April 1942

Monday, April 6th


Philippines

LUZON

The II Corps counterattacks northward toward the reserve line in Sector D but the Japanese meet the attack head on and forces it back. On the corps' eastern flank, the US 31st Infantry and the 21st Division (PA), directed to drive north in the region east of Mt Samat, are unable to reach the line of departure. In the center, the Philippine 33rd Infantry, followed by the 42nd and 43rd, endeavors to drive north between Catmon and the western slopes of Mt Samat, but the 33rd is surrounded and presumed lost and units to the rear are routed. The headquarters of Sector D and the western flank troops are thus separated from the rest of II Corps.

On the western flank, the Philippine 41st Infantry, followed by the 45th, makes limited progress, but the 45th is unable to overtake the 41st and the 41st becomes isolated. The US 31st Infantry and a battalion of the 57th Infantry (PS) are assigned to Sector C, where the line is withdrawn to the San Vicente River. The Japanese receive effective air and artillery support thoughout the day.