January 1942

Philippines

The Philippine Division, on the western flank of the II Corps, withstands increasingly heavy pressure. After nightfall, the II Corps begins its withdrawal to the final defense line. In the I Corps area, the Japanese maintain heavy pressure against the Mauban main line of resistance and frustrate further attempts to reduce the roadblock on West Road. In the Service Command Area, an enemy amphibious force heading for Point Caibobo, having lost its way during the night, arrives at two points on the southwest coast, both well south of their objective. About a third land at Point Longoskawayan; the rest land at Point Quinauan. Gen McBride, responsible for defense of the southern tip of Bataan except for the naval reservation near Mariveles, sends Philippine Constabulary elements to Point Quinauan, but they make little progress. Comdr Francis J. Bridget, commanding the naval reservation, dispatches sailors and marines to Point Longoskawayan. These, reinforced by personnel of the US 301st Chemical Company and a howitzer from the Constabulary, clear Pucot Hill, but the enemy returns after nightfall.