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.