Battle of Molo, March 19, 1945
SHOTS ARE HEARD FROM THE DIRECTION OF MOLO
Around 2 p.m., we suddenly heard guns in the direction of Molo – a dozen shots that moved from point to point, which made me wonder if the guerrillas had finally started using self-propelled guns. Running and stumbling like a rolling ball, an orderly from the Fujii unit soon arrived to report, ‘The enemy tanks are attacking the Molo position.’ The second orderly followed with the report, ‘A dozen enemy tanks are approaching and fiercely attacking from the direction of Molo. There are three or four tanks at the Molo Bridge. The landmines all ended up misfiring. Hurry up and send reinforcements!’ Damn, all my reliable landmines had misfired. I stomped my feet in frustration. Now there was no doubt about the landing of the US forces. First Lieutenant Ishikawa immediately sent the Machine-Gun Force and NCO Cadet Platoon to reinforce the Molo position.
The Blood and Mud in the Philippines, Section 8.1
AMERICAN TANKS ARE MOVING UP ON JAPANESE HELD POSITIONS
SC 263762
71. Tanks are moving up on Jap held positions on Panay, P.I., 3/19/1945.
1ST LIEUT. SUGAHARA IS HIT AND KILLED BY AN AMERICAN TANK
Fortunately, by the time the reinforcements rushed to the scene, the enemy tanks had just withdrawn after rampaging around to their satisfaction. In this battle, First Lieutenant Sugahara fought against a tank at close quarters and was killed in action. A direct hit of the tank’s machine gun blasted off his upper body.
The Blood and Mud in the Philippines, Section 8.1
LT. ROBERT FIELD IS KILLED AFTER TAKING THIS PHOTO
SC 204239
11. Troops of the 185th Infantry, 40th Division, take cover behind advancing tanks
while moving up on Jap positions on Panay Island, P.I.
Note: This photo was salvaged from the camera of Lt. Robert Field, Signal Corps photographer,
who was killed in action shortly after the picture was made. 3/19/1945.
(Lieut. Robert Field was killed at the Battle of Molo, March 19, 1945)
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/56779050/robert-edwin-field
T/5 HOWARD KLAWITTER TAKES FOUR PHOTOS BEFORE HE IS WOUNDED
SC 204240
13. Troops of Co. A, 1st Battalion, 185th Infantry, 40th Division, take cover behind advancing tanks
while moving up on Jap positions on Panay Island, P.I.
Note: this is one of four photos made by Signal Corps photographer T/5 Howard Klawitter
before he was wounded. 3/19/45.
CORPORAL KENNETH VAN ANTWERP, MEDICAL DEPARTMENT, EARNS SILVER STAR (POSTHUMOUS)
KILLED IN ACTION BY MACHINE GUN FIRE AFTER GIVING MEDICAL ATTENTION TO THE WOUNDED
G.O. No. 54, Hq 40th Inf Div, APO 40, 11 April 45.
I. AWARD OF THE SILVER STAR (POSTHUMOUS):
By direction of the President, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved 9 July 1918 (Bulletin 43, WD, 1918), a Silver Star is awarded by the Commanding General, 40th Infantry Division, to the following named enlisted men:
Corporal KENNETH VAN ANTWERP, 39604231, Medical Department, United States Army. For gallantry in action near Molo, Panay, P.I., on 19 March 1945. During an engagement with the enemy, word reached the aid station that a litter squad was pinned down by enemy fire. Corporal Van Antwerp volunteered to go forward and while on this mission was informed that a fellow soldier had been wounded. He succeeded in finding the wounded soldier who was with the most forward element of the assault platoon in an area under heavy enemy fire. Corporal Van Antwerp removed the wounded man to a position of comparative safety behind a low stone wall, and administered first aid. He repeatedly exposed himself to the enemy fire that was coming over the wall. Immediately after dressing the wounds, Corporal Van Antwerp was killed by machine gun fire. Next of kin: Mr. Denzil Cochran (mother), Lima, Montana.
120
BY COMMAND OF MAJOR GENERAL BRUSH:
GEORGE W. LATIMER,
Colonel, GSC,
Chief of Staff.
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/56791612/kenneth-winston-van_antwerp
T/5 RAYMOND G. MEYERS, MEDICAL DEPARTMENT, EARNS SILVER STAR
FOR GIVING MEDICAL ATTENTION TO THE WOUNDED DESPITE HIS OWN WOUNDS
G.O. No. 54, Hq 40th Inf Div, APO 40, 11 April 45.
II. AWARDS OF THE SILVER STAR:
By direction of the President, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved 9 July 1918 (Bulletin 43, WD, 1918), a Silver Star is awarded by the Commanding General, 40th Infantry Division, to the following named enlisted men and officer:
Technician Fifth Grade RAYMOND G. MEYERS, 15315901, Medical Department, United States Army. For gallantry in action near Molo, Panay, P.I., on 19 March 1945. The infantry company to which Technician Fifth Grade Meyers was attached, as an aid man, suffered casualties when machine gun fire from enemy emplacements was encountered. Leaving his position of relative safety, Technician Fifth Grade Meyers advanced under fire to render medical aid. While tending a wounded soldier, Technician Fifth Grade Meyers was wounded; despite his own wound he continued his work, and directed evacuation of the wounded man. Technician Fifth Grade Meyers dressed his own wound as best he could and crawled back to an unexposed location. Upon reaching this area, he found another wounded soldier to whom he rendered first aid before permitting the litter team to remove himself and the wounded one to the aid station. Home address: Mrs. Ida Meyers (mother), 1107 9th Street S.W., Canton, Ohio.
121
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/36505653/raymond-g-meyers
BY COMMAND OF MAJOR GENERAL BRUSH:
GEORGE W. LATIMER,
Colonel, GSC,
Chief of Staff.
PFC. JOSE VEGA, MEDICAL DEPARTMENT, EARNS SILVER STAR AWARD
FOR GIVING MEDICAL ATTENTION TO THE WOUNDED DESPITE HIS OWN WOUNDS
G.O. No. 54, Hq 40th Inf Div, APO 40, 11 April 45.
II. AWARDS OF THE SILVER STAR:
By direction of the President, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved 9 July 1918 (Bulletin 43, WD, 1918), a Silver Star is awarded by the Commanding General, 40th Infantry Division, to the following named enlisted men and officer:
Private First Class JOSE VEGA, 6267921, Medical Department, United States Army. For gallantry in action near Molo, Panay, P.I., on 19 March 1945. During an attack on enemy forces, Private First Class Vega; an aid man, was attached to an infantry company. When the company was subjected to heavy ??? machine gun fire from emplaced weapons, two men were wounded while attempting to cross an exposed area. As he was crossing the open area to give them medical attention, Private First Class Vega was seriously wounded. Disregarding his own wounds, he proceeded to render first aid to one of the wounded men before crawling to the rear to have hiw own wounds treated. Home address: Mrs. Bertha V. Cerdona (sister), 1215 West Traira, San Antonio, Texas.
121
BY COMMAND OF MAJOR GENERAL BRUSH:
GEORGE W. LATIMER,
Colonel, GSC,
Chief of Staff.
PFC. JOHN G. OJA, MEDICAL DEPARTMENT, EARNS BRONZE STAR MEDAL
FOR DIRECTING HIS LITTER SQUAD DESPITE HIS OWN WOUNDS
G.O. No. 60, Hq 40th Inf Div, APO 40, 19 April 1945
AWARDS OF THE BRONZE STAR MEDAL:
By direction of the President, under the provisions of Executive Order No. 9419, 4 February 1944 (Sec II, Bulletin 3, WD, 1944) a Bronze Star Medal is awarded by the Commanding General, 40th Infantry Division, to the following named officer and enlisted man:
Private First Class JOHN G. OJA, 37273996, Medical Department, United States Army. For heroic achievement in connection with military operations against the enemy near Molo, Panay, P.I., on 19 March 1945. During the attack by the company to which he was attached as aid man on an enemy holding force, it was reported that a member of one of the assault platoons had been wounded. Private First Class Oja led his litter squad to a forward and exposed position beyond the front line advancing without the aid of rifle protection. While proceeding forward, they were subjected to enemy machine gun fire, and Private First Class Oja was severely wounded as they took cover. He and his litter squad was hampered by enemy fire for approximately two hours. During this time Private First Class Oja directed evacuation; slowly crawling and dragging the litter while under fire. He finally became exhausted and was unable to continue, but he directed his litter squad to safety while he remained behind. His condition was such that another litter squad was dispatched to evacuate him. Home address: Mr. John Oja, Sr. (father), Rt 1, Box 39, Tamarock, Minnesota.
91
BY COMMAND OF MAJOR GENERAL BRUSH:
GEORGE W. LATIMER,
Colonel, GSC,
Chief of Staff.
MESSENGERS ARRIVE AT THE JAPANESE HEADQUARTERS TO REPORT
THAT AMERICAN TANKS ARE ATTACKING MOLO
Around 2 p.m., we suddenly heard guns in the direction of Molo – a dozen shots that moved from point to point, which made me wonder if the guerrillas had finally started using self-propelled guns. Running and stumbling like a rolling ball, an orderly from the Fujii unit soon arrived to report, ‘The enemy tanks are attacking the Molo position.’ The second orderly followed with the report, ‘A dozen enemy tanks are approaching and fiercely attacking from the direction of Molo. There are three or four tanks at the Molo Bridge. The landmines all ended up misfiring. Hurry up and send reinforcements!’ Damn, all my reliable landmines had misfired. I stomped my feet in frustration. Now there was no doubt about the landing of the US forces. First Lieutenant Ishikawa immediately sent the Machine-Gun Force and NCO Cadet Platoon to reinforce the Molo position.
The Blood and Mud in the Philippines, Section 8.1
LIEUT. ISHIKAWA SENDS REINFORCEMENTS
Around 2 p.m., we suddenly heard guns in the direction of Molo – a dozen shots that moved from point to point, which made me wonder if the guerrillas had finally started using self-propelled guns. Running and stumbling like a rolling ball, an orderly from the Fujii unit soon arrived to report, ‘The enemy tanks are attacking the Molo position.’ The second orderly followed with the report, ‘A dozen enemy tanks are approaching and fiercely attacking from the direction of Molo. There are three or four tanks at the Molo Bridge. The landmines all ended up misfiring. Hurry up and send reinforcements!’ Damn, all my reliable landmines had misfired. I stomped my feet in frustration. Now there was no doubt about the landing of the US forces. First Lieutenant Ishikawa immediately sent the Machine-Gun Force and NCO Cadet Platoon to reinforce the Molo position.
The Blood and Mud in the Philippines, Section 8.1
THE REINFORCEMENTS ARRIVE AT MOLO AND TAKE A STRONG POSITION NEAR THE CHURCH
Map provided by Wanda Ole
Fortunately, by the time the reinforcements rushed to the scene, the enemy tanks had just withdrawn after rampaging around to their satisfaction. In this battle, First Lieutenant Sugahara fought against a tank at close quarters and was killed in action. A direct hit of the tank’s machine gun blasted off his upper body.
The Blood and Mud in the Philippines, Section 8.1
SC 263760
67. Tanks are moving up to remove Japs behind a stone wall in the city of Molo, Panay, P.I. 3/19/1945.
CAPT. RICHARD A. GOCK, INFANTRY, EARNS BRONZE STAR MEDAL
FOR EMPLOYMENT OF ATTACHED TANKS AND HEAVY WEAPONS
G.O. No. 69, Hq 40th Inf Div, APO 40, 29 April 1945
II. AWARDS OF THE BRONZE STAR MEDAL:
By direction of the President, under the provisions of Executive Order No. 9419, 4 February 1944 (Sec II, Bulletin 3, WD, 1944) a Bronze Star Medal is awarded by the Commanding General, 40th Infantry Division, to the following named enlisted men and officers:
Captain RICHARD A. GOCK, 0370916, Infantry, United States Army. For heroic achievement in connection with military operations against the enemy near Molo, Panay, P.I., from 19 March to 24 March 1945. During an engagement Captain Gock displayed unusual skill in the employment of attached tanks and heavy weapons. He made a personal reconnaissance which enabled his company to accomplish the destruction on a strong enemy delaying force which was impeding the advance of the entire battalion. His constant presence with the most forward elements of his command was a source of inspiration to his men, and contributed materially to the success of the battalion. Home address: Mrs. Richard A. Gock (wife), 326 Magnolia Ave., Piedmont, California.
76
BY COMMAND OF MAJOR GENERAL BRUSH:
GEORGE W. LATIMER,
Colonel, GSC,
Chief of Staff.
G.O. No. 60, Hq 40th Inf Div, APO 40, 19 April 1945
AWARDS OF THE BRONZE STAR MEDAL:
By direction of the President, under the provisions of Executive Order No. 9419, 4 February 1944 (Sec II, Bulletin 3, WD, 1944) a Bronze Star Medal is awarded by the Commanding General, 40th Infantry Division, to the following named officer and enlisted man:
Captain JOHN C. HUNTINGTON, 0101608, Tank Corps, United States Army. For heroic achievement in connection with military operations against the enemy on Panay and Negros, P.I., from 18 March to 1 April 1945. Captain Huntington made a personal foot reconnaissance of an area prior to committing his tanks during which time he was exposed to enemy machine gun and mortar fire. He moved in front of his vehicles during the first fight designating targets for the tanks. On another occasion when his communications failed, he went forward on foot, and directed the tank attack while the vehicles were "buttoned down". During a later engagement when the radios again ceased to operate properly, Captain Huntington directed his tanks from a 1/4 ton truck. Although his truck was hit by enemy fire while he was standing beside it, he continued his coordination on foot of the tank-infantry fighting. During all these engagements, Captain Huntington, with utter disregard for his personal safety, continually reconnoitered the ground and frequently exposed himself to enemy fire. Home address: Mrs. John C. Huntington (wife), 1549 Jorquil Terrace, Chicago, Illinois.
91
BY COMMAND OF MAJOR GENERAL BRUSH:
GEORGE W. LATIMER,
Colonel, GSC,
Chief of Staff.
SC
69.
