At this time, Co. "F" consisted of 9 officers and 144 enlisted men.
At seven in the morning, the U.S.S Custer weighed anchor and sailed as a
part of the convoy. Destination unknown. Morale was high, as a result of the
grand food the ship served. Custer dropped anchor in Leyte Gulf, Nov. 19,
1944. Company headquarters and Mortar platoon disembarked from the
Custer at 0700 hr. by LCI and landed Maragona,
Leyte Island Philippine Islands at 0715 hr, first, second and third platoons
disembarked at 1515 hr and landed at 1530 same date. After disembarking and
landing the Company proceeded to set up camp. Distance traveled by ship,
approximately 1150 miles.
19 November, 1944 to 11 December, 1944, company bivouacked near Maragona,
Leyte, training for coming operation. In the meantime the men enjoyed the
dandy beach by swimming and playing ball on the sands. Many Nippon planes
were shot down from the skies overhead. So foxholes had to be dug beside
each man's bed. One day the regiment witnessed a Nippon Kamikase pilot that
struck a liberty ship in the (blank space).
Many men lost their lives and the ship burned continuously all night. Every
night anti-aircraft batteries expended mucho rounds of tracer at
the Nips. It resembled Coney island on the fourth of July. The P-38 fighter
plane did its job of clearing the skies of
(blank space, probably the word Japs.)
11th December, 1944:
Company consisting of 5 officers and 132 EM. Broke camp at 0700 and moved
down to the beach ˝
mile at Reading Point. Boarded LCI 759 at 1030. Joined convoy and anchored
Leyte harbor overnight. Although most of the men were seasick, the morale
was high since Peterson, R. L. discovered a strange hatch filled with ice
cream powder, peaches and dehydrated milk.
12th December 44: LCI's weighed anchor at 1530 and sailed as part of the
invasion force for Mindoro Island, Philippine Islands. Morale is excellent.
This is to be the first beach assault company "F" has ever attempted. The
following day the convoy received several bombing raids which were met with
our own intense anti-aircraft fire. No casualties aboard our own ship. One
ship in the convoy was hit by an enemy suicide (Kamikaze) plane.
0720 hour, 15 Dec, 1944: company "F" stormed ashore after a 15 minute naval
bombardment of rockets and shells, then continued by foot to San Jose,
Mindoro Is., Philippines. The terrain was rough for hiking with our heavy
packs, loaded with chow mostly. Company minus the third platoon left to
guard general headquarters at San Jose. No enemy ground resistance. Company
did routine patrolling and setting up positions. Enemy air activity was very
intense. Each man had to dig a deep, standing fox hole because of the
punctual night bombings.
29 January, 1945: Captain McRoberts relieved of assignment as company
commander and Lt. William T. Bailey assumed command. Company set up camp
across the river, west of San Jose. Began intensive training and preparation
for another mission. Feb. 7, the company was alerted for coming mission
(unknown). The battalion commander gave out with some dope. About this
mission we, the 503, would get mucho publicity. In fact the men knew it was
Corregidor by guessing, and not officially. Equipment was packed and
personnel restricted to regimental area, company consisted of 6 officers and
130 EM.
1120 hr, 16 February, 1945: company "F" took off from Hill Strip enroute to
Corregidor Island, Philippine Islands. Pfc McColin LWA while in flight by enemy anti-aircraft fire.
1400 hour, company jumped and was assembled by 1500 hr., 11
[CLEARLY WRONG! MAY BE 1100] men had
jumped. Company moved into officers row and went into position for the
night. First platoon, in an attempt to take Wheeler Battery lost 2 EM killed
in action. These were the first 2 men killed in action from Company "F".
They grew fiercer during the morning. First Lt. William Campbell and Sgt.
Hoyt were killed. Lt Campbell was killed in front of Wheeler Battery while
preparing an attack and Sgt. Hoyt was killed south of jump field "A" while
attempting to rescue a wounded comrade. Lt Miller, Lt. Flash, Pfc O'Donnel,
Pfc. Anthony Lopez, Pfc Greek Kambakumis, Pfc.Ackerman, Pfc. Harrigan, Pfc.
Cherimisin were wounded today.
18 February: 503rd platoon attacked the bunker until no enemy opposition. "F"
company now consists of 3 officers and 113 EM.
18-19 February: Fighting was bitter during the night as the enemy attacked
time and time again, resulting in the death of Sgt. Donald White and lightly
wounding Pfc. Aimers, Albersman, Lloyd McCarter and Benedict Schilli. During
the day heavt enemy sniper fire resulted in the death of Pfc. Pasquale
Ruggio, and lightly wounded Pfc's Eugene Rasey and Lawrence Rainville. Pfc
Fred Morgan was killed today by enemy sniper fire, when the third platoon
and company headquarters took a short break before a powder magazine. One
man happened to look into the magazine and saw 20 or more Japs. The company
laid down rifle fire while the remainder withdrew under the direction of Lt.
William LaVancher. In withdrawing Pfc Morgan was shot through the head.
Company strength was now 3 officers and 105 EM.
20 February: Pfc. Homer Patterson was killed in Sheeny ravine
(as Cheney Ravine was then thought to be.) The same
patrol captured 4 trucks, 2 automobiles and destroyed a 6 inch naval gun.
22 February: first platoon moved down Sheeny Ravine in the attack and met
heavy enemy resistance consisting of rifle and machine gun fire. During this
action, Pfc. Yarrow, Yokum and Sgt George Mikel were killed. Pfc. Stanley
Maciborski was lightly wounded in action. Company strength now is 3 officers
and 100 EM
4 March, during the great explosion today in the enlisted men barracks,
Pfc's. Whall and Pierce, George was lightly wounded and all blinded from
phosphorous shells. The same shell started the fire and explosions.
The remainder of the stay on the Rock was spent on perimeter on topside
among the barracks.
8 March: Company boarded LCT, hoisted anchor and were underway at 1700 and
left the rock in the distance. The following day, Company debarked from the
ships at White beach, Mindoro P.I. and arrived at camp area San Jose,
Mindoro at 1530hr.
1 April, 1945: Company assigned 3 officers and 36 EM replacements today.
Another mission was in the air again. The Regiment was alerted to jump on an
unknown island. Company was issued parachutes but that was cancelled in good
fashion. But the mission was still to take place with the airborne part out.
7 April, company consisting of 6 officers and 135 EM moved to San Jose strip
and boarded planes at 0755 and landed at Iloilo strip, Iloilo City, Panay
P.I. at 0915. From the strip the company moved by truck to Iloilo City docks
to board another LCI and land at Pulupandan, Negros Island, Philippine
Islands at 1735. The company moved to the city square (known as the plaza)
where a dance was being held for the liberating Americans and spent the
night night on the grass.
9 April: The men had breakfast and company moved out at 0830 to attack San
Isidro which was at the foothills of the mountains. For the mission we were
assigned 2 M-4 tanks and a demolition section. Unable to cross the Imbang
River, the tanks turned back and the infantry went on. The 2nd platoon
contacted the enemy in Sinapanan. After the company had been repulsed, we
returned to our previous positions which we had occupied the night before.
During this action S/sgt. James Jackson was fatally wounded and 1st Lt. Lee
and Sgt. Leroy Eide were slightly wounded.
10 April: During the morning the company perimeter came under enemy
artillery fire estimated to be 75 mm, Pvt. Donald Anderson was fatally
wounded by this fire.
12 April: Company attempted to attack an enemy held ridge. 1st Lt. William
Bailey went to the hospital and command of the company was temporarily taken
over by 1st Lt. William Calhoun.
21 April: Company attempted to attack an enemy held ridge but, because of
the large number of enemy automatic weapons and bunker systems, had to
withdraw until more support could be brought in. During this action, Pfc.
Henry McCory and Pvt. Karl Schneider were killed. S/sgt. Chris Johnson and
Sgt. William con were wounded.
22 April: During the night, the enemy pulled an infiltration attack.
Throwing anti-personnel bombs which fatally wounded Pfc. Ralph Bright.
During the morning, the company successfully attacked and secured part of
the ridge which we had failed to take the day before. During this action,
S/Sgt. Ben Roote was fatally wounded and Pfc. Charleston
Penton and Pvt. Allen
Khesherewese LWA.
The third platoon led the attack.
23 April: the rest
of the ridge was taken by the first platoon and secured by company "F". this
morning being this action pfc's. Richard
[WORDS
MISSING] .
The company captured 2 heavy [WORDS MISSING],
definitely and unknown
[WORDS
MISSING] Also
captured an unknown number of
[WORDS
MISSING] and
carbines.
26 April: The past two days had been spent quietly in the mens positions,
giving all a chance to write home and to clean weapons for the action that
was seen in the future. During the afternoon of today, an enemy artillery
shell burst over the company C.P. and fatally wounded Pfc. Virgil Turber.
27 April: Company
moved out on the attack after a heavy artillery barrage and advanced to
hill, approximately 200 yarps in front of our perimeter. The
first and second platoons led this attack which resulted in Pfc. Morton
Kaufman being LWA. 4 MCG's
[sic?]were
captured.
28 April: Company spent the morning doing local patrolling. Sniper fire
killed Pfc. Ace Dibble and seriously wounding Pfc's. Woodrow Hart and Johnny
Peters.
29 April: During the night the 1st platoon's perimeter came under enemy
mortar fire which resulted in the death of Pfc. Ralph Iverson and Pvt.
Dallas Workman.
3 May: 1st platoon moved up into the forest approx. 80 yards to set up a
platoon outpost, there they contacted approx. 200 enemy and were surrounded.
2nd platoon went to their relief and after fierce fighting both platoons
withdrew, leaving an unknown number of enemy dead. During this action, Pfc.
Jose Caldron was killed and Pfc.Allen Martin was fatally wounded. Pfc's
Perry Bandt and Phillip Smith were LWA.
23 May: The company .moved out on a recon in force this morning
and after moving about 800 yds., contacted an unknown number of enemy dug in
on a very steep ridge. Pfc's Robert Unterzuber, Charles Kruse, Walter Maniak
and James Wilson were SWA. After a heavy mortar barrage, the hill was
successfully taken with the third platoon leading. The enemy had buried most
of theirs so that the exact number of killed was not known.
28 May: 1st Lt. Bailey resumed command and 1st lt. William Calhoun was
dropped as Company Commander and resumed duties as Exec. Officer.
29 May: During the day, the company attacked a position and was forced to
withdraw and call in artillery. During this action, Pvt. Frank Siket was LWA.
30 May: Company made a successful attack today and counted 11 enemy dead and
captured 2 LMG's. It is believed that the enemy pulled back many of their
dead with them, as they withdrew. During this action Pvt. Robert Hahn was
LWA.
1 June: The following days were spent in short patrols. The men have been in
combat for 61 days. Everyone is hopefully waiting for the relief that is
supposed to come.
6 June: The orders to move to the Regtl. C.P. came today. The men are in
good spirits with thoughts that the mission had at last come to an end. The
long hike down steep ridges and treacherous ravines is made. The men cheer
as they come into open terrain and into the sunlight.
10 June: 2nd platoon plus one section of LMG, moved to Victorias. The rest
of the company to follow tomorrow.
11 June: 1st platoon minus 12 men moved out and set up around Malago River
bridge to act as bridge guard. 12 men from the first platoon moved to the
Inbang bridge. Third platoon set up on the Malato river bridge with the
.first. The mortar platoon set up just outside of Bacolod. Second platoon
and Co.HQ set up just in rear of the Municipal building in Victorias.
12 June: Second platoon left Victorias on patrol at 1300 hr. To N.E. Patrol
was unable to reach Cadiz and returned to Manapla for information and guide.
Received information on Japs in area and patrol found and killed four.
13 June: numerous Japs reported in outlaying area. Four patrols departed at
0800.to try to contact the enemy. One patrol found four dead Japs. Other
patrols reported no activity.
16 June: Two road patrols were the only patrols out today. Met no enemy
resistance. Company observed memorial services.
18 June: Second platoon patrol with outpost in Fabrica left there to patrol
Hinygon district S.E. of Fabrica, only approach was by railway. About five
miles out, received report from civilian that seven Japs were eating in his
home. Patrol approached house and about 50 feet away, were fired on by
shotgun. Patrol assaulted house and after fire fight, counted six dead,
however the one that escaped took the shotgun with him.
19 June: Mixed patrols including Filipino regulars departed Fabaica at 2200
hr. To approximately 10 miles S.E. of Fabrica. Japs told farmers that they
would surrender to American soldiers but not to civilians. Patrol reached
farmers house before daylight and surrounded farmers house. Farmer met the
patrol leader and informed him that the Japs had children in the house. The
patrol leader elected to wait until day break before taking any action. The
patrol leader instructed, the farmer to tell the Japs to either surrender or
release the~children. The Japs freed the children and as soon. as they
cleared the house, opened up with a machine gun and aerial bombs. After the
house had been assaulted, patrol found four dead, and two wounded Japs.
Buried the dead and brought the two wounded in as prisoners.
26 June: Outpost of third platoon sent in Filipino messenger that they
sighted two hundred Japs organized and armed. Company commander gathered up
25 men and started to San Pablo to help outpost. Met outpost on way out and
decided to come in for reinforcements.
29 June: Second platoon with LMG, attached and working; with Filipino
Regulars, attacked a strong point at San Jose, enemy force estimated to be
two-hundred strong. Fire fight started at 1700 hr and lasted for two hours.
Enemy had well dug in positions and had a good supply of ammo. After fight,
2nd platoon withdrew after counting 20 dead and Filipino regulars counting
another 7 dead in their sector. One prisoner was taken.
2 July 45: First Lt. Bailey relieved of command and Capt. William LaVancher
appointed new company commander.
3 July 45: Company new less second platoon moved to Hacienda Florencia at
co-ordinates approx. (128-1315) map 1-50,000 Victorias River Sheet.
4 July 45: lt.
Mathers with one squad left on motor pool at 1300 hr. to San Isidroto to
investigate report of 8 Japs in that area. Found no evidence of enemy. This
patrol brought back one Filipino that has been wounded by the Japanese.
Informal inspection by
[WORDS
MISSING]
5 July 45: Company patrol of 306 men left Co. at 0800 hr. to investigate
report of enemy in San Isidro, San Jose, Bashven area. Patrol to stay out
over night. No report at end of period. Civilians turned over 1 enemy
civilian and 3 soldiers that had been captured near San Isidiro. All
surrendered voluntarily.
7 July 45: Sgt. Roberts with one squad left company at 0845 hr to
investigate reports at Nabinag. Arriving there found no evidence of enemy.
Requested permission to stay there overnight and permission was granted.
Informal inspection by the battalion commander at 1330.
8 July 45: 16 man guerilla recon patrol reported back to "F" Co,
C.P. reported that 30 enemy armed with rifles stole two caraboa and
kidnapped two civilians. Company sent patrol to investigate but found no
evidence of enemy. At 0900 hr., near Bahvan, patrol observed 12 enemy in a
patrol. Set up an ambush and killed 2 enemy.
9 July 45: Sgt.
Thomas with BAR, sniper rifle, 2 radio operators and 16 guerillas left
company CP at 0900 with mission of reco San Isidrio Dap Iap,
[Dap Dap?]
Paz, San Jose• as follows: Approx. 30 enemy in vicinity of San Jose (35.
2-12.6) armed with HMG, LMG, 4 rifles. Guerillas with patrol reported
killing 10 enemy soldiers. Company alerted to move to Fabrica at 1010.
10 July 45: First elements of company boarded trucks at 1630 hr for the move
to Fabrica. Due to lack of transportation, the move took approx. 5 hours.
Company intact at 2130 hr.and set up in a bonded warehouse in Fabrica. Sgt.
Ballard and squad left company CP to set up on airstrip across river from
Fabrica.
11 July 45: Sgt.
Ballard squad relieved Sgt. Fileds
[Fields?]and
squad set-up outposts at airstrip area for possible bivouac area for the
company. Did not find suitable site to set up camp. Capt. LaVancher called
meeting to plat sgt. and plat. leaders for move on 12 July 45.
12 July 45: Company moved from a bonded warehouse to area formerly
occupied by "E". Company which is located in Fabrica
proper. First squad set up guard for cub airstrip and called back at1235 hr.
Lt. Turpin with five men acted as guide and guard for regimental commander
to San Pablo.
13 July 45: Company awoke at 1305 and prepared to move. Boarded train at
1307. At 1345, six B-24 bombers dropped their bombs near the train and
caused much excitement. We had one casualty from indirect causes. After the
bombing, we proceeded to Maniog bridge where company set up perimeter for
the night. At 1315, Lt. Whiting with, one squad, proceeded to recon the
Polotanguan Manbalico and Dingabongbong bridge, found bridges to be in good
shape. Investigated huts 1/2 mile from Dingabongbonq bridge on right side of
bridge. Found one boy picking corn and one woman running away. In the
biggest hut found two documents. Everything quiet during the night, 'with'
one. exception, Pfc. Green, threw a hand granade at a wild
pig'which he had mistaken to be a Jap,
14 july 45: Lt. Calhoun with first and second platoon and one section cf
machine guns, plus one section of mortars, left by train to recon
Buagang lumber camp. After reaching lumber camp, patrol split into two
groups. Second platoon went to the Malapasco area to patrol that area and
first platoon took the track to east of the lumber camp. Second platoon
received message that four Japs were in a civilian home. Approaching the
house, Lt. Turpin was killed by a sniper. Patrol assaulted house but found
no enemy. Patrol returned to camp at1400 hr. First Lt. Mathers was told to
report to Regimantal CP at 1430 hr.
15 July 45: Company
moved by train to Bugand
[Probably
Bugang]lumber
camp and set up a perimeter. Boarded train at 1545 and arrived at lumber
camp one hour later. After arriving here, sent small recon parties out to
feel out the area. Patrols returned with reports from civilians that Japs
were living in houses on other side of camp. Patrol was sent out to
investigate and found no enemy.
16 July 45: First
platoon left company CP at 1630 hr to investigate house supposedly occupied
by Japs. Returned at 1600,hr. with no activity reported. Third platoon left
company CP at 1600 hr, to recon area at Malaspac.
On way ran into scattered groups of Japs. Reaching Festinatio, an assault
was made and nineteen enemy soldiers were killed. Patrol destroyed food,
equipment and eighteen rifles. Patrol returned at 1600 hr. with no
casualties.
17 July 45: First and second platoons with 81 mm attached left company CP at
1700 hr. to assault Malapasoc. Arriving, they saw much evidence of occupancy
and laid in the 81mm mortars, the patrol then made the assault and one enemy
soldier was killed. We suffered no casualties. At 1330 hr the patrol
returned to the company CP. Four men investigated a report of one Jap in
civilian house, killed same. This was in Lugang camp. Native brought in head
of Jap caught stealing food.
13 July 45: Third
platoon left company CP at 0800 hr. to recon the Malapasco and area beyond.
Found evidence of enemy but no enemy soldiers. Second platoon left CP at
0800 to relieve the third platoon and reached Malaposaco but
found no evidence of enemy activity. Returned to CP at 1700 hr.
19 July 45: At 0830,
third platoon moved out on combat patrol with radio communications. One
squad plus radio section set up strong point at Malapesco,
two squads proceeded to Yaningan creek. No enemy encountered. Patrol
returned at 1600 hr.
21 July 45: First and second platoon's reinforced patrol swept the Makatagak
river area from 0800 to 1330 hr. Encountered enemy, weather bad.
22 July 45: Company
sent out small security patrols from Co. Bivouse
[Bivouac?],
area. One Jap was killed in a house located south east of company
area approx. five kilometers.
23 July 45: Company
sent out small security patrols. One squad was sent to Malapasco but
encountered no enemy.
24 July 45: Eighteen
men left company at 1800 hr. to Fabrica as honor guard for the Eighth Army
commander. Company sent details to clean the area for the pitching of squad
tents. Possibly as a permanent camp site. Second platoon left on overnight
patrol at 0830 hr. to Danao river area. No activity at close of period.
First platoon had recon and security patrol to Malapasco.
No enemy encountered.
25 July 45: Second platoon patrol returned from Danao at 1200 hr after
spending night there. Investigated civilian activity reports of enemy
soldiers in area but found no enemy. No activity reported for days. Company
notified arrival of inspecting general delayed because of breakdown of
train.
27 July 45: First platoon left company at 0830 hr. To Altopoloa to contact
any Jap soldiers in that area and destroy same. At close of period, reported
no activity. Ten man patrol with Lt. Whiting left company at 2300 hr. and
proceeded to Fabrica to get further instructions after arriving there.
28 July 45: First platoon patrol returned from Altopoloa at 1200 hr.
Reporting no activity. Co. proceeded to move to Malapasco and set up camp
there. Company intact, arrived at Malapasco, less first platoon.
29 July 45: Lt. Whiting and ten men proceeded to Fabric4 at 2300 hr. Second,
third, and mortar platoons, plus Company HQ, moved to Malapasco and set up
camp. First platoon returned and guarded Battalion HQ.
2 August 45: Patrol
from second and third platoons secured drip fire
while rest of company remained in company area holding perimeter and getting
in supplies. Three patrols from company left Co. CP, met and killed 23 enemy
soldiers in proximity of (15/-30.0) Anton River Map Scale 1-50,000.
3 August, 45: First
platoon recon patrol went up trail about 2 mi; east of company perimeter and
reported killing one enemy soldier and burning twenty shacks. Second platoon
patrol reconned trail for 2 mi. northwest of company perimeter and reported
enemy soldiers buried in bomb craters. Burned 21 shacks before returning.
This platoon sent patrol to Malapasco with wounded and injured personnel.' No
communications with battalion as yet. Fourth platoon sent patrol to Maparo
river
to escort radio men to company CP, returned at 1800 hr. after radio party
did not arrive. Company re-supplied by air at 1600.
4 August, 45: First platoon patrol left company CP at 0800 hr. Proceeded NE
of company position encountered 3 enemy and killed same. Second platoon
proceeded W of company area, encountering 3 enemy, and killing 2. Third
platoon escorted carrying party to. Company CP enroute, killing one enemy
soldier. Company moved 200 yds, to new bivouac area.
5 August, 45,. First platoon sent patrol to Malapasco escorting Major
Padgett and sick personnel. Second platoon sent to recon trail net 2 mi. E.
OF company area, reported no enemy activity.Third platoon patrol set
ambushes on trail to Bago area, reported no activity. Third platoon patrol
to Malapasco reported back to company CP with radio party at 1600 hr.
6 August, 45: Company moved out at 0900 hr. for Malapasco arriving at 1400
hr. intact. No enemy activity.
9 August 45: Cap. laVancher relieved of command and First Lt. Samual Kiltler
assumed command.
13 August,45: One
squad from second platoon with eight engineers attached reported back to
company CP at 1600 hr. Two groups of Japs, were encountered with the patrol
killing two and wounding an unknown number of others.
1 September, 45: Company was alerted to move to another station. Company
prepared by making status and men organizing their duffle bags. The regiment
was scheduled to move to Dumeguete, Negros Oriental by LSM. Entruck to
Palupandan, board ships
there. Within a few days this move was canceled. Few more days passed and
the company was again alerted. The company commander held a formation and
gave out with the latest poop, the 503rd was scheduled to pack bags for a
new station, at Yokohama, Japan. Company supply made out
requisitions for winter garments. The morale was high and every man did want
to see Japan. Nothing was really definite as to time leaving, etc. Company
did its usual guarding of Japanese prisoners of war at Fabrica.
Finally news came down that this intended move too has been cancelled and
forgotten. High point men were still waiting to be released from the
regiment, (80 points). Another move was to take place and all were alerted.
This time it did happen. Entire second battalion, except Easy company, left
by truck for Pulupandan, the point to board LSM ships. The trip to Dumaguete,
Negros Oriental, was almost two days. Arrive in the bay of Dumaguete in the
early part of the afternoon, LSM pulled up to the docks and company
disembarked. Trucks came to take company and equipment to new camp site, one
half mile from the town of Dumaguete. Tents were raised and darkness came,
then the camp was asleep. Following days were spent beautifying the camp
area, policing of all types was carried on.
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