Location
Island located at the entrance to Manila Bay. Also know as Fort Mills or simply "The Rock". Caballo (Fort Hughes) and El Fraile (Fort Drum) are nearby.

History
Prior to the war, the US Army Corps of Engineers developed the island into Fort Mills to defend the entrance to Manila Bay with gun batteries, mortars, an airfield and the Malinta Tunnel. On December 21, 1941 Corregidor became the headquarters for US Naval Defense forces.

Japanese missions against Corregidor
January 4 - May 6, 1942

Japanese Assault
After Japanese forces occupied Bataan and Cavite, their heavy artillery began bombarding the island. Also, Japanese aircraft bombed and strafed the island to soften up the defenses.

By order of President Roosevelt, General MacArthur and his family plus other senior staff members were evacuated from Corregidor PT-32, PT-34, PT-35 and PT-41 during the night of March 11-12, 1942 and transported to Mindanao where they were flown aboard B-17s to Darwin, Australia

On May 5, 1942 a force of 2.000 Japanese Army troops under the command of General Homma launched an amphibious assault on Corregidor supported by a heavy bombardment from artillery and aircraft. Despite determined American resistance, Corregidor was officially surrendered the next day, May 6, 1942.

Japanese Occupation
After the battled, only one Japanese reinforced company remained on the island (300 men), with approximately 500 prisoners, mostly Americans to repair the installations, perform cleanup and collect scrap for shipment to Japan. The POWs remained on the island until shortly before the liberation. As American forces approached, approximately 6,000 Japanese troops, mostly Navy occupied the island.

During the US Army liberation of Luzon and Manila an extensive bombing missions, US Navy bombardment and mine clearing operation proceeded the assault to liberate the island.

American missions against Corregidor
January 23 - March 1, 1945

Liberation
On February 15, 1945 the 503rd paratroopers dropped onto the Topside area of Corregidor. An amphibious landing was made by the 34th Infantry Division between Cavalry Point and Infantry Point on the north coast, and another landing west of San Jose on the south, to take Malinta Hill.

The Japanese fought from caves, and launched banzai charges and set off demolition charges, blowing up Malinta Hill on February 21. On February 25, the 151st Infantry arrived to replace the 34th Infantry Division. The battle to liberate Corregidor lasted twelve days, and resulted in 225 KIA and MIA plus 645 WIA on the American side.  Nearly all the Japanese defenders were killed, totalling 4,500 KIA during the battle and an estimated 500 buried alive in caves, plus 200 killed trying to swim away. Only 20 were captured alive.

Today
Corregidor is a protected Philippines National Park, A small population lives on the island, to maintain the grounds and guide tourists. Most people choose the short day trip by fast catamaran from Manila, which includes a guided bus tour around some of the more significant sites. For the more serious visitor, there is a nice hotel, and our stays have been up to ten days, much to the amazement of the locals.

Battery Way
A battery of four mortars, capable of firing in any direction. The last of the four mortars was still firing when the Japanese landed, and Allied forces removed its breech block prior to capture. Today, it is one of the main tourist attractions on Corregidor Island tour.

Battery Geary
A mortar battery built into a hollow on the southern coast of Corregidor. Hit by a a 240mm round penetrated the center magazine, detonating a massive explosion of 40 tons of explosives that utterly destroyed the battery, leaving a large crater where the magazine formerly was.

Battery Crockett
A battery of four mortars, capable of firing in any direction. The last of the four mortars was still firing when the Japanese landed, and Allied forces removed its breech block prior to capture.

Battery Smith
The original stenciled labels are still visible on the walls. Battery Smith was a long range (26 miles) flat trajectory 12" gun. There were two of these weapons curiously exposed like this, the other being Battery Hearn. Perhaps they didn't build a parapet so as to allow depression of the guns, which faced out to the South China Sea. Each could traverse a full 360 degrees.

Battery Hearn
Battery Hearn was a long range (26 miles) flat trajectory 12" gun, facing out to the South China Sea. During the defense of Corregidor by the Americans, this gun was used to fire at Japanese forces on Bataan, but only AP shells were available making it difficult to do damage.

Battery Ramsay
Located near the the old YMCA building. This battery of three six-inches received a hit on its magazine during allied air bombardments and there is an enormous crater and one of the huge gun mounts lies on its side at the rim.

Battery Wheeler
The battery faces towards the southwest, but could easily lay fire upon Mariveles to the north west. Battery Wheeler was constructed between 1904 and 1919.

Battery Cheney
Located on the southwestern corner of the island facing the South China Sea. This battery had two 12" guns on M1901 disappearing gun carriages

Japanese Tunnel
Carved by the Japanese, along the tracks at Battery Rock Point and Middle side.

Mile Long Barracks
Nicknamed 'Mile Long Barracks' it was said to be the longest barracks in the world (although not actually a mile long). Heavily damaged during the capture and liberation of the island, the ruins are still standing today.

Flagpole
The original flagpole. After liberator, on March 2 1945. General Douglas MacArthur awarded Colonel George M. Jones, the paratrooper commander a DSC and made the famous quote: "I see the old flagpole still stands. Have your troops hoist the colors to its peak, and let no enemy ever haul them down."

Topside
Barracks building.

Malinta Tunnel (Malinta Hill)
Located roughly in the center of the island. This massive underground headquarters and supplies storage area for the USAFFE.

Kindley Field (Landing Strip)
Runway on the eastern end of Corregidor.

Battery Kysor
Located on the north side of the island, to the west of Kindley Field

Filipino Women Statue
To the SW of Battery Kysor.

Medical Marker / General Wainwright Memorial
Located on the south coast of the island, near the south dock.

South Dock
Landing point on the south side of the island, roughly in the center.

Battery Maxwell Keyes
Located to the SW of Kindley Field, on the south side of the island.

Naval Radio Intercept Tunnel
Located to the east of Battery Maxwell Keyes.

Filipino Heroes Memorial / President Osmena Statue
Located to the SE of Battery Kysor.

Lighthouse
Located on the island.

Contribute Information
Do you have photos or additional information to add?

Last Updated
January 23, 2012