Did the USA Abandon the Philippines to Japan at the Beginning of WWII? The Unforgettable Reality and Ongoing Controversy

In the early stages of World War II, the USA faced a series of challenges that led to the appalling consequences in the Philippines. It is a widely debated topic whether the US truly abandoned its forces in the Philippines, given the devastating events of the time and the numerous atrocities committed on American prisoners of war. This article seeks to provide a comprehensive analysis of the situation, examining the reasons behind the US decision and the brutal aftermath of the conflict.

The USA and the Pacific Fleet

Contrary to common misconceptions, the US did not entirely abandon the Philippines. However, the decision to minimize the resupply efforts and ultimately withdraw US forces from the Philippine Islands is categorized as an abandonment. The defeat of the US Navy at Pearl Harbor significantly constrained the cargo and supply convoy movements, making it nearly impossible to resupply the forces in the Philippines. Despite the prewar emphasis on battleships, the US Navy was left in a weakened state, drastically limiting its ability to provide support.

Absence of Immediate Support

The US decision not to relieve the forces stationed in the Philippines is often cited as evidence of an abandonment. This policy was influenced by various factors, including the losses suffered by the US Navy at Pearl Harbor, the lack of available forces, and the logistical challenges posed by the vast distances between the Philippines and the United States.

Key logistical challenges included:

Distance: The Philippines are geographically isolated, with Formosa (now Taiwan) being the nearest landmass. From Formosa, the Japanese were already launching air strikes against the Philippines. Australia and Indonesia: The distance from Luzon to the southern border of the Philippines is considerable, with large parts of Indonesia between the two regions. This distance exacerbated the logistical difficulties in providing aid.

It is important to highlight the distance challenge, as it often goes unnoticed by many Americans. Despite these challenges, the Philippine garrison displayed remarkable resilience and fought courageously, leading to the infamous Bataan Death March and showcasing the strength of the US forces stationed there.

The Bataan Death March and Beyond

The Bataan Death March, a notorious episode of the Philippines' World War II history, highlights the brutal treatment American prisoners of war faced at the hands of Japanese forces. This march was a tragic ordeal that highlighted the inhumanity and strategic missteps that occurred during this conflict. Despite the American forces' initial valiant resistance, the eventual surrender was a result of these compounded challenges and logistical difficulties.

The 38,000 American and Filipino prisoners of war who marched 65 miles to their captivity sites faced unimaginable atrocities. The march, which lasted for days, was characterized by the sick and wounded being left behind, and prisoners enduring extreme thirst, starvation, and torture. This grim legacy serves as a stark reminder of the human toll of the war and the unexpected challenges faced by US forces in the Philippines.

The Aftermath and Ongoing Debate

The debate surrounding the US's involvement in the Philippines during WWII remains contentious. Many argue that the decisions made were a result of the overwhelming challenges posed by the attack on Pearl Harbor, logistical limitations, and the widespread lack of available military resources. While these points are valid, it is also clear that the decision to abandon the Philippines was a significant misstep that led to severe consequences for the American soldiers and civilians involved.

One of the most pressing questions remains: Is there anything else the USA should have done? The answer to this is not straightforward. While the decision to withdraw forces was a result of practical and strategic considerations, there were certainly opportunities to mitigate the damage. The involvement of the US Army, which had been growing but was still insufficient to fully support the Philippine garrison, is also a point of contention. The desire to save as many lives as possible cannot be understated, but the tragic reality is that many did not survive.

One must also consider the cultural and emotional impact of the abandonment. The fighting spirit of the US forces, encapsulated in the famous song "No Mama, No Papa, No Uncle Sam," demonstrates the soldiers' determined resolve. Their fighting at Bataan, known as the "Battling Bastards of Bataan," exemplifies the courage of the soldiers who fought as long as humanly possible, bitter and exhausted, against overwhelming odds.

Ultimately, the debate over whether the USA abandoned the Philippines remains complex and multifaceted. The tragic events of WWII in the Philippines have left a lasting impact on the world, reminding us of the sacrifices made by those who fought in the early stages of the conflict. While history may never be able to resolve this debate conclusively, it is imperative to understand and remember the context and the suffering endured by the American forces and the people of the Philippines during this period.