71st Division (Philippines)


The 71st Infantry Division was a division of the Philippine Army under the United States Army Forces in the Far East.

Organization

History

It was active from 1941 to April 9, 1942, whereupon it surrendered when Bataan fell. Previously it was active in Southern Luzon. Col. Clyde A. Selleck was the division's commander, until around January 1942, when Col. Clinton A. Pierce took command. Pierce had been in command of the U.S. 26th Cavalry Regt. since before the Japanese opened hostilities.

Combat Narrative

After the Japanese invasion of the Philippines in December 1941, it formed part of South Luzon Force under BGen. George M. Parker Jr., HQ Ft. McKinley, Manila. The South Luzon Force controlled a zone east and south of Manila. Parker initially had the PA 1st, 41st, 51st, and 71st Infantry Divisions, and the 2nd Provisional Artillery Group of two batteries of the U.S. 86th Field Artillery Regiment.
When the Japanese began landing at Lamon Bay on December 24, 1941, South Luzon Force was badly dispersed.

Order of battle