Luzon's Angels of Mercy
by John Savinski, AT/130

June 1945. Stretcher bearers comprised of Igorot men and women bring in infantry wounded after a long trek over a rough trail.

Another day was dawning. It was an unpleasant reminder of yesterday's dawn when we launched a surprise attack on the Nips at Mt. Bil Bil.

It was furious and ghastly, and lasted long after sunset. When day was done, gone the sun, we started forming our mountaintop perimeter, digging our foxholes and slit trenches, and then laying our four honored comrades in the center of the perimeter. All were from Antitank Company of the 130th Inf.

When we called it a day, we were out of plasma, out of hand grenades and exhausted. Our "angels of mercy" arrived early to carry our four comrades that answered the final roll call the day before. These angels of mercy were 16 women. They were strong mountain people, better known as Igorots. None of them had any shoes or footwear.

These women were available all the time and were on carrying parties. They carried water, food, ammunition, and other needed supplies for the troops. These women were often subject to enemy fire, and many were wounded.

It was a long hike down to the Galiano Valley Road. A rifle company led the way down Mt. Bil Bil. Next came the angels carrying four stretchers with our comrades. The rest of Anti-tank Company followed. I was the last to leave the summit. It was a sight to behold. The power of silence overwhelmed the entire procession. Amazing grace prevailed. Not a shot was fired nor any disturbance from the enemy.

It was peaceful on the way to Santa Barbara Cemetery on the island of Luzon in the Philippines...

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