71st Division (Philippines)

The division was designated as a reserve force USAFFE initially attached to South Luzon Force. However, on November 25, 1941 it was transferred to North Luzon Force only to be committed if permitted by USAFFE headquarters. It saw little action at the start of the hostilities.

General Wainwright attached 26th Cavalry Regiment to 71st Infantry Division and ordered BGen. Selleck to move his division from Urdaneta, Pangasinan to Damortis and prevent Japanese from moving south. 72nd Infantry Regiment of Col. Lloyd Biggs and 71st Infantry Regiment under LCol. Halstead Fowler accompanied by General Selleck arrived at Rosario. 26th Cavalry was to cover the right flank of 71st Division and hold the junction of Rosario-Baguio road, east of Rosario in order to permit the 71st Infantry Regiment (less 1st Bn) under LCol. Donal Van Bonnett then at Baguio to clear that point and join North Luzon Force.

On January 6, 1942, the 71st Infantry Division under Brigadier General Selleck was posted at Layac Junction in Dinalupihan, Bataan supported by the 31st US Infantry Regiment under Colonel Charles Steele, 26th US Cavalry (Motorized) Regiment of Colonel Clinton Pierce with supporting units of artilleries, Light tanks, and self-propelled guns fought Imai detachment of 48th IJA Division. The junction was a key position based on WPO 3 and designated as a first line of resistance (MLR) of the combined Fil-American forces.

In this battle, Sergeant Jose Calugas (MOH) eluded bullets to take over a fallen comrade's machine gun and led a group of volunteers, and engaged the Japanese in a shootout thus enabling other soldiers to take advantageous positions to defend the line. For this extraordinary bravery, he was awarded the Medal of Honor. Lts. Julian Chua and Cecilio Garcia were also awarded Distinguished Service Cross for exhibiting exceptional courage.[3]

The division saw action in defending Quinauan Point from the Japanese landings in the western coast of the Bataan peninsula. The division was never utilized as one unit as it was downsized due to casualties and desertions of Filipino soldiers.

On April 9, 1942, General Edward P. King surrendered the entire Bataan Force and the entire 71st Infantry Division fell to captivity and suffered more casualties during the dreaded Death March from Mariveles, Bataan to San Fernando, Pampanga.

73rd Infantry Regiment was left in Negros island as it was still activated by the time division was ordered to Luzon. Eventually the regiment was attached to 81st Infantry Division under BGen. Guy O. Fort and saw action at Malabang, Lanao engaging Kawaguchi detachment.

To cover the defense of Negros island LCol. Gabriel Gador commander of 7th Military District requested to call to arms all reserve soldiers and activated 74th Provisional Infantry Regiment under the command of Major Sam Jones to defend Negros Occidental and later 75th Provisional Infantry Regiment under LCol. Teburcio Ballesteros to defend Negros Oriental. Colonel Roger Hilsman arrived to take matters on Negros defense and became a component of Visayan Force of BGen. Bradford Chynoweth. When General Wainwright surrendered Corregidor in May 1942 all units in Visayas and Mindanao also surrendered as part of the condition by General Homma.