Memo Officially Recognizing the San Jose Guerrilla Unit, February 1946
The San Jose Guerrilla Unit was an underground organization that opposed the Japanese in the Province of Batangas in World War II. It was commanded by one Pedro Kalalo and was officially recognized with 60 men as an element of the Philippine Army in the service of the United States Armed Forces during the liberation of the country. In this document1, one Lt. Frank J. Kleager, upon command by Lt. General Styer, issued a memorandum to the Chief of Staff of the Philippine Army officially recognizing the San Jose Guerrilla Unit as an element of the Philippine Army in the service of the Armed Forces of the United States during the liberation of the Philippines.
HEADQUARTERS
UNITED STATES ARMY FORCES WESTERN PACIFIC
Office of the Commanding General
Notes and references:
1 “San Jose Guerrilla Unit,” File No. 300, online at the United States National Archives.
[p. 1]
UNITED STATES ARMY FORCES WESTERN PACIFIC
Office of the Commanding General
APO 707
16 FEB 1946
16 FEB 1946
GSCPG 091PI
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SUBJECT TO |
: Recognition of Guerrilla Unit. : Chief of Staff, Philippine Army, APO 75 |
1. The following guerrilla unit is recognized by the Commanding General, United States Army Forces, Western Pacific, as having been an authorized element of this command from 24 February 1945 to 31 May 1945.
| STRENGTH | San Jose Guerrilla Unit | 60 |
2. Under the provisions of Executive Order No. 21, by the President of the Commonwealth of the Philippines, dated 26 October, 1944, the status of the members of this unit, during the period above specified, was that of officers and enlisted men of the Philippine Army.
3. It is desired that payment of this unit for the period above specified, be expedited by Finance Officers of the Philippine Army.
4. Under the provisions of Executive Order No. 68, by the President of the Commonwealth of the Philippines, dated 26 September, 1945, all officers and enlisted men of this unit, other than those who are members of the Regular Force or the Reserve Force of the Philippine Army, will be considered as having been discharged from the Philippine Army as of 27 September 1945.
BY COMMAND OF LIEUTENANT GENERAL STYER:
FRANK J KLEAGER
1ST LT., INF
ACTG ASST ADJ GEN
1ST LT., INF
ACTG ASST ADJ GEN
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Basis for Recognition:
1. Unit was giving valuable assistance to the United States Army during the liberation period, as proven by original letters from Capt. Schommer, Maj. Schloth, Capt. Ringler, and Lt. Nock.
2. Unit has good organization, due largely to the fact that there were 5 ex-USAFFE officers among the active members. They kept a small number on active duty and a large number of reserves, which was in accordance with the type of activities carried on by the unit.
3. There is no evidence of extensive activities after 31 May 1945, therefore terminal date should be effective 31 May 1945.
4. Strength computed: 5 Officers and 55 Enlisted Men.
Notes and references:
1 “San Jose Guerrilla Unit,” File No. 300, online at the United States National Archives.