South Luzon Force Explained

Unit Name:South Luzon Force (II Philippine Corps)
Native Name:Hukbong Timog Luzon
Dates:November 4, 1941 - April 9, 1942
Disbanded:April 9, 1942
Countries: Commonwealth of the Philippines
United States
Allegiance:United States
Branch:Army
Type:Corps
Role:South Luzon territorial defense force
Size:25,000
Command Structure:Luzon Force
USAFFE
Garrison:Limay, Bataan
Fort William McKinley, Makati, Rizal
Battles:Battle of Bataan
Battle of Mauban
Battle of Atimonan
Battle of Bicol
Notable Commanders:Major General George S. ParkerMajor General Albert Jones (Acting)

South Luzon Force was a corps-sized unit of the US Army Forces Far East (USAFFE) active in the Philippines between 1941 and 1942. Created along with other 3 commands under the USAFFE, it was officially announced on November 4, 1941, and BGen. (Later MGen.) George M. Parker was appointed to command, making him responsible for the defense of Southern Luzon of any invasion. General Parker established his headquarters in Fort William McKinley in Rizal province.

He selected Col Stuart MacDonald as his Chief of Staff from December 8 to December 24, 1941, Colonel Louis R. Dougherty served as Chief of Staff from December 25, 1941 to January 13, 1942. Colonel Arnold J. Funk served as Chief of Staff from January 23 to March 2, 1942 before he was moved as Chief of Staff of Luzon Force. Colonel Charles Steele served as Chief of Staff from March 2 to April 9, 1942.

Comprising force staffs are the following officers and their designations in December 1941.

Bataan Defense Force
II Corps[1] NameRankDesignation
Ovid O. WilsonMajorAssistant CS - G1
Dennis MooreMajorAssistant CS - G2
Arthur ChristensenCaptainAssistant to the Assistant CS - G2
Howard D. JohnstonLieutenant ColonelAssistant CS - G3
Albert C. WolfeMajorAssistant to the Assistant CS - G3
John H. BennettMajorAssistant CS - G4
John NeigerCaptainAide to the Commanding General
Thomas M. Tarpley JrMajorAdjutant General
Hal C. GranberryMajorSignal Officer
William C. ChenowethMajorEngineer Officer
Arthur L. ShreveLieutenant ColonelArtillery Officer
W. Hinton DrummondMajorSurgeon
Nicholas N. MilhailovLieutenantAir Liaison Officer
Kearie L. BerryLieutenant ColonelQuartermaster and Ordinance Officer
Initially assigned combat units are 41st Division under BGen. Vicente Lim (formerly Philippine Army Vice Chief of Staff) covering Southern Tagalog region, 51st Division under BGen. Albert Jones covering Bicol Peninsula, and 71st Division (unit from Visayas) under Col. (BGen) Clyde Selleck as reserve. However, 71st Division was transferred to North Luzon Force in late November as its Force Reserve.

At the start of hostilities in December 1941 additional units was assigned to support. 2nd Provisional Group under LCol. David Babcock equipped with T12 Gun Carriage (75mm), Provisional Field Artillery Battalion from 88th Field Artillery, 515th Coast Artillery (AA), and Provisional Infantry Brigade under BGen. Simeon De Jesus, composing of Philippine Constabulary units of Southern Luzon.

1st Regular Division of Philippine Commonwealth Army under BGen. Fidel Segundo was reactivated as its reserve but got engaged to repulse Japanese landings in Mauban and Atimonan beaches.

War Plan Orange (WPO-3)

General MacArthur ordered General Parker to go to Bataan to make all preparations as he is to implement WPO3, all forces will withdraw to Bataan. The command of South Luzon Force was temporary passed on to BGen. Albert Jones commander of 51st Division. After the withdrawal is completed both officers reverted to its old command. South Luzon Force is now renamed to II Philippine Corps.

Surrender

II Philippine Corps surrendered on April 9, 1942, along with other forces in Bataan after General Edward King commander of Luzon Force surrendered to Japanese 16th Division. All marched from Mariveles, Bataan to San Fernando, Pampanga under the heat of the sun without food or water later known as Death March.

Order of Battle November 1941 to January 1942

Order of Battle January to April 1942 (Renamed II Philippine Corps)

References

Notes and References

  1. Wainwright . Jonathan . December 1941 – May 1942 . General Wainwright Report . Filipino-American Memorials . 1–10.