Throwback Thursday: Battling Bastards of Bataan

posted on December 11, 2014
battling-retro.jpg

American_Rifleman_cover_June_1942Seventy-three years ago this week, a mere 10 hours after the Japanese sneak attack on Pearl Harbor, Japanese forces invaded the Philippine Islands. The combined American and Filipino troops, underequipped and cut off, were forced into a defensive perimeter on the Bataan Peninsula. There, more than 70,000 starving Allied troops were forced to surrender on April 9, 1942, with fortress of Corregidor capitulating on May 6. More than 10,000 are believed to have perished in the horrific "Bataan Death March" that followed.

American Rifleman's June 1942 cover, printed shortly after the "Battling Bastards of Bataan" had to lay down their arms, honors the memory and sacrifice of those American riflemen who fought in the Philippines in 1941-42.

THE COVER: Teamed up with thousands of Americans from the states, the Filipino fighter, in the excitement of battle throwing the grenade baseball fashion just like his fellow Americans (tho' contrary to the lobbing instruction of his officers) rates cover prominence this month as one of our American riflemen. Inspired by the ferocity of Bataan and Corregidor, recruiting among Filipinos goes on in the States under officers of the Army of the Philippines and regular Army men. Signal Corps Photo.

Latest

Gotw 2020 Redline Cover
Gotw 2020 Redline Cover

Gun Of The Week: Springfield Armory Model 2020 Redline

Watch American Rifleman staff on the range in this week's video to learn about Springfield's modern bolt-action hunting rifle, the Model 2020 Redline.

The Armed Citizen® Sept. 22, 2023

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Picking A Propellant For Your Handloads

Choosing the best propellant for the application is critical to optimal load performance. Here, we provide guidance on navigating the oceans of smokeless propellant options.

Shooter’s Choice Celebrates 40th Anniversary

Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, Shooter's Choice is marking the milestone with fresh branding and product updates.

ATN Corp Awarded DoD Contact

The U.S. Dept. of Defense has selected ATN Corp. to fulfill a $25 million contract that will supply thermal- imaging systems to the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense.

I Have This Old Gun: Colt 1878 Double-Action Revolver

Despite its success in the single-action revolver market, Colt fell behind when double-action revolvers became popular in the late 1870s. The Colt 1878 was a robust, large-frame revolver that would carry the company into the 20th century.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.