World War II in the Philippines

25/08/2026

PFC Eugene Cannon 🇺🇸

He was initially in the 13th Armored Division, Black Cats. They were reassigned Amphibious and served as an independent tank battalion. Attached to the 96th Infantry Division, Leyte and Okinawa. He was a driver/gunner.

He was part of the first wave that struck the Leyte beaches. 780th amphibious tank battalion ahead of 96th infantry division.

📸 (13th Armored) words and photos by John Cannon

25/08/2026

General MacArthur conferred the title Field Marshal of the Philippine Army in 1936 🇵🇭

25/08/2026

1944 Japanese map of the Philippines (with an inset of Manila) 🇯🇵

📸 (Lawrence Ruderman Antique Maps,
Inc.)

24/08/2026

General Jonathan Wainwright receiving the Medal of Honor from President Harry Truman 🎖️

On May 6, 1942, with his forces exhausted and supplies nearly depleted, Wainwright made the agonizing decision to surrender Corregidor to prevent further loss of life. His surrender also included the surrender of all Allied forces in the Philippines, a decision that was forced upon him by the Japanese, and one that weighed heavily on him throughout his captivity.

Wainwright spent over three years as a prisoner of war, enduring brutal conditions in various POW camps in Luzon, the Philippines, Formosa (modern-day Taiwan), and eventually in Manchuria, China. His time in captivity took a severe physical and psychological toll on him. By the time he was liberated by Russian forces in August 1945, he was almost unrecognizable—emaciated, with white hair and cracked skin, and suffering from the effects of malnutrition and the harsh treatment he had endured.

Wainwright was promoted to full general and was awarded the Medal of Honor for his courageous defense of the Philippines. 🇵🇭

24/08/2026

Battle of the World War II fighter planes 💥

Which one would you choose? 🤔

24/08/2026

If you're interested in doing this tour please don't hesitate to message the Philippine World War II Memorial Foundation or the Pacific Wrecks page to book yourself and have the chance to explore these World War II sites in the Philippines 🇵🇭

Ever dream of visiting the Philippines to explore locations associated with the air war 1941–1945? Join our "Aces of the Pacific Tour" October 17–24, 2026 including the 82nd anniversary commemorations of the Leyte landing. Details online and sign up: https://www.philwarfoundation.com/2026-acesofthepacific

23/08/2026

US Army soldiers posing at the Alabang train station during a stopover. 1945. 🚂

23/08/2026

Sublieutenant Carlos Varela Landini, Lieutenant Fernando Hernandez Vega, Captain Roberto Legorreta Sicilia and Lieutenant Graco Ramirez Garrido of the Aguilas Aztecas 🦅🇲🇽

Personnel identification by Sergio A. Herrera

📸 (Porac, Pampanga 1945)

22/08/2026

A Brutal Korean: Lt. Gen. Hong Sa-Ik

In March 1944, he was transferred to the 14th Area Army and was given charge of all prisoner-of-war camps in the Philippine Islands. In October 1944, he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant general.

After World War 2, Hong was imprisoned by the Americans and tried before an Allied military tribunal. On the 18th of April 1946, he was found guilty as a war criminal as he was found responsible for prison guards under his command, both Japanese and Korean in ethnicity, who committed numerous acts of atrocities against American and Filipino prisoners. He was given the death sentence. He was executed by hanging in September 1946 in Manila, Philippines shortly after he requested a minister to read to him Psalm 51 from the Christian bible.

📸 (Entry from World War II Database)

22/08/2026

Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum 🇺🇸