Memo of Appreciation from Capt. Philip Lawrence, Sub Base R, November 1945 - Batangas History, Culture and Folklore

The Fil-American Irregular Troops (FAIT) was a large guerrilla organization formed by the retired American officer Hugh Straughn. It had many units operating around Luzon, including Batangas. Among this was the Maculot Battalion which operated in the town of Cuenca, Batangas. The unit was among those that were officially recognized as elements of the Philippine Army in the service of the Armed Forces of the United States in the Western Pacific during World War II. In this document¹, one Captain Philip Lawrence of Sub-Base “R” in what is now the city of Batangas issued a memorandum to Lt. Colonel Pedro Pasia expressing appreciation for the services rendered by the Maculot Battalion. [p. 1]

HEADQUARTERS SUB-BASE R
UNITED STATES ARMY FORCES WESTERN PACIFIC
Office of the S-2

APO 73
10 November 1945

SUBJECT TO

: Appreciation of Service Rendered : Colonel Pedro Pasia, Commanding Officer    Macolot Regiment, Fil-American Irregular Troops.

1. It is my pleasure to extend to you the appreciation of the S-2 Section, Headquarters, Sub-Base R, for the cooperation given by your unit in our mutual effort to remove the Japanese from the Batangas area.

2. Under your leadership, your unit showed itself to be composed of patriotic Filipinos who wanted to continue their right to freedom and democracy. You accomplished your mission with courtesy, tact and discipline, thereby gaining the trust and respect of those with whom you came in contact.

(SGD) PHILIP J. LAWRENCE
Captain, Infantry
Ass’t Exec., S-2

A TRUE COPY:

[Sgd.] PEDRO PASIA, Lt. Colonel
ASN-0-48337

Notes and references:

¹ MACULOT BATTALION FAIT, File No. 110-67, downloaded from PVAO.