February 23, 2005

60th anniversary of Los Baños Raid commemorated

U.S. and Philippine paratroopers descend on the University of Philippines’ Los Baños campus carrying the two countries’ flags during a February 23 ceremony commemorating the raid 60 years ago by U.S. and Philippine troops that freed 2,147 American and foreign nationals held prisoners by the Japanese Army during World War II. Suffering only two guerilla deaths, U.S. and Filipino forces dispersed the enemy’s 250-man guard force and evacuated the prisoners to the safety of American lines 25 miles away.

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(Above:) Ambassador Ricciardone (second, right), U.S. Army Japan 9th Theater Support Group Commanding General Major Gen. Elbert Perkins (right), U.S. Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Joseph Mussomeli (second left) and Joint U.S. Military Group – Philippines Chief Col. Mathias Velasco (left) led the U.S. delegation to the event.

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(Clockwise from above:) The military plane carrying U.S. and Philippine paratroopers fly low to greet participants in the celebration; Ambassador Ricciardone and Senator Richard Gordon watch the fly-by; Laguna Governor Teresita Lazaro greets Major Gen. Perkins and the Ambassador; and Laguna Congressman Justin Chipeco talks with Ambassador Ricciardone.

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		(Above:) Philippine and U.S. military honor guards march with the two countries’ flags in front of the monument (left) built by the Philippine Hunters-ROTC in honor of the Los Baños raid. Philippine and U.S. paratroopers exchange jump wings (below).

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Jesuit priest Fr. James Reuters (third left, photo above), one of those interned in the Los Baños prisoner camp, was honored in the ceremony. Ambassador Ricciardone (right photo) lays a wreath at the monument. In his remarks, the Ambassador said Los Baños’ ability to recover and prosper after suffering from the war could be an inspiration to nations such as Afghanistan and Iraq as they move on to a future freed from tyranny.

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