Garand Picture - 1947

[VeeVee]

US Army Philippine Scouts 1947

Information

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[Bill Hollinger]

What a slovenly looking bunch and is that Old Glory wadded up?

[VeeVee]

I guess anyone can be caught in a snapshot in a non-flattering way. But I've heard nothing but outstanding things about these soldiers.

From Bataan Uncensored - by Col. E. B. Miller
The Philippine Scouts were doing the best they could. Jap mortar fire was heavy. The Scouts had to take it with none to throw back. During the day, I had the opportunity - and honor - of witnessing the mettle of these Scouts.

After the battle had opened in the morning, Colonel Doyle had sent a patrol of Scouts, out to the west, to make contact with our forces. This patrol never returned. All in all, five patrols were sent out in that direction during the day. When the first patrol failed to return, everyone knew what had happened.

As each succeeding group was called up to receive instructions and orders for patrol duty. every last man took his orders with no trace of reluctance or fear whatsoever. There was only explicit obedience in the job they had to perform. They knew the seriousness of the situation which confronted them, and I marveled at their soldierly qualities. They knew that death undoubtedly awaited them, but the last patrol went just as eagerly as the first.

All during this day, many wounded Scouts were brought to the rear. Not once did I hear one whimper of pain or an utterance of complaint.



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Two tanks were placed at the head of the column. Scouts were sent out in front, on foot, to act as "feelers." The 45th had marched a long distance the day before over mountainous terrain, had fought all this day, and now were on a mission that would have been rough, even for fresh troops. Once again the mettle of these superb soldiers came to the front. During that night, and the events which followed, I never heard one word of complaint, only extreme attention to duty!



...Meanwhile, the Scouts had formed a line to our rear and fired blindly in the direction of the Japs to cover our withdrawal. That is the only thing that saved us. Their actions that night would have been more than a credit to the best trained and bravest soldiers in the world.

...Under cover of the fire being delivered by the Scouts, we turned the vehicles, which had accompanied us, to the west. The general withdrawal of the column was covered by our one tank.

...By now, the physical condition of the Scouts we had with us, was near complete exhaustion. On the return march, we saw quite a number of Philippine Army soldiers who had thrown away their rifles and were evacuating to the rear. The Scouts were different. Often one would drop in his tracks. It was only by shame that we could get their exhausted bodies to stumble on. We would look at them and say: "Are you Philippine Army or are you Scout?" Without exception, they would stand as erect as possible - and then plod on. I love them and I'm not ashamed of it!

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And a quote from an American veteran via email:

Tillman Rutledge
F Company, 31st Infantry
Commander of Battling Bastards of Bataan veterans org.

Let me tell you some eye witness facts about the Scouts, especially the 45th, 57th, 26th Cav as I fought beside them. They were the best, dedicated, loyal, fearless well trained fighting Men. They did not want to put down their weapons. They were very proud. They also had most of the best American Officers and NCOs that were transferred to them, probably all the West Pointers. They were not just pretty good, they were outstanding to the Man.

[noslack 327]

That is a large flag folded arm over arm,would have been refolded.

[goo]

their progeny... circa 1970
nyuck, nyuck
...
http://www.subicbaypi.com/sub_girls70_008.jpg

[gunsmith]

1970 jpeg is some R & R from the locals scouts?

Now back to our regular program....
do any M-1's return home from the Phillipines ???