The operations of the 148th Infantry Regiment (37th Infantry Division) at Manila, Luzon, Philippine Islands, 9 January - 3 March 1945 (Luzon campaign) : personal experience of a regimental intelligence officer [manuscript] / Lt. Col. Herald H. Smith

Title

The operations of the 148th Infantry Regiment (37th Infantry Division) at Manila, Luzon, Philippine Islands, 9 January - 3 March 1945 (Luzon campaign) : personal experience of a regimental intelligence officer [manuscript] / Lt. Col. Herald H. Smith

Subject

World War, 1939-1945--Campaigns--Philippines.

Description

Military monograph on the advance and attack on Manila by the 148th Infantry, one of three regiments of the 37th Infantry Division. Covers the initial landing in Luzon, the fighting in the Central Luzon plain (especially in the Clark Field area), the advance to Manila and operations during the Battle of Manila.

The author was regimental intelligence officer and his monograph gives attention to the concerns of an intelligence officer – Japanese strengths, planning, security concerns (among them dealing with the Huks), and counter intelligence. Does not speak highly of the Filipinos he met: Upon entry to Manila, he notes that “The civilian Filipino is a great looter.” Smith blamed these Filipinos for the burning of Manila (when actually the fires were started by the Japanese or when under Japanese orders).

Gives the US combat infantryman’s side of the battle – under Japanese sniper and mortar fire which they could not spot; how they wished for aerial support that they did not get. Eventually artillery fire was permitted without restrictions, but the Japanese still clung to their positions. Examines Japanese tactics in the defense, and US dilemmas in dealing with them.

Creator

Smith, Herald H., Lt. Col.

Publisher

[Fort Benning, Ga. : The Infantry School, General Section, Military History Committee, 1948]

Date

1948

Format

32 x 25 cm.
application/pdf (.pdf) 1.35 MB

Type

Manuscript (Loose-leaf with binder)

Call Number

MS RH 12

Accession Number

16170

Pagination

40 leaves

Accompanying Materials

1 compact disc (digital ; 4 3/4 cm.)

Files

The operations of the 148th Infantry Regiment.jpg

Collection

Citation

Smith, Herald H., Lt. Col., “The operations of the 148th Infantry Regiment (37th Infantry Division) at Manila, Luzon, Philippine Islands, 9 January - 3 March 1945 (Luzon campaign) : personal experience of a regimental intelligence officer [manuscript] / Lt. Col. Herald H. Smith,” FHL-Roderick Hall, accessed November 12, 2024, https://fhl.omeka.net/items/show/542.