lead elements of the main force beginning to ford the river. If the Japanese troops managed to reach the village in force, Ramsey knew that his outnumbered troops would be overwhelmed. Ramsey then decided to do something the U.S. Army hadn’t attempted in more than 50 years – launch a horse cavalry charge against an enemy in war.


Ramsey quickly signaled his men to deploy into forager formation. Then he raised his pistol and shouted, “Charge!” With troops firing their pistols, the galloping cavalry horses smashed into the surprised enemy soldiers, routing them.



At a cost of only three men wounded, Ramsey and his men then held off the Japanese until reinforcements arrived. Ramsey received the Silver Star for his action at Morong. He later fought in the Philippines as a guerrilla, and received numerous decorations. He was discharged in 1946 with the rank of lieutenant colonel. The historic last horse cavalry charge by the U.S. Army was later recreated in the painting “The Last Charge” by John Solie.

Sadly the horses in Ramsey’s unit did not long survive. In early March 1942, with troop rations running low and animal fodder almost gone, Wainwright ordered all horses and mules slaughtered for food. Among the horses was Wainwright’s prize jumper, Joseph Conrad. After issuing the order, adding that Joseph Conrad be the first killed, Wainwright turned away and strode back to his command trailer, his eyes filling with tears.



This painting by renowned artist John Solie, newly commissioned by the United States Army, is a depiction of the Last Cavalry Charge in United States history under the command of Lieutenant Edwin Price Ramsey for which Lt. Ramsey received the "Silver Star" and "Purple Heart".

Col. Ramsey's consult made this newly commissioned work as authentic as possible.