Certification from FAIT Headquarters on the Nasugbu Unit, November 1944
The Fil-American Irregular Troops or FAIT was a guerrilla organization founded in 1942 by the retired American Colonel Hugh Straughn, who would unfortunately be captured and executed by the Japanese. The FAIT had many units operating in Batangas, including Nasugbu, where its 1st Regiment would be attached to the 11thAirborne Division of the United States Army after the Nasugbu Landing of 31 January 1945. In this November 19441, officers of the Fil-American Troops Headquarters in South Central Luzon certified on the finding of the Nasugbu Unit and its staff.
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FIL-AMERICAN IRREGULAR TROOPS
SOUTH CENTRAL LUZON, PHILIPPINE ISLANDS
REGIMENTAL HEADQUARTERS
November 11, 1944
|
SUBJECT TO |
: Regtl Staff, Fil-American Regular [Irregular?] Troops : General MACARTHUR'S HEADQUARTERS PHILIPPINES |
1. This is to certify that the undersigned on November 9, 1944 have been found by the members of the Fil-American Troops in Nasugbu, Batangas, Philippines. This troop was supposedly founded by Col. Hugh Straughn. According to its leader, he has the following Regimental staff:
1. Commander – L. A. Desacola
2. Executive – Pedro Riñoza
3. S-1 – Crisogono Bayani
4. S-2 – Leon Lagos
5. S-3 – Ernesto Villamarin
6. S-4 – Jose Samaniego
2. Executive – Pedro Riñoza
3. S-1 – Crisogono Bayani
4. S-2 – Leon Lagos
5. S-3 – Ernesto Villamarin
6. S-4 – Jose Samaniego
2. The undersigned most respectfully request that this unit be duly recognized as to entitle same to any right or privilege appertaining, and that the Regimental Commander be informed of the officer designated by the high command for the province of Batangas wherefrom this organization may take orders or information.
(Sgd.) LT. (JG) WILLIAM MILLER, VF-32 USN
(Sgd.) LT. (JG) WILLIAM S. RISING VB-15 USN
(Sgd.) JOHN MONTGOMERY, VB-15 USN
(Sgd.) LT. (JG) WILLIAM S. RISING VB-15 USN
(Sgd.) JOHN MONTGOMERY, VB-15 USN
A TRUE COPY:
ORIGINAL SUBMITTED TO THE PHILRYCOM:
[Sgd.] Maj. JUAM M. VILLEGAS (Grla)
Notes and references:
1 “1stRegiment, Nasugbu, Fait” File No. 110-52, downloaded from PVAO.