Letter of Non-Recognition of the Blue (Acosta) Battalion
[TRANSCRIPTION]
The Blue (Acosta) Battalion was purportedly a unit of the San Juan Regiment – Fil-American Irregular Troops that operated in the eastern Batangas town of San Juan during the Japanese occupation and the liberation period. The United States Army did not recognize this battalion as an element of the Philippine Army in the service of the Armed Forces of the United States during the liberation period. This document1 is a transcription of the official communications from Capt. R. E. Cantrell of the U.S. Army informing Adriano Miranda of the battalion’s non-recognition.
[p. 1]
HEADQUARTERS
PHILIPPINES-RYUKYUS COMMAND
OFFICE OF THE COMMANDING GENERAL
| GSCPU 091 PI / 249 |
APO 707 17 FEB 1947 |
Mr. Adriano G. Miranda
San Juan, Batangas
Philippines
Dear Mr. Miranda:
The Commanding General has directed that you be informed that the Blue (Acosta) Battalion, FAIT, purporting to be a guerrilla organization under your nominal control, is not favorably considered for recognition as an element of the Philippine Army.
A set of general requirements for guerrilla recognition, established by General MacArthur during the liberation of the Philippines, has been used as a guide in considering the record of this unit. After careful investigation and full consideration of the substantiating records and testimony of witnesses having pertinent knowledge, recognition of this guerrilla unit is not deemed to be warranted because of the reasons mentioned below:
a. Record of service was not substantiated by sufficient acceptable evidence.
b. The unit was not maintained satisfactorily in the field in opposition to the enemy.
c. Activities of the unit did not contribute materially to the eventual defeat of the enemy.
d. Adequate records were not maintained (names, ranks, dates of enlistment or joining, dates of promotions, and necessary related information).
e. Unit did not show satisfactory continuity of activity and organization.
f. Members of the unit did not devote their entire effort to military activities in the field to the exclusion of normal civilian occupation and family obligations.
g. Many members apparently lived at home, supporting their families by means of farming or other civilian pursuits, and assisted the guerrilla unit on a part time basis only.
[p. 2]
CAPTAIN, AGD
ASSISTANT ADJUTANT GENERAL
1 Incl:
Col. Gerald F. Lillard:
1. The Blue (Acosta) Battalion, FAIT, consisting of 450 men, has not been favorably considered. An undetermined number of the members of this unit have previously been recognized with the 35th Regt, 35th Div, PQOG.
2. This unit does not fulfill the requirements of the five basic points for recognition. See attached Team Leader’s Report.
3. No useful purpose will be accomplished by further investigation of this unit.
4. There are no members worthy of recognition and a casualty roster has not been submitted.
[Sgd.] 2nd Lt Grant S. Wilcox
[Sgd.] M/Sgt Sebastian G. Songsong
Concur: Lt Col S. J. Palos, Chief, Investigations