Thursday, February 15
The Americans Reach the Bay
Troops and a tank of the 37th Infantry in action along Taft Avenue - US National Archives
Today the battle for Manila in the north continued with the 37th Infantry still unable to overcome enemy positions at the Police Station and General Hospital, despite vigorous attempts to break the ferocious Japanese resistance. The General Hospital was still filled with civilians as well as Japanese troops, and today some Japanese donned doctor’s smocks to allow them to approach the windows and fire out at American forces. Despite the furious artillery bombardment and use of tanks and assault guns in a direct fire role, both positions blocked further US advance throughout the day in Ermita.
US mortars are fired over the Pasig at Japanese positions in Ermita - US National Archives
In Malate, the 1st Cavalry was keeping up the pressure on the Japanese dug in around Rizal Stadium, today pushing yet closer by retaking the remains of De La Salle University, scene of the terrible massacre on the 12th. The Japanese had made a final sweep through the ruined complex shortly before the Americans arrived, killing the last few survivors, including Mrs. Vasquez-Prada, whom they had deliberately left to suffer in agony over the last few days, delivering the coup-de-gras before help could arrive.
Other cavalry units today managed to get past Harrison Park and finally reached Dewey Boulevard along Manila Bay. At 1730 they begin to advance northward, coming under fire from Japanese guns on the partially sunken ships near the shore, harassing them, particularly when they are forced to shelter behind the seawall from Japanese troops in the buildings along the shoreline.
Cavalrymen and and an M18 Hellcat tank destroyer move slowly among the high rise apartment buildings in Malate - US National Archives
At Fort McKinley, the 11th Airborne executed its flanking maneuver to the south, but progress was slow, the division only managing to link their forces and those of the 1st Cavalry for the attack, but not to gain significant ground against the fort.
GIs bait a sniper near the General Hospital - US National Archives
Inside Fort Santiago, Admiral Iwabuchi received another order from Shimbu Group to prepare for a breakout, but by this point it is unlikely that this would be possible even if he had wanted to. The Americans had pushed the bulk of his forces well away from the nearest Shimbu Group troops, and today Iwabuchi transmitted a statement of the situation and his intentions to Imperial Naval Command:
“I am overwhelmed with shame for the many casualties among my subordinates and for being unable to discharge my duty because of my incompetence. The men have exerted their utmost efforts in the fighting. We are very glad and grateful for the opportunity of being able to serve our country in this epic battle. Now, with what strength remains, we will daringly engage the enemy. Banzai to the Emperor! We are determined to fight to the last man.”
A further statement was sent to Shimbu Group:
“In view of the general situation, I consider it very important to hold the strategic positions within the city. The transfer of the headquarters will hinder the execution of operations. We have tried to make contact with Fort McKinley but failed. Escape is believed impossible.”
In response Yamashita ordered Iwabuchi to effect his breakout on the night of the 17th regardless, meeting Shimbu Group forces advancing toward Novaliches Dam, believing that a nighttime penetration of Americans lines remained possible. This despite the fact that no avenue existed for easily crossing the Pasig to the north, and the Americans were actively engaged with mechanized forces on the eastern and southern flanks of the MNDF’s diminishing zone of control.
Intramuros and the city center viewed from an American observation plane. Smoke rises from the area of the Police Station and General Hospital - US National Archives
Deliverance had finally come for the few survivors of the massacre at De La Salle University, but the Japanese still were not finished with their slaughter. One notable incident that took place today occurred on the southern stretch of Kansas Street, where the Japanese planted a Red Cross flag to draw out refugees with a promise of safety, luring those unfortunate enough to see it into one of their improvised death chambers.
Near Harrison Park, which the Americans all but taken, the Rocha Famila finally dashed from their shelter on Carolina Street to the American lines only a few hundred yards away, where he informed the officer in command of the mortar unit that was shelling his neighborhood that there were only civilians in the area. He was ignored, and the bombardment continued through the night.
US Flags - Represent US and Filipino positions, division emblems added as needed.
IJN Flags - Represent known Major Japanese positions
Black “X” - Represent major war crimes committed today
Medal of Honor - Approximate location of CMH action