Wednesday, 21 February
The Americans reach the Manila Hotel
The view toward the Intramuros from the recently taken Army Navy Club. The Manila Hotel is visible on the left
US National Archives
The battle for the City Hall was still ongoing today, despite the continuing American bombardment. As the building was pounded from heavy artillery at point blank range of less than 250 yards, the Japanese were being worn down, and finally the Americans were able to make entry again into the structure. Despite this, it ended up as a repeat of the day before, as the GIs were forced back onto the cratered streets and withdrew to let the artillery continue to hammer the building.
Medics carry a wounded GI at the University of the Philippines
US National Archives
At the University of the Philippines, the Administration Building fell today, but the fight for Rizal Hall would not end as quickly. Heavy artillery and self-propelled guns were brought up to fire on the the building for several hours, causing even more damage after the attempted Japanese demolition the day before. US troops again entered the building in the afternoon and secured the lower floors, but the Japanese still refused to be eliminated from the upper stories. The fighting inside the building would drag on with grenades and bayonets, but by the end of the day Rizal Hall still was not secure.
Cavalrymen cross Luneta toward the Manila Hotel aboard jeeps
US National Archives
More cavalrymen made their assault today across Burnham Green from the Elks Lodge to the Manila Hotel, pushing forward under cover of heavy artillery firing on the building that had been MacArthur’s residence before the war. Pushing to the hotel with a unit of sherman tanks, the troopers entered the East Wing of the famous hotel and secured it, but the Japanese proved difficult to dislodge from the basement and the West Wing.
Another message demanding a night withdrawal from the city was sent today by Shimbu Group headquarters to Iwabuchi, but this time was completely ignored, the Admiral not deigning even to acknowledge the message.
GIs move through the rubble on Corregidor
US National Archives
Operations to mop up the Japanese on Corregidor continued today, with the bulk of their forces still trapped within the Malinta Tunnel. Operations on Wheeler Point continued as well, with the weakened but still determined Japanese being pushed closer and closer to annihilation.
Manila: 21 February, 1945
Central Post Office - Japanese Strongpoint remains
City Hall - Japanese Strongpoint remains
Luneta Government Builidings - Japanese forces prepare for the Americans to attack when the City Hall falls
University of the Philippines - Even after yesterday’s bombardment, the Japanese refuse to be evicted from the ruined campus
Manila Hotel - US forces take control of the East Wing, but are unable to remove the Japanese from the rest of the building, including MacArthur’s old penthouse