US Army Letter Informing the Stars and Stripes Unit of Non-Recognition, May 1947
[TRANSCRIPTION]
The Stars and Stripes Unit was apparently a guerrilla unit of some two hundred men that was formed and probably operated in the province of Batangas. Not a lot was included in the files of this unit, which communicated with the US Army Western Pacific Office in the Philippines to inquire about the possibility of obtaining official recognition. In this page is a transcription1 of the official letter sent by one Capt. R. E. Cantrell of the United States Army informing the Stars and Stripes Unit of non-recognition.
[p. 1]
HEADQUARTERS
PHILIPPINES-RYUKYUS COMMAND
OFFICE OF THE COMMANDING GENERAL
| GSCPU 91 PI/1007 |
APO 707 8 MAY 1947 |
Mr. Edward Matthews
Manila, P. I.
Dear Mr. Matthews:
The Commanding General has directed that you be informed that the Stars and Stripes Unit, purporting to be a guerrilla unit 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 all substantiating records and testimony of witnesses having pertinent knowledge, recognition of this guerrilla unit is not deemed warranted because of reasons mentioned below:
a. Records of service was not substantiated by sufficient acceptable evidence.
b. Adequate records were not maintained (names, ranks, dates of enlistment or joining, dates of promotions, and necessary related information).
It is desired to emphasize that each claimant member of the unit is considered to have had just and adequate appraisal for recognition when his services were evaluated concurrently with this study of the unit with which he claims membership. Individual requests were not necessary nor appropriate then, or now, as their acceptance would, in effect, constitute unjustified duplication of consideration of one individual by this headquarters. However, this does not preclude submission for casualty recognition by those individuals who are qualified and feel justified in entering such claims. Upon request by interested individuals, appropriate forms will be forwarded.
Your attention is invited to Presidential Executive Order No. 68, Commonwealth of the Philippines, copy of which is attached, for necessary action in connection therewith.
CAPTAIN, AGD
ASSISTANT ADJUTANT GENERAL
1 Incl
[p. 2]
Col Gerald F Lillard:
1. The “Stars and Stripes Unit,” (Independent), strength unknown, has not been favorably considered for recognition. This is an initial investigation. No members have been previously recognized.
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 served by further investigation of this unit.
4. There are no members worthy of recognition. No casualty report has been submitted. Recommend that any casualty claims by this unit be NFC’d.
Concur: Major C H Wentzell, Chief, Unit Inv Sec
Concur: Lt Col S J Palos, Chief, Unit Branch