Wendell Fertig
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wendell_Fertig
Fascinating story. The guy promoted himself from LTC to BG. He said, the locals wouldn't fight for just a LTC.
From the article: This self-promotion to "brigadier general" did not endear him to General MacArthur or his staff,[25] but MacArthur did send logistical support to Fertig throughout 1943 and 1944.[26]
Hey, ya do what ya gotta do.
What a wonderful story, one I had never heard. Absolutely amazing.
I greatly appreciate you sharing that.
Distinguished Service Cross
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Awarded for actions during the World War II
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Colonel (Corps of Engineers) Wendell W. Fertig (ASN: 0-254976), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while Commanding the Mindanao-Visayan Force (Philippine Guerillas), in action against enemy forces from 8 May 1943 to 6 August 1943, in the Philippine Islands. Refusing to surrender when the major defense forces were overcome, Colonel Fertig assumed command of scattered forces continuing resistance on the island of Mindanao. He effectively organized many dispersed elements throughout the island, held much strong enemy forces continuously at bay, and denied to them some of the resources of their country. He improvised tactics for effective warfare with limited means, and ingenious methods for supplying his men and their families. He persisted in this enterprise, although a large price was set on his head, and he was of necessity in constant proximity to the enemy. His courage and resourcefulness enabled him to avoid capture, to inspire in the people of Mindanao a will to resist, and to furnish the United States Command with information of great military value.
General Orders: Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the Far East, General Orders No. 47 (August 18, 1943)
Action Date: May 8 - August 6, 1943
Service: Army
Rank: Colonel
Division: Mindanao-Visayan Force
Army Distinguished Service Medal
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Awarded for actions during the World War II
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Colonel (Corps of Engineers) Wendell W. Fertig (ASN: 0-254976), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility as commander of the Mindanao-Visayan Force (Philippine Guerrillas) at Mindanao, Philippine Islands, from 16 September 1942 to 25 March 1945. When the surrender of United States Forces in the Philippines left the civilian population, United States, and Philippine Army personnel in a state of chaos, Colonel Fertig accepted the tremendous responsibility of organizing both civil and military resistance in Mindanao. Although confronted with almost insurmountable difficulties, he organized a well disciplined and highly effective fighting force of 25,000 men which confined the foe, vastly superior numerically, to certain heavily fortified areas. He developed an espionage system, coastal watching stations, and vast radio communications of 58 stations scattered throughout the island, many of which were in heavily garrisoned areas. Gaining contact with General Headquarters in Australia, he transmitted vital intelligence on enemy ground, sea, and air activities, and one of his reports made possible the decisive Japanese defeat in the Naval Battle of the Eastern Philippines. Colonel Fertig was responsible for the construction of havens for distressed American planes, pilots and crew. Denying the enemy access to the greater part of the island and its resources, his military activities paved the way for the virtually unopposed landing of United States Forces with a minimum of casualties. Constantly engaged with vastly superior enemy forces, he engendered Filipino faith and confidence in their ultimate deliverance, instilled in them the will to resist, and united them in the cause of freedom. By his outstanding courage, tireless determination, and brilliant leadership, Colonel Fertig made an inestimable contribution to the liberation of the Philippine Islands.
General Orders: War Department, General Orders No. 46 (May 23, 1946)
Action Date: September 16, 1942 - March 25, 1945
Service: Army
Rank: Colonel
Company: Commander
Division: Mindanao-Visayan Force
MacArthur simply would not share his spotlight with anyone, would he?
Wiki says he started the school at Ft. Bragg that eventually became the Special Forces school. Quite a guy.
The article says a movie is in development with Brad Pitt penciled in as Fertig. His wife is bringing out a movie from the book Unbroken about Louis Zamperini's wartime experience, so I wonder if the Fertig project will ever be done.