The Battle Of Bessang Pass

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition Series 2):

JUNE 13, 1945

Filipino guerrillas continued to weaken the Japanese forces. They captured hills and supplies and American big guns neutralized the enemy formations streaming out of Bessang Pass. Artillery pounded the peak of Buccual, the backbone of the Bessang defenses. 

The Battle of Bessang Pass was fought from January 9 to June 14, 1945 in Cervantes, Ilocos Sur and was declared totally cleared on June 15, 1945. 

It was the formidable stronghold of the Japanese Imperial Forces headed by Gen. Tomoyuki Yamashita and was one his triangular defenses in the north which included the Balete Pass and Villaverde Trail that guarded the Ifugao-Benguet-Vizcaya borders. 

The United States Army Forces in the Philippines-Northern Luzon (USAFP-NL) composed of around 20,000 men along with five American officers and commanded by Col. Russell W. Volkmann fought the Imperial Japanese Army (IJA) troops numbering about 4,000 headed by Lt. Col. Yoshiharu Ozaki under the overall command of Gen. Yamashita. 

The capture of Bessang Pass by the officers and men of the USAFP-NL was one of its greatest achievements.

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

Photo credit: Choose Philippines