Behind enemy lines: Untold heroism of WW II 1st and 2nd Filipino regiments

California-based 1st and 2nd Filipino regiments

ALAMEDA, California – During WWII there were many unsung heroes. For years after, their service and selfless deeds remained classified. Recently the story of the California-based 1st and 2nd Filipino regiments was declassified. Many of these veterans served undercover during the war in the Philippines as intelligence agents. Their missions have only recently been declassified. Last, Saturday, these brave soldiers were recognized and honored for the vital role they played to liberate the Philippines.

During the ceremonies at the USS Hornet Museum’s Living Ship Series, the featured keynote speaker was Corporal Alfonso, “Al” N. Lamata of the 2nd Filipino Regiment. The San Francisco native who was born in 1924 joined the US Army in December 1943 and volunteered for service in the 2nd Filipino Infantry Regiment. In June 1944, he was deployed to serve in the Asiatic Pacific Theater (New Guinea, Hollandia, Philippine Islands). He returned to the US and was discharged from the Army in June 1946. After WWII, he and the other men of the 1st and 2nd Filipino Infantry Regiments maintained their silence about the secret missions they carried out. As one of its youngest members, Cpl. Lamata paid tribute to those whom he served with and those who were no longer alive to tell their story.

The 1st Filipino Infantry Regiment was a segregated United States Army infantry regiment made up of Filipino-Americans from the continental United States and a few veterans of the Battle of the Philippines (1941-1942) that saw combat during World War II. It was formed and activated at Camp San Luis Obispo, California. Initially deployed to New Guinea in 1944, it became a source of manpower for special forces and units that would serve in occupied territories. In 1945, it was deployed to the Philippines, seeing combat for the first time. After major combat operations, it remained in the Philippines until it returned to California and was deactivated in 1946 at Camp Stoneman.

The other special guest speaker was Commander Jesus “Jess” Malgapo (Ret.) US Navy and two-term president of the Filipino American Retired US Armed Forces Association, and President of the Vallejo Veterans Memorial Building. He spoke about his father Isauro T. Malgapo who was a Philippine Army First Lieutenant. The elder Malgapo fought side-by-side with American soldiers of the US Armed Forces Far East during WWII. He was a prisoner of war and a survivor of the infamous Bataan Death March.

About the USS Hornet Museum:

The USS Hornet Museum is a non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring people of all ages to experience the legacy of naval history, science, and space technology. A registered state and national historic landmark, the ship is permanently berthed at 707 W. Hornet Avenue, Pier 3 in Alameda, California.

Living Ship Day aboard the Hornet offers something for everyone. The museum comes to life as an operating aircraft carrier with flight simulations as aircraft are lifted to the flight deck and placed into launch position. Visitors can meet former crew, sit in the cockpit of a fighter jet, and enjoy the sights and sounds of naval aviation.

Living Ship Day demonstrations are held on the third Saturday of most months. Normal museum hours and admission prices apply. Ample free parking is available across from the pier. The USS Hornet Museum is located at 707 W Hornet Ave, Pier 3 in Alameda.www.uss-hornet.org