We knew we were in for the real stuff when we embarked in January 1945 for Luzon. We went ashore in the second wave at Lingayan near Rosario on the west side of the largest island in the Philippines. We bivouacked on the beach near Damortis for a day or two then moved inland to the foothills.

We relieved the 43rd Division and the 158th RCT and dug in on a ridge back of Rosario. Every day for two weeks, Staff Sgt. Richter led long, deep patrols each morning and evening. Each day at about 1600 hours, the enemy would send three artillery rounds over our heads that landed behind us.

While here, the 130's 3rd Battalion borrowed Company A's second platoon for the final push up Question Mark Hill. Our 2nd platoon had always been designated as an assault platoon, so we were "volunteered" in this tactical operation. The full scale attack on Question Mark was planned with a simultaneous attack on the adjacent Bench Mark Hill.

Zero hour for this massive assault was set for 0700 hours the morning of Washington's Birthday, February 22, 1945. At precisely 0650 hours, all machine guns and howitzers opened up for ten minutes, creating an inferno of dust, flame and smoke on the target.

Companies 130A, 130L and 136C were to attack abreast in the assault. Elements of 136A were our reserve units. At 0700 a smoke shell was dropped on the middle of Question Mark.

The troops involved charged the hillside, destroying everything in front of us. S/Sgts. Richter and Mackarewicz with the first and second squads, led the second platoon. We had light casualties, but the Japanese lost everyone.

Our next move was the vicinity of Alibeng to sieze Hill 1802 overlooking the Rosario-Pozorrubio Road. This piece of real estate was supposed to be poorly defended, but we learned otherwise.

It was a tough fight for Hill 1802. Company A casualties were high and it was where Clifton and Richter earned their Purple Hearts. Following this action 130A rested for four days.

Following the short rest, came the capture of Caba-Aringay and Bauang in a series of night assaults, taking the enemy by surprise.The Bauang operation was so successful, and well-executed, that a mined concrete and steel bridge was secured before the enemy could blow it up.

As the final phase of the battle for Baguio was about to begin, Company A was to secure Mount Bil-Bil to keep the road to Asin open. Bil-Bil was probably our toughest fight. The enemy was about to pay dearly in trying to retain the hill. It was finally ours when there were no Japanese left to resist.

Company A moved next to the vicinity of Picao for mop up and patrol work. We eliminated many enemy stragglers.

Acop's Place was a large, strong perimeter defended by enemy pillboxes. Here the Japs were well-organized and well equipped. From Acop's, Company A started to push up Totem Pole ridge, later ending up at the Daclan airstrip, 32 miles distant.

Our patrols made contact with other patrols in the Cagayan Valley as the fight for Luzon neared the end.

(Editor's note: In accounts of specific action against the enemy, individual perspectives will often differ. This is not to say anyone is wrong, as certain action is remembered from where these persons were at a given time.)

Casualty List || Personal Accounts