The Walled City PTO (id:#65882)

(HASL 11 - Sword & Fire: Manila ID: SF CG IV)   [next]   [previous]

Intramuros, Manila, Luzon, Philippines 1945-02-23 (9 others)

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Overview:

The Intramuros is an ancient Spanish fortress-town built in the late 16th century. The outer walls were designed to withstand the greatest sieges possible, being 40 feet thick at the base and 15 feet thick at the top. Only 155mm, 8-inch, and 240mm artillery had any effect on these walls. The American command decided that the Intramuros had to be taken before the large government buildings to the east and south could be attacked. On 23 February, the men of 145th Infantry Regiment with attached armor attacked the northeast corner of the Walled City, while the 129th Infantry executed an assault across the Pasig River towards the north wall. A nonstop artillery barrage lasting a day and a half pummeled every square inch of Intramuros. Then an intense smoke and white phosphorous screen laid across the entire northern third of the Walled City blinded the defenders as to what was going on. At 0830, the Americans loaded into their amtracs and boats and soon reached the south bank of the Pasig River. They swiftly moved to secure the ruins of the old Treasury Building and then advanced into the opening along the north wall of Intramuros. Meanwhile, other American troops and tanks moved through the breach in the east wall between the Quezon and Parian Gates, picking their way through the smoldering rubble. The Japanese response was minimal, until the Americans advanced deep into the heart of the Walled City.

Defender: Japanese (Central Force Sector Unit, Headquarters Company and 3rd Provisional Army Battalion)  

Errata (source)