Memo: Official Recognition of the Gagalac Guerrillas by the US Army 1947
The Gagalac Guerrilla Group was one of the groups operating in Batangas that was given official recognition by the United States Army after World War II. In this May 1947 document1, Captain R.E. Cantrell of the Adjutant General’s Office of the Philippines-Ryukyus Command informs the Chief of Staff of the Philippine Army of the official recognition of the Gagalac group as having served with the United States forces for a specified period of time.
[p. 1]
HEADQUARTERS
PHILIPPINES-RYUKYUS COMMAND
OFFICE OF THE COMMANDING GENERAL
| GSCPI 091 PI |
APO 707 12 AUG 1947 |
|
SUBJECT TO |
: Recognition of Guerrilla Unit : Chief of Staff
Army of the Philippines
Camp Murphy, Quezon City |
|
Unit
2nd Company and Battalion Headquarters, Gagalac Guerrilla Unit
|
Strength 163 |
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. Under the provisions of Executive Order No. 68, by the President of the Commonwealth of the Philippines, dated 26 September 1945, all officers and men of this unit, other than those who are members of the Regular Force of the Philippine Army, will be considered as having been discharged from the Philippine Army as of 30 May 1945.
4. The period of recognition listed in paragraph 1, above, constitutes the entire determined period of active military service of this unit with the Armed Forces of the United States and reflects final study on revision of recognition dates.
Captain, AGD
Assistant Adjutant General
[p. 2]
Col. Gerald F. Lilliard:
1. The Gagalac Guerrilla Unit (Bn Hq and 2nd Co) consisting of 163 officers and men, has been favorably considered for recognition as having been an authorized element of the Philippine Army, serving with the Armed Forces of the United States, from 5 Oct 44 to 30 May 45. 136 members have previously been recognized by CO, Sixth Army. This is a reinvestigation.
2. This unit satisfactorily fulfils the requirements of the five basic points for recognition. (See attached Team Leader’s Report)
3. No useful purpose will be served by further investigation of this unit.
4. There are no other members of this unit worthy of recognition except those on a separate casualty roster which has been submitted to the Casualty Section and favorably recommended.
5. The inclusive dates of recognition recommended in this report include revision and no further revision is recommended or warranted.
| [Sgd.] 2nd Lt Raul de Rivera | [Sgd.] Capt S C Buchanan |
2. Concur: Major D. C. Murray, Chief, Revision Section
3. Concur: Lt Col S. J. Palos, Chief, Unit Branch