After the battle, in the final tally, the Japa- nese lost 205,535 troops with only 9,050 pris- oners, while the US lost 10,000 troops with 36,550 wounded. Civilian losses were between 120,000 and 140,000. My outfit was scheduled for S-day plus 2, landing two days after the main invasion force. We were attached to the 3rd Portable Hospital supporting the 6th Army with the intention of the liberation of The Philippines. Jan. 11th we arrived on the northern flank of the invasion force. The first wave was south of us battling to capture the city of Manila. The main Japanese force was in the North. I climbed over the side of the ship with myfull field pack and worked my way down the rope ladder into the small LTV (landing craft). As each LTV filled, it moved away from the ship, making room for the next to pull up and continue loading men. Once loaded, we circled forever until all of the LTVs were fully loaded and ready to storm the shore simulta- neously. It was a long ride to the beach, at least a couple of miles. We hit the beaches with our full force. They had been cleared of the enemy a couple of days prior. Our small LTVs could not reach the shore. With our full back- packs on we trudged through the surf and
sand. None of us could help getting soaked. On shore, we formed up and marched to an assigned area. Many soldiers passed us head- ing toward battle. I’m sure some of them came back on stretchers. The fighting was near and heavy. It was my first combat situation. Someone told me that the ship we were on was attacked. A torpedo had cruised right by its bow. There are always rumors in the Army. But, it very well may have been the case. The enemy could have been anywhere. We set up our field hospital, erected tents, and received wounded. Our surgery center consisted of two suitcases on end with a stretcher in-between. I assisted in surgery. By this time, I was a surgical technician. Typically when the infantry invades, they set up an aid station. Soldiers that can’t be sent back into action are picked up by a collecting company, which tries to patch them up; other- wise, they are sent to a clearing company. If they were in bad shape, they would go directly to a portable hospital. We performed emergency surgery for all kinds of wounds. I have vivid memories of trying to resuscitate one guy after everyone gave up. I tried and tried until I also had to give up.
Grandson Jason Shooster with monument of William H. Horowitz, 2013, Plot D, Row 11, Grave 85, Manila American Cemetery, McKinley Road, Fort Bonifacio, Philippines
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