Letter on the US Army’s Final Decision on Major Phillips Unit’s Non-Recognition
The Major Phillips Unit was a guerrilla unit that was founded and operated in or around western Batangas town of Calatagan. It was commanded by one Emilio Macabuag and took its name from a United States Army intelligence officer from whom the guerrilla outfit took directions until the latter was caught and killed by the Japanese. In this document1 Macabuag was informed by the Philippines-Ryukyus Command that the Major Phillips Unit’s request for reconsideration of its application for recognition was accepted, but that the final decision remained unfavorable.
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HEADQUARTERS
PHILIPPINES-RYUKYUS COMMAND
OFFICE OF THE COMMANDING GENERAL
| GSCPU 091 PI |
APO 707 2 JUL 1947 |
Mr. Emilio Macabuag
Calatagan, Batangas
Philippines
Dear Mr. Macabuag:
The Commanding General has directed that you be informed that the Major Phillips Unit, purporting to be a guerrilla organization under your control, previously not favorably considered for recognition, has been reconsidered at your request.
A thorough review of the supporting papers of this organization, and a detailed examination of the additional evidence submitted with your request for reconsideration, together with a careful analysis of all other available information of the activities of your unit from its inception, scrutinized in relation to the overall resistance movement, has again failed to reveal sufficient material to satisfy the requirements for recognition of your unit as an element of the Philippine Army in the service of the Armed Forces of the United States. The Major Phillips Unit is, therefore, not favorably reconsidered for modification of the original decision of non-recognition.
This letter constitutes the final determination of and action upon the claim for recognition of the Major Phillips Unit.
CWO, USA
ASST ADJ GEN
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Col Gerald F Lillard:
1. The Major Phillips Unit, consisting of 146 members, has not been favorably reconsidered for recognition. No members have been previously recognized with the Major Phillips Unit.
2. This unit does not fulfill the requirements of the five basic points for recognition. See attached reconsideration report.
3. There are no members worthy of recognition and a casualty report has been submitted which should be not favorably considered.
4. This report constitutes the final action by this headquarters on the Major Phillips Unit.
[Sgd.] CHARLES L. HOMEWOOD
1st Lt, Cav
Concur: Capt R C Wilson, Chief, Casualty Sec
Concur: Maj C H Wentzell, Chief, Unit Inv Sec
Concur: Lt Col S J Palos, Chief, Unit Branch