WASHINGTON, DC, UNITED STATES
06.09.2006
Photo by Sgt. Ferdinand Thomas
214th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Richard Bammer
The Reporter, Vacaville, Calif.
Sep. 5—In a free talk that is part of the Vallejo Naval & Historical Museum’s Living History Speaker Series, a Vallejo author on Thursday will recount the story of some Filipino-American soldiers who fought in the Pacific Theater during World War II.
Marie Silva’s talk at the museum begins at 6 p.m. and will be based on her book “Dauntless,” which tells the unknown story of the 1st and 2nd Filipino regiments, comprised of Filipino-Americans who were mobilized in the Monterey, Fort Ord and Salinas areas.
They fought in the Philippines and the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion arrived in secret submarine missions to the various islands 2 1/2 years before Gen. Douglas MacArthur returned on his way to Japan. Many of the submarines were built or repaired at Mare Island Naval Shipyard during the war.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt created the unique Filipino unit to fight in the islands. Only MacArthur and certain people on his staff knew of the top-secret missions, which brought together weapons and supplies to keep the guerrillas’ morale high to continue the resistance.
Despite considerable danger, radio messages about the enemy’s whereabouts were sent to Australia, paving the way for a successful U.S. military return that saved Filipino and American lives.
The museum is located at 734 Marin St. in Vallejo.
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