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Post by cbuehler on Mar 14, 2012 1:51:00 GMT 8
They appear to be wearing the DI of the 59th CA. Were they assigned to Btry. James?
Conrad
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Post by cbuehler on Mar 10, 2012 6:08:03 GMT 8
The names of the individual POW's as follows:
118 Lee, C.M.
254 Swanson, C.I.
224 O'neill, J.
329 Gaines, D.E.
Fascinating connection to an airfield that is not widely known.
Conrad
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Post by cbuehler on Mar 8, 2012 12:54:53 GMT 8
While my determined companion Fireball was paddling about in the bowels of the fort which provided us with these rare glimpses, I was left to do more conventional exploring befitting that of a first timer. I do want to share some glory as shown in the accompanying photo. They are under the partially collapsed ceiling between the main batteries on the lower level and many of the more experienced visitors of Drum are familiar with them. The 14" projectiles are of course armour piercing and not high explosive, which makes sense as these AP projectiles would have been of little use if not against ships. Fireball accidentally discovered them while we were examining the smaller badly corroded projectile located along the walkway, which is well known, and is an HE; it's fuse now missing. Conrad Attachments:
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Post by cbuehler on Mar 8, 2012 12:30:29 GMT 8
Well, here I am at last. I can add little to what my erstwhile explorer friend Fireball has mentioned, but to confirm the exceedingly difficult going in any area of the Island other than the main tunnels. The under growth of vines and thorns is nearly impenetrable in many areas and it took us perhaps 30 minutes to go but 50 or so yards. Even the steps going up from the desalination plant have deteriorated and have over growth since the 2008 photos shown on this same forum. One of the things that I had been curious about was the location of the well known explosion by the Japanese 240mm round which killed and injured so many men. Wikipedia mentions Feb. 21 wherein and round ricocheted into a tunnel. Pacific Wrecks mentions Mar. 20 when a round penetrated the roof. Be that as it may, there is no evidence of any round penetrating the roof of any of the tunnels that I saw. The only location showing substantial war damage from an explosion or large caliber shell burst is the wall in the long tunnel area that shown in the accompanying photo. After talking to Pareng Tony Feredo, he also felt that this was the likely location of the explosion as well. Conrad Attachments:
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Post by cbuehler on Feb 1, 2012 1:10:02 GMT 8
Hi tomasctt, Yes, that is Mataba. This area as well as Pacawagan just to the north leading back to the Wawa dam area was the scene of much hard fighting in the spring of '45. The US 6th, 38th, 43rd, 1st cav., and other elements fought General Yokoyama's Shinbu shu who were in prepared defenses in depth throughout the area. Major General Patrick of the 6th Div. was killed on Mt. Mataba during the battle. I might even guess that some of the trails in the area might date from this time as they had to use bulldozers to clear trails for vehicles to follow up the Infantry. I would like to see of there is any evidence of the battles in the area still remaining. Somewhere in the grasses and ridges must be something as it is not a developed area. Walking around is the preferred method!
Conrad
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Post by cbuehler on Jan 31, 2012 1:54:40 GMT 8
Hi dmether and tomasctt! demether, have connected with Tony near Clark and hopefully we can all meet there. I am quite familiar with the Clark/Bamban area and history and would love to go around the area again! tomasctt, I would love to have you accompany me to the Mataba/Pacawagan area! All, I am working on a trip to Ft. Drum/Frank and we are aiming for the 18th or 19th. If this falls through, I may try to get to Corregidor to see Karl and company, although I plan to definitely meet with Karl after he returns on the 20th. So it looks like I have a full plate coming up in few weeks! I look foward to meeting as many of you as possible and seeing the sites? My home email: lbuehler@sbcglobal.net Please contact me and we can work out a schedule Cheers and thanks all! Conrad
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Post by cbuehler on Jan 28, 2012 1:50:16 GMT 8
Kumusta na Tony! Thanks and I have sent you a PM.
Conrad
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Post by cbuehler on Jan 27, 2012 6:30:10 GMT 8
I am up for it! I will be in Manila from February 15th to the 28th. I would love to go, fit and ready! Can you wait for me? PM sent.
Conrad Buehler
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Post by cbuehler on Jan 26, 2012 8:39:07 GMT 8
Very good stuff here! I did some very limited exploring of the west side and up of Mt. Samat about 7 years ago. I remember the reforestaion marker as well. I am shocked as to just how much Samat has been overgrown during the past 25 years or so. I never realized is was so open until I saw the '86 pics. Anyway, I would certainly like to do some more exploration of the area. With regard to the Pockets, I also did some very limited exploring (my accompanyment unfortunately just wasnt up to it) south from the marker along the river (or creeks as they are) and it is very confusing as to just what the names of them are. The historical maps often seem to be at odds with the modern designations in the area and the course of the creeks may have changed to some degree, but I am not sure. The actual areas of where I assume the battles of the Pockets took place do seem to have been cleared for agricultural use which adds to the confusion in trying to be more specific as to just where the battles to place. This one may be a lost cause?
Conrad
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Post by cbuehler on Jan 26, 2012 7:57:06 GMT 8
Hello all, My name is Conrad Buehler and I have been a student, collector and visitor of Philippine military historical and battlefields for over 22 years. After a 5 year hiatus, my wife and I are finally coming back to Manila for 2 weeks (Feb. 15 to 28). Being an inveterate battlefield visitor, this time I would like to connect with anyone who may wish to join me in my ventures. I will also being bringing a period uniform, hopefully for some on site photo ops! This time (in addition to Bataan and The Rock of course) I am going to do a little exploration of the Mt. Mataba/Pacawagan area in Rizal, where so much fighting occured in '45. I love to hike and explore, so please contact me and hopefully we meet and share our passion for the sites. Maraming Salamat and Mabuhay!
Conrad
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