World War II Battleground SiteWorld War II Battleground Site is a Registered Property, Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija located at Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, Region III.
Muñoz was not spared from the pains of the Second World War. It was the last stronghold of the Japanese Imperial Army where one of the bloodiest and fiercest battles during World War II in the Philippines ensued. The whole town was practically leveled to the ground where the Japanese Army before scampering to the Cordilleras committed virtually all forms of atrocities. The Battle of Muñoz started on January 31, 1945 at 7:30 AM where Company K of the 20th Infantry of the 6th Infantry Division figured prominently in the liberation of Muñoz. According to war accounts, by February 7, 1945, not a wall or a tree or one Japanese soldier remained
standing in Muñoz.
For several days after the battle was over smoke of ruins and the stench of death continue to pervade the areas, whatever records/documents stored in the town hall were reduced to ashes. During those 8 days (Jan. 31-Feb. 7, 1945) fierce battle, 1,935 Japanese soldiers were annihilated although 1,527 bodies were only found where total casualties from the Liberating Force totaled 97 dead and 303 wounded out of which the 20th Infantry suffered 57 killed and 152 wounded. 5 Survivor from the Red Star Division (20th Infantry) used to go on a sentimental visit to our municipality.
On September 4, 2000, seven (7) visitors (5 veterans and 2 spouses) paid a visit to Muñoz where a flag raising ceremony/program was dedicated in honor of the gallantry and heroism of those who shed blood, sweat and tears and precious lives during the battle of Muñoz so that we, the living and all the succeeding generations of Muñozonians shall live in freedom.
---
After the American landing at Lingayen Gulf, the 6th Tank Regiment, less one company was based at Muñoz. After the battle of San Manuel concluded on January 28th, the
American advance proceeded to Muñoz. Omori Detachment column was attacked at Pamienta on January 29th, reducing defenders available. Japanese tanks stationed themselves at an Agricultural School 1.5 miles north of town. They dug in their 55 tanks in the area, supported by 356th Independent Infantry Battalion and a battery of anti-tank
guns and 105mm guns. They turned the town into a fortified area with interlocking fire zones.
Battle of Muñoz Assaulted beginning February 1, 1945 by the US Army 6th Division, 20th Infantry Regiment commanded by Col. Ives. Supporting them was a company of Sherman tanks and 2 platoons of light tanks with 155mm and 105mm howitzer battalions. But Japanese firepower halted the attack, and one on the next day. Unwilling to credit the Japanese defenders, General Patrick commander of the 6th Division relieved Col. Ives of his command of the 20th Infantry Regiment, replacing him with Lt. Col. Maison, who fared no better. While stalled, the other two regiments encircled the town. The 63rd Infantry Regiment drove for the Agricultural school, liberating it on February 2nd, and the 1st Infantry Regiment headed for San Jose. The Japanese forces were ordered to evacuate Muñoz on February 4th, when they had already lost half their strength and 35 tanks, but did not get the message until the 6th, and launched a breakout attack towards San Jose, unaware that it had already fallen to American forces. The Japanese succeeded in breaking out February 7th, but all were destroyed on the road to San Jose by American artillery of the 53rd, 58th Field Artillery Battalions. Not one vehicle reached San Jose, but some infantry escaped into the hills. Total losses for the 6th Tank Regiment were 52 tanks, 41 trucks, 16 x 47mm AT guns, 4 x 105mm guns and 1,500 KIA. The 6th Division lost 90 KIA and 550 WIA.