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FReeper Canteen ~ Hall of Heroes: Arthur Wermuth, Part 1 ~ February 18, 2013
Serving The Best Troops and Veterans In The World !! | StarCMC

Posted on 02/17/2013 5:04:15 PM PST by Kathy in Alaska

 

Our Troops Rock!  Thank you for all you do!
 
For the freedom you enjoyed yesterday...
Thank the Veterans who served
in The United States Armed Forces.
 
Looking forward to tomorrow's freedom? Support The United States
Armed Forces Today!
 
 

~ Hall of Heroes ~

Arthur Wermuth
"The One Man Army of Bataan"

Info from here.

(Thank you to DeaconBenjamin for bringing this hero to our attention!)

ArmyPatch small   Marine small   Air Force Seal   Air Force   Coast Guard Seal small (better)

Arthur Wermuth didn't look like a U.S. Army officer. Sporting a mustache and Vandyke beard, the former football star from South Dakota endured his baptism of combat in the last week of 1941 and into first week of 1942. Departing Manila on the day after Christmas with the 150 men of Company D, 57th Infantry (Philippine Scouts), he had been ordered by Colonel George Clark to put his small force in the lines on Northern Luzon and "Dig in and hold!.

Facing Wermuth's small and generally untrained but equally determined force of Philippine Scouts was an entire division of Japanese, rapidly pressing south after landing on the northern coast of Luzon. After ten days of resistance, Captain Wermuth no longer had a force to command--only 37 of his soldiers had survived. They, along with other units of General Jonathan Wainwright's Northern Luzon force had been finally forced to fall back.

Meanwhile, General Wainwright aligned his forces south of the the Calaguiman River which flowed from nearly-mile-high Mount Natib which splits the Bataan Peninsula, eastward into Manila Bay. The river was a defining geographical feature in what became known as the Abucay Line, a final defensive position in efforts to hold out against Japanese General Homma's advance down the east side of Bataan, until promised reinforcements arrived. Straddling the river was the important junction barrio of Kalaguiman.

On January 9, when the Japanese launched the first in a long series of ferocious attacks against the Abucay Line, Company A of the 57th Infantry (Philippine Scouts) held positions near Kalaguiman, which was north of the Abucay Line and the main force of defenders. The Filipino soldiers and their American officers were battle-weary and demoralized in the face of continuing, and seemingly futile resistance. To bolster moral, Captain Wermuth, whose Company D had been nearly annihilated, was sent to to join them. Three days earlier Wermuth had demonstrated his uncanny combat abilities by proceeding alone past thousands of Japanese troops to reach an outpost isolated behind enemy lines. It had been the beginning of an incredible series of actions that would make the imposing figure of a man, who went into combat with a Thompson sub-machine gun slung over his shoulder and two .45 caliber pistols holstered like a western gunfighter, one of the first American heroes of World War II.

By the following night the continuing onslaught had forced the Philippine Scouts further south and the Japanese had entered and controlled Kalaguiman. At Allied headquarters it was determined that the only effective way to delay further advance was to destroy the barrio and then blow the wooden bridge across which enemy troops continued their advance south. Captain Wermuth volunteered to do the job.

Setting out before dawn, and toting two five-gallon drums of gasoline, Wermuth slipped past infiltrated enemy snipers, deep behind what was now the enemy line, and into Kalaguiman. With the wind blowing from the north, he crept all the way through the town, now inhabited by hundreds of Japanese soldiers, most of them still quietly sleeping in the huts of local villagers that their invasion had displaced to the surrounding jungles. Behind him, back behind the friendly lines, Filipino artillerymen were preparing their big guns for a major fire mission. The plan, worked out earlier that morning, was to begin shelling the city five minutes after the first wisps of smoke from Wermuth's fire were seen. The delay was all the time that would be allotted Wermuth to blow the bridge with a satchel charge of TNT he also carried, and effect his escape.

Creeping quietly all the way through the city, Wermuth reached the northern limits and then retraced his steps, spreading his gasoline against the walls of thatched-roof hamlets, inside which many enemy still slept despite the fact that it was nearly 10 a.m. The dangerous task at last done, he struck a match and began to head for the all-important bridge. The ensuing fire alerted the entire enemy force, many of whom streamed into the hard-packed dirt main street aflame and dying. Others began quickly to search for the intruder. Creeping through a dark alley, Wermuth found his way blocked by three enemy soldiers. So far the shadows had masked his presence but he knew time was running out. He also realized also that any attempt to shoot them down would expose his location and subject him to immediate and merciless gunfire. He glanced nervously at his watch as precious seconds ticked away. With four minutes left he started to raise his Thompson when the three Japanese finally moved away. Creeping quickly through the alley, he finally broke into the bright sunshine and began a desperate zigzag race towards the bridge.

Bullets began to spray all around him, one of them drilling into Wermuth's leg and forcing him to stumble briefly. Ignoring the pain he raced on, even as the first rounds of what might now be not-so-friendly artillery began to rain down on Kalaguiman. Fortunately, the firepower did distract the enemy enough to give Wermuth the time he needed to plant his charges, blow the bridge, and then carefully crawl his way back through the hidden Japanese snipers to reach friendly lines. There, doctors removed a small-caliber bullet that had lodged in his calf, barely missing bone, and Captain Wermuth earned his first Purple Heart.

For Captain Arthur Wermuth, it had been a risky but necessary venture. Behind him, beyond the burning ruins of the bridge and inside the smoldering ashes of Kalaguiman, lay the blackened bodies of more than 300 Japanese soldiers.

...come back next week for part 2...

Please remember the Canteen is here to honor, support and entertain our troops and their families.  This is a politics-free zone!  Thanks for helping us in our mission! 



TOPICS: Culture/Society; Extended News; Free Republic
KEYWORDS: canteen; heroes; military; troopsupport
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To: Arrowhead1952

Good old Pepe le pu....no place to escape the smell.

Hope Murfie doesn’t feel the need to track it down.


161 posted on 02/21/2013 9:07:58 PM PST by Kathy in Alaska (((~RIP Brian...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)))
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To: left that other site

Thanks, unique, for the tank.

ML.....#150!!


162 posted on 02/21/2013 9:16:39 PM PST by Kathy in Alaska (((~RIP Brian...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)))
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To: Kathy in Alaska
A good day, thanks! Clear and cold here. Starting a new project tomorrow - will have to turn in soon!



Keep Faith with the Fallen of Benghazi! Let the Obama Regime, for once, tell the Truth!

Fiat Justitia, Ruat Coelum!

Genuflectimus non ad principem sed ad Principem Pacis!

Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name. (Isaiah 49:1 KJV)

163 posted on 02/21/2013 9:17:51 PM PST by ConorMacNessa (HM/2 USN, 3/5 Marines RVN 1969 - St. Michael the Archangel defend us in Battle!)
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To: Kathy in Alaska
WOO HOO!!!

164 posted on 02/21/2013 9:21:53 PM PST by left that other site (Worry is the darkroom that developes negatives.)
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To: Kathy in Alaska; laurenmarlowe; BIGLOOK; alfa6; EsmeraldaA; SandRat; mylife; TMSuchman; PROCON; ...




GOD BLESS AND PROTECT OUR TROOPS AND OUR BELOVED NATION!


TATTOO
(Click)


Must retire – the 0445 Reveille approaches relentlessly.

The Bugler, his grim visage replete with an evil sneer, already mounts the parapet.

Do poor Tom some charity, whom the foul fiend vexes!



All Gave Some – Some Gave All!!!
(Click)


Good night, God bless you, and God bless the United States of America!

Godspeed our Troops around the Globe – especially those in harm’s way – by virtue of their service and sacrifice we continue to live in Freedom!









Genuflectimus non ad principem sed ad Principem Pacis!

Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name. (Isaiah 49:1 KJV)

165 posted on 02/21/2013 9:26:10 PM PST by ConorMacNessa (HM/2 USN, 3/5 Marines RVN 1969 - St. Michael the Archangel defend us in Battle!)
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To: ConorMacNessa

Nite, Conor! (((hugs)))

Good to get to say that again! :)


166 posted on 02/21/2013 9:38:54 PM PST by luvie (All my heroes wear camos!)
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To: ConorMacNessa
God Bless you good, Mac. Good night and rest well. Thanks for helping honor our troops, past and present.
Thank you for your service to our country.


167 posted on 02/21/2013 10:15:25 PM PST by Kathy in Alaska (((~RIP Brian...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)))
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To: blackie; E.G.C.; Arrowhead1952; ConorMacNessa; Allegra; Mrs.Nooseman; beachn4fun; Jet Jaguar; ...



168 posted on 02/22/2013 1:35:06 AM PST by Kathy in Alaska (((~RIP Brian...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)))
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To: All
Good morning/afternoon/evening/night Troops, wherever you are.

Thank you for doing your part to help keep all of us free and safe.

Thanks, unique, for the pastries.

Coffee is always on........

How about a donut?

Cookies?

Veggies?

Sandwich?


169 posted on 02/22/2013 1:43:33 AM PST by Kathy in Alaska (((~RIP Brian...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)))
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To: E.G.C.

GOOD MORNING, E...((HUGS))...it’s been days!

You and Bo have a wonderful Friday!!


170 posted on 02/22/2013 1:46:59 AM PST by Kathy in Alaska (((~RIP Brian...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)))
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To: beachn4fun
It's back, beachy...FR is up and running!! ((HUGS))

Have a great day!


171 posted on 02/22/2013 1:56:35 AM PST by Kathy in Alaska (((~RIP Brian...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)))
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To: Kathy in Alaska; StarCMC
A very pleasant good morning to everyone at the Canteen and to all our military at home and abroad. Thanks for your service to our country.

It's SO AWESOME to have FR back in service. Thanks to Jim and John for working so hard to get it back up. It has indeed been days.

And, good morning to you ladies, ((HUGS)) Again, thanks Star for this morning's thread.

172 posted on 02/22/2013 1:59:01 AM PST by E.G.C.
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To: PROCON
So good to be "home"!! Enjoy your weekend, Pro...((HUGS))


173 posted on 02/22/2013 2:00:37 AM PST by Kathy in Alaska (((~RIP Brian...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)))
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To: ConorMacNessa
Good morning, Mac...*HUGS*...it's almost the weekend and FR is up and running!!


174 posted on 02/22/2013 2:08:32 AM PST by Kathy in Alaska (((~RIP Brian...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)))
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To: Jet Jaguar; txradioguy; JemiansTerror; MEG33; Laurita; CMS; OneLoyalAmerican; Defender2; ...
God bless and keep safe our troops worldwide.

Good night.


Statler Brothers ~ How Great Thou Art


175 posted on 02/22/2013 2:10:35 AM PST by Kathy in Alaska (((~RIP Brian...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)))
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To: All; Kathy in Alaska; Arrowhead1952; beachn4fun; LUV W; E.G.C.; left that other site; Old Sarge; ...

~Good Morning To The Canteen~
WOO HOO We're Back!


Wearin' Red On Friday To Support Our Troops
*HUGS*
Have A Great Weekend


176 posted on 02/22/2013 3:09:46 AM PST by MEG33
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To: MEG33
((HUGS))Good morning, MEG33. It sure feels great to see FR back in service.

How's it going for you this morning?

177 posted on 02/22/2013 3:54:00 AM PST by E.G.C.
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To: E.G.C.

Amen..
All is well here..Did you get snow? We had a little rain.


178 posted on 02/22/2013 4:00:03 AM PST by MEG33
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To: Arrowhead1952
LOL! I had a bunch of pictures to edit and put in Photobucket...and the laundry is done.
Glad it's back ..I might really get desperate and catch up on paperwork if it lasted much longer..
;o)
179 posted on 02/22/2013 4:10:48 AM PST by MEG33
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To: Kathy in Alaska
Good night, Kathy!

*HUGS*

Sweet Dreams!



Keep Faith with the Fallen of Benghazi! Let the Obama Regime, for once, tell the Truth!

Fiat Justitia, Ruat Coelum!

Genuflectimus non ad principem sed ad Principem Pacis!

Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name. (Isaiah 49:1 KJV)

180 posted on 02/22/2013 5:21:09 AM PST by ConorMacNessa (HM/2 USN, 3/5 Marines RVN 1969 - St. Michael the Archangel defend us in Battle!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 174 | View Replies]


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