9 WWII American veterans to visit battle sites in Cebu

CEBU, Philippines - Nine members of the Americal Division Veterans Association will visit the World War II historical sites in Cebu City and other battle sites in the province on March 22 to 27.

According to Jose Eleazar Bersales, University of San Carlos museum curator for research and exhibitions, the word “Americal” in the division is a combination of America and New Caledonia, where the division was first created at the height of WW II.

The veterans will also be attending the 70th commemoration of the Talisay Landing and unveiling of historical marker at the Japanese Surrender Site in Barangay Caduawan, Tabogon, Cebu.

 They will be accompanied by Sam Arnold, the grandson of Gen. William Arnold, the highest ranking officer in Cebu in 1945. It was Gen. Arnold who accepted the surrender of nearly 10,000 Japanese troops led by General Tadasu Kataoka in Tabogon in August 1945.

 The historic Talisay Landing of the American Liberation Forces occurred on March 26 on the shores of Talisay City.

 According to history, 410 Americans were killed in that battle, 1,700 were wounded, and about 8,000 were classified as “non-battle casualties.”

Most of these casualties reportedly succumbed to an outbreak of hepatitis. The Japanese lost 5,500 men. The actual casualties of the Filipino guerillas and civilians were never determined.

In time for the visit, there would be a photographic exhibition on the war at the City Hall, which will be opened by the city mayor, CHAC members, the nine veterans, personnel of the Philippine military and other dignitaries.  It will be spearheaded by the city government and the USC museum.

Bersales informed Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella, who chairs the Cebu City Cultural and Historical Affairs Commission, about the veterans’ visit.

In his letter, he asked the city government to prepare and clean the battles sites in Barangays Buhisan and Lahug.

The acting mayor said he already asked the barangay captains to clear the areas. He is set to visit the sites tomorrow.

Labella said some of the American troops stayed at the caves in Buhisan and Lahug during the war.

The battle sites, he said, have a huge contribution and significance to Cebu’s history.

“May be we can tap these sites as a possible tourist destination,” he added.— (FREEMAN)