PhilippinesLUZONIn the II Corps area, the 41st Infantry completes movement into the Sector C line, taking up positions between the 31st and 51st Division elements. The Japanese renew their attack against the corps in the evening. Some cross the Tiawir River in front of Sector D, where they are stopped. Others attempt to move forward in Sector C without success. From the west coast, in the I Corps area, the Japanese move eastward along the corps' main line to the 1st Division sector, where defensive preparations are not yet complete. During the night, the Japanese breach the main line there and pour southward through the gap. As the enemy force becomes divided in the dense jungle, two pockets, called Little Pocket and Big Pocket, are formed, with Little Pocket about 400 yards below the main defense line and Big Pocket nearly a mile behind the main defense line. In the South Sector, Scouts of the 2nd Battalion, 57th Infantry, attack Point Longoskawayan and advance two thirds of its length before artillery support is obstructed by Pucot Hill. The 3rd Battalion of the 45th Infantry (PS) attacks the enemy beachhead at Point Quinauan, but jungle terrain and the enemy make progress slow and costly. At night the 3rd Battalion is reinforced by Company B of the 57th Infantry. In the Anyasan-Silaiim sector, the 17th Pursuit Squadron and Philippine Constabulary elements push almost to the coast of Anyasan Bay, but the Constabulary units, fearing counterattack, withdraw in confustion after dark. |