Post by EXO on May 9, 2010 19:10:57 GMT 8
Rock Force Assault by Flanagan is a pretty good book in parts, but I do have some reservations about his 'historic method.'
However, it does contain episodes with which some of the men who were there are in serious disagreement concerning Flanagan's treatment of his sources.
After the war, a number of officers who had served in the 503d attended the Advanced Officers Course at Ft. Benning. Not surprisingly, some wrote their monographs covering actions which were fought on Corregidor . One of those officers was "E" company's commander, 1st Lt Hudson Hill, dead now. Although monographs deserve careful consideration, those written for the AOC are written for a purpose, specifically to bring out tactical principles. That purpose does not repeat not include the creation of a balanced and accurate assessment of history.
The bottom line for those who attended the Infantry School is the ‘school solution.’ Some accounts of fire support and attack can be added or altered in a school paper- even though they did not in truth take place - in order to bring out tactical principles. In doing so, embellishments, speculations and fanciful episodes have crept in.
These monographs, from which Lieutenant General E. M. Flanagan has drawn heavily, are not the primary documentation of history and their contents cannot be allowed to form that history. Unfortunately, and specifically, Flanagan used Hill's monograph to describe "E" Company's action in his book, "Corregidor , the Rock Force Assault." In so doing, the "school solution" became history - and it shouldn't have.
In another place, another phrase might more easily explain the error of simplifying history - "The Hollywood Solution."
Bill Calhoun and I have dealt with our criticisms of Flanagan in a series of articles around "THE LOST ROAD."
corregidor.org/Bless%20'em%20All/features/lostroad.html
We have also made a number of other Infantry School Monographs available for reading, and we've given a short summary as to which are reliable at
corregidor.org/heritage_battalion/admin/caution.htm
I don't want to discourage you against Flanagan in the slightest. I read him often ( which reminds me, Batteryboy, I still haven't returned your copy - it's here, a bit flood damaged, but still readable) and there's much of value in him, but DO go deeper when you have the time.
Just to encourage you, here's a photo to show you that Corregidor wasn't ALL blood and guts.
However, it does contain episodes with which some of the men who were there are in serious disagreement concerning Flanagan's treatment of his sources.
After the war, a number of officers who had served in the 503d attended the Advanced Officers Course at Ft. Benning. Not surprisingly, some wrote their monographs covering actions which were fought on Corregidor . One of those officers was "E" company's commander, 1st Lt Hudson Hill, dead now. Although monographs deserve careful consideration, those written for the AOC are written for a purpose, specifically to bring out tactical principles. That purpose does not repeat not include the creation of a balanced and accurate assessment of history.
The bottom line for those who attended the Infantry School is the ‘school solution.’ Some accounts of fire support and attack can be added or altered in a school paper- even though they did not in truth take place - in order to bring out tactical principles. In doing so, embellishments, speculations and fanciful episodes have crept in.
These monographs, from which Lieutenant General E. M. Flanagan has drawn heavily, are not the primary documentation of history and their contents cannot be allowed to form that history. Unfortunately, and specifically, Flanagan used Hill's monograph to describe "E" Company's action in his book, "Corregidor , the Rock Force Assault." In so doing, the "school solution" became history - and it shouldn't have.
In another place, another phrase might more easily explain the error of simplifying history - "The Hollywood Solution."
Bill Calhoun and I have dealt with our criticisms of Flanagan in a series of articles around "THE LOST ROAD."
corregidor.org/Bless%20'em%20All/features/lostroad.html
We have also made a number of other Infantry School Monographs available for reading, and we've given a short summary as to which are reliable at
corregidor.org/heritage_battalion/admin/caution.htm
I don't want to discourage you against Flanagan in the slightest. I read him often ( which reminds me, Batteryboy, I still haven't returned your copy - it's here, a bit flood damaged, but still readable) and there's much of value in him, but DO go deeper when you have the time.
Just to encourage you, here's a photo to show you that Corregidor wasn't ALL blood and guts.
The block dot appears to be the hole where the inflation valve stem would be inserted. I also swear I can see the seams on the surface of the ball. Tell me I am not finally losing it. Wife surely believes this to be so. Also, I wonder if the Nipponese defenders used these positions to oppose the 1945 landings. They would be looking right down our throats, but they probably were hunkered down since our assault from the sea went quite successfully as we all know. Thanks again for the new material.