Thread by @USArmyCMH

16 FEB 1945 - SECOND BATTLE OF CORREGIDOR - #WWII

After powerful air and naval preparatory bombardments, XI Corps launched a coordinated airborne and amphibious invasion of the strategic rock fortress of Corregidor.

#Armyhistory #USArmy #TRADOC #Corregidor #MilitaryHistory

One battalion of the 503d Parachute Regimental Combat Team jumped in on the western portion of the island, followed by an amphibious assault by 3d Battalion of the 34th Regimental Combat Team (RCT), 24th Infantry Division, on San Jose beach southwest of Malinta Hill.

Another battalion of paratroopers dropped later that afternoon. The 503d PRCT and 3d Battalion, 34th RCT quickly joined forces to eliminate the main system of cave and tunnel defenses running through the Malinta Hill district.

The Japanese fought to the death, tenaciously defending each position. Rather than be dislodged by American infantry, tanks, bazookas, and flamethrowers, they blew up many of their tunnels preferring suicide to surrender.

During the night of 23 Feb, fire from an American tank detonated the vast ammo stores in Malinta Hill. By 27 Feb, the Americans had full control of all commanding ground on the island, and the next day Corregidor was pronounced secured, although mopping up operations continued.

The entire Japanese garrison of about 4,700 men was virtually annihilated - with only a few taken prisoner - in the vicious twelve-day battle. The 7,000-man American force suffered about 207 killed and 684 wounded.
#Paratroopers #Airborne #WWIIPacific @USArmy @TRADOC @TradocCG