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The Philippine Department (Philippine Garrison -- The Battling Bastards of Bataan) was a regular US Army unit, defeated in the Philippines, during World War II. The mission of the Philippine Department was to defend the Philippine Islands and train the Philippine Army. During World War II, on May 6, 1942, the unit surrendered to the Japanese.
The Department and its sub-units were predominantly under the command of American officers, including an American general, while the majority of the troops were enlisted native Pilipinos, known as the Philippine Scouts (PS).
The primary force of this Department was the Philippine Division. Of the 22,532 troops, 10,473 were members of the Philippine Division itself.
Patch of the Philippine Department
The patch is a 2.5 inch oval, blue embroidered, patch with a white embroidered Sea Lion holding a sword. The design is derived from the coat of arms of Spain.
Commanders of the Philippine Department
USAFFE
This unit was formally organized in 1913 and, on July 26, 1941, was attached to US Army Forces - Far East (USAFFE). Following the creation of USAFFE, the Philippine Department became, in effect, a corps area service command. Tactical command was thenceforth under USAFFE's control.
At the time of USAFFE's formation the unit consisted of 22,532 troops. Of the 1,340 officers, 775 were reservists. 7,293 troops were assigned to the infantry and 4,967 were assigned to the Harbor Defenses of Manila and Subic Bays. ~2,500 troops served in a service or supply position, mainly quartermaster or medical units. The majority of the department's troops were stationed on Luzon.
US Army Troops - Philippines -- July 31, 1941
Total Strength: 22,532 (1,434 officers, 21,098 enlisted, including 11,937 Philippine Scouts)
The Philippine Department in 1914
General Headquarters:
Troops:
- Field Hospital and Ambulance Company Number 4
- Headquarters Company K, 3rd Engineers
- Headquarters Company L, 3rd Engineers
- Company F, Signal Corps
- Company L, Signal Corps
- 7th Cavalry Brigade
- 8th Cavalry Brigade
- 2nd Field Artillery
- Coast Defenses of Manila and Subic Bays
- 8th Infantry Regiment
- 13th Infantry Regiment
- 24th Infantry Regiment
- China Expedition (15th Infantry)
See also
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