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The Los Banos Prison Camp RaidThe Philippines 1944 In the dying days of the war as American forces pushed through the Philippines, one of the most daring raids of World War II was masterfully executed. On the southwest shore of Laguna de Bay stood the Los Banos Internment Camp. Held within were 2,147 starving men, women and children, watched by 250 Japanese guards, and surrounded by several thousand more in the nearby countryside. As the desperate battle for Manila raged, it was feared that they would be executed or moved beyond the reach of the liberating armies. Only 130 Paratroopers could be spared for the rescue operation. Supported by Alamo Scouts, local guerrillas, and amphibious tractors, they seized the element of surprise, and rescued the POWs. Astonishingly only two raiders were killed, with four soldiers and one internee wounded. It was a stunning triumph of courage and perfect timing in the face of overwhelming odds. |
Raid 14 The Los Banos Prison Camp RaidThe Philippines 1944 Gordon L. Rottman
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