Gen. MacArthur's Speech In Terowie

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition)

MARCH 20, 1942

U.S. General Douglas MacArthur issues his speech “I came out of Bataan and I shall Return” in a small railway township in Terowie, South Australia. 

In his journey to Adelaide, MacArthur shortened his words to “I came through and I shall return”. 

These words made him dear to the Filipinos and repeats it often in public appearances until his return two and a half years later.

(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan B. Uy) All rights reserved

Photo credit: wikipedia.org

Today in Philippine History: Gen. MacArthur Announces End of Operations in Luzon

JUNE 28, 1945

Gen. Douglas MacArthur announced the end of operations in Luzon. The operations began on January 9, 1945 with the American landings called Operation Mike 1 in Lingayen Gulf. Japanese Gen. Tomoyuki Yamashita, the commander of Luzon did not oppose the landings. Even after the announcement, Filipino units together with the US 8th Army troops continued mopping up operations against Japanese resistance forces. The majority of these resistance troops were in Mindanao. Finally on July 5, MacArthur announced the complete liberation of the Philippines.

Photo credit: http://www.history.com/   

Today in Philippine History: 40th Division Gets Orders to Attack Japs in Dumaguete

APRIL 8, 1945

Gen. Douglas MacArthur gave orders for the 40th Infantry Division under the Eight Army together with the 160th and 185th Infantry to attack Japanese defense positions in Dumaguete and the mountain ranges of north-central Negros. The 503rd Parachute Regimental Combat Team assisted the 40th Division by making an overwater movement from Mindoro. Its thrust was to penetrate the Japanese main defense line on the left flank. The Japanese, well-entrenched in rugged terrain held their ground and resisted the advances slowing down the assault operations.