Memo on the Disinterment of Remains from the Nasugbu Cemetery, October 1945
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 11th Airborne Division of the United States Army after the Nasugbu Landing of 31 January 1945. In this October 1945 document1, one M/Sgt. James Oglesby certified as to the aid of the Nasugbu Fil-Americans in the disinterment of bodies from the Nasugbu American Cemtery.
[p. 1]
October 16, 1945
SUBJECT TO |
: Certification : Whom It May Concern |
This is to CERTIFY that members of the Nasugbu Fil-American Troops under Col. Hugh Straughn, 02515, 1st Infantry Regiment of Lt. Col. Juan M. Villegas, disinterred the remains of 399 officers and enlisted of the 11th Airborne Division, U. S. Army, 20 Filipino Guerrillas and 2 Chinese guerrillas, who unselfishly gave their lives for the service of their country, the liberation of the Philippines and the extinction of every traces of totalitarianism in this part of the world. The said officers and enlisted men and guerrillas died in actual combat with the enemies in the record breaking push of the 11th Airborne Division towards Manila, and in the mopping up operation.
The said members of the Nasugbu Fil-American Irregular Troops of 60 men, headed by Lt. Vicente Tanglao of the 4th Bn., 1st Infantry Regiment who cooperated with 16 Americans in disinterring the abovementioned remains, were also part of those who undertook the burial thereof about 8 months ago.
We highly appreciate and recommend the invaluable services and cooperation rendered by the Nasugbu Fil-American Troops, 1st Infantry Regiment, to our unit in particular and to the U. S. Army in general.
Nasugbu, Batangas
11th Airborne Division
Apo 458
COMMANDING