Information about the Gagalac Guerrilla Unit from Maj. R. S. Kramer, 1945

APO 600
8 Sept. 1945

MEMORANDUM FOR SUBJECT

: Record : Information Concerning the Gagalac Guerrilla Unit.

1. After a brief review of the historical account of the Gagalac Guerrilla Unit as presented to Maj. J. D. Vanderpool, Guerrilla Affairs Officer of the 11^th Airborne Division, the following comments are submitted:

a. As mentioned in the historical account, I was cognizant of the Gagalac Unit and in the summer of 1943 joined the Unit to assist the training and to give advice. Assisting me was Lt. Eugene L. Jorgensen (Lt. Eugene Georgestein) later captured by the Japanese in Mindoro.

b. The Unit primarily functioned as outlined on page one (i.e. maintenance of peace and order and suppression of Japanese spies) later as a combat Unit attached to the 11^th Airborne Division.

c. Lt. Jorgensen and I left Batangas in January 1944 to contact an intelligence party in Mindoro and were never able to return.

d. The Unit was instrumental in maintaining a high morale among the people of western Batangas and in appreciation for the Unit, the people gave continuous support by giving food and money.

e. Under trying circumstances, lack of firearms and continual harassment by Japanese patrols, the Unit maintained its organization and existed until it was able to give assistance to the Americans.

2. It has been brought to my attention that one company of the Unit has been recognized as a regular unit. However, at the time of the landing by the Americans at Nasugbu, Batangas, there was a complete regiment in the organization. It is recommended that the entire regiment be recognized similar to the company.

(Sgd) R. S. Kramer

Notes and references: