Lt. Wilcox's Opinion on 1st Batangas Regiment's Request for Reinvestigation
[TRANSCRIPTION]
The Fil-American Irregular Troops or FAIT was organized by the retired US Army officer Hugh Straughn after the surrender of American forces to the Japanese in 1942. The FAIT would become a large organization with various units operating in many parts of Luzon, including Batangas. The 1st Batangas Regiment was one of these, supposedly founded by one Major Gutierrez in 1943. Upon the major’s capture by the Japanese, command of the unit was assumed by one Maximo Bool of Pallocan in the then-town of Batangas. In this document1, one Lt. Grant S. Wilcox of the United States Army wrote his opinion on the 1st Batangas Regiment’s request for re-investigation.
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HEADQUARTERS
UNITED STATES ARMY FORCES WESTERN PACIFIC
G-3 GUERRILLA AFFAIRS BRANCH
SUBJECT: Request for re-investigation by “1st Batangas Regiment, FAIT.”
This unit was contacted in August 1945 by Lt. Middleton. At that time, it requested recognition as a battalion of around 600 members and called themselves the “Batangas Unit.” In January 1946, this unit applied for recognition under a new name, the “First Batangas Regiment, FAIT.” On its new rosters, the unit now claimed a strength of over 900.
In May 1946, Lt. Wilcox contacted the “1st Batangas Regiment.” As a result of the investigation, this unit was again non-favorably considered. The unit leaders have been informed of the non-favorable decision, and are now requesting a re-investigation of this unit.
In the new request for re-investigation, no new additional evidence has been submitted. These commendation letters were given thorough consideration during the investigation. They have little bearing on the case. This unit or no part of it was ever attached as such to any U. S. outfit. This unit had little or no organization. And it is only with a great deal of imagination that the 1st Batangas Regiment can be called a unit.
It would be unfair to other units pending investigation to spend further time with this unit. The leaders seeking the recognition have an impractical, idealistic view toward guerrilla recognition qualifications; their pride will not allow them to accept unfavorable consideration for recognition and they will continue to agitate for recognition of their unit.
I recommend no further action to be taken on this case. For further evidence, consult the following Contact Team Reports:
Lt. Middleton – “Batangas Unit, FAIT” 26 August 1945.
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Contact Team #10