Today in Philippine History: Battle of Bessang Pass

JUNE 14, 1945

Bessang Pass in Cervantes, Ilocos Sur, the last stronghold of the Japanese forces under Gen. Tomoyuki Yamashita fell after 20,000 Filipino guerrilla fighters of the United States Army Forces in the Philippines (USAFIP-NL) under the command of Col. Russell Volckmann showed extra-ordinary valor. The Battle of Bessang Pass was a victory for the 121st, 15th, 66th and the Provisional Infantry Regiments of the USAFIP-NIL. The battle took four months and ended on June 14 with the successful planting of a symbolic flag made of a dirty green face towel by the 121st.

Photo credit: http://en.wikipedia.org/