Letter from the US Army to Vicente Galvez, July 1947

The Pioneer Balayan Town Guerrilla Unit was one of many units of the large Fil-American Irregular Troops (FAIT) organized by the retired American Colonel Hugh Straughn at the onset of the Japanese occupation of the Philippines. This guerrilla organization had many such units operating in other towns of Batangas, including the town of Balayan. The Balayan unit was organized by Majors Rodolfo Bahia and Amador de Guito. Hence, it was also referred to as the Bahia-Deguito unit. In this document¹, one Thomas Brown of the Adjutant General’s Office of the Philippines-Ryukyus Command wrote in response to one Vicente Galvez’s inquiry about his status as the Balayan unit’s supposed Commanding Officer.

HEADQUARTERS
PHILIPPINES-RYUKYUS COMMAND
OFFICE OF THE COMMANDING GENERAL

GSCPU 091 PI/1434

APO 707
14 JULY 1947

Mr. Vicente Galvez
Balayan, Batangas
Philippines

Dear Mr. Galvez:

This will acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 25 June 1947, requesting information relative to your status as the commanding officer of the Pioneer Balayan Town Guerrillas, Bahia-Deguito Unit, FAIT.

The Pioneer Town Guerrillas, Bahia-Deguito Unit, FAIT, was recognized by this headquarters on 19 February 1947, at strength of 42, for the period of 15 July 1944 to 15 February 1945. The recognized roster contains the names of Lieutenants Buenaventura de Guzman, Julian Teserero, and 40 enlisted men. Your name does not appear on this recognized roster.

Recognition was extended only to the most deserving members of the unit. Investigation revealed that the remaining members of the unit failed signally to attain to the standards required to substantiate official recognition as members of the Philippine Army in the service of the Armed Forces of the United States. They were, therefore, not favorably considered for recognition.

Sincerely,

THOMAS J BROWN
CWO, USA
ASST ADJ GEN

Lt Col George M. Hanes:

Basic, ltr from Vicente Galvez to CG PHILRYCOM, Sub: “Confirmation and Verification,” dtd 25 June, requesting information relative to his status as the commanding officer of the Pioneer Balayan Town Grla Bahia-Deguito Unit, FAIT.

1^st Lt George E Kemper

Concur: Lt Col S J Palos, Chief Unit Branch

Rewritten by Mr. Herbert H. Quell

Notes and references:
¹ “Pioneer Balayan Town Guerrillas, Deguito Unit FAIT,” File No. 110-42, downloaded from PVAO.