Memo Relaying Strike Order from Major Jay Vanderpool, February 1945

The Luansing Unit Fil-American Batangas Guerrillas were commanded by one Galicano Luansing and known loosely as the “Luansing’s Unit.” This guerrilla outfit was at one time or the other during the Japanese occupation affiliated with the Fil-American Irregular Troops and also the President Quezon’s Own Guerrillas. By the time the Allied forces return to the Philippines, it was operating independently. This unit assisted the United States Army in campaigns against the Japanese forces from Balayan, Batangas Town, Lipa, Rosario and San Juan. In this document¹, Luansing relayed strike orders from the headquarters of Guerrilla Coordinator Major Jay D. Vanderpool to all the regimental commanders of the Luansing Unit.

U S A F F E
BATANGAS GUERRILLAS
Office of the Commanding Officer

5 Feb. 45

Subject
To

: Order to Strike No. "3" of the GHQ of Major Vanderpool
: All Regimental Comd'rs. USAFFE, Batangas Guerrillas

1 – Herewith is a true copy of the order and instruction of the GHQ of Major Vanderpool, for your information, and action.

29 January 45

TO: COL LUANSING JR.
C. O. BATANGAS GUERRILLAS

VIA INTER-GUERRILLA COURIER SERVICE URGENT

WATCH FOR ALL ENEMY TROOPS MOVEMENTS AND FORWARD URGENT RPT URGENT PD ENEMY APPEARS MOVING NORTH PD DESTROY EVERY TRUCK YOU CAN PD ATTACK EVERY MOTOR COLUMN PD DESTROY ANY OTHER MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION BEING USED BY ENEMY PD EACH ORGANIZATION PREP ARE A PARACHUTE DROP SITE IMMEDIATELY CMA THREE HUNDRED METERS BY EIGHT HUNDRED METERS PD RUSH UP MAP OF AREA HERE PD EXPECT SUPPLIES PD SIGNED VANDERPOOL END.

Sgd. MAJOR JAY D. VANDERPOOL
United States Army

2 – All reports must be forwarded immediately to the CP of Lieut. Col. Filomeno Gagalac, where this command will permanently until after contacting the commanding officer of the Allied Forces who is scheduled within this week to reach the sector. Your drop site must be submitted before the end of this week, if possible the earlier the better.

3 – All reports, rosters of men, daily rosters must always be handy for this HQ’s demand.

4 – Expedite.

[Sgd.] GALICANO M. LUANSING JR.
Lieut-Col Guer. (Inf.)
Commanding

Notes and references:

¹ “Luansing Unit, Fil-American Batangas Guerrillas,” File No. 63, downloaded from PVAO.