31st Division (Philippines)

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31st Division
31st Philippine Division Emblem 1941-42.jpg
31st Philippine Division Emblem 1941-42
Active18 November 1941 - 9 April 1942
CountryFlag of the Philippines (1946-1998).svg Commonwealth of the Philippines
AllegianceFlag of the United States Army.svg United States Army
Philippine Commonwealth Army Flag.png Philippine Commonwealth Army
BranchArmy
Type Infantry Division
RoleArmy Reserve
Size6,000
Part of North Luzon Force (I Philippine Corps)
Garrison/HQCamp Dau (Del Pilar), Mabalacat, Pampanga
Engagements World War II
Commanders
Commander BGen Clifford Bluemel
Senior InstructorCol. Edwin Aldridge, USA
Chief of StaffLCol. Pastor Martelino, PA

The 31st Infantry Division was a division of the Philippine Army under the United States Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE).

Contents

Organization

History

It was active from November 18, 1941 to April 9, 1942, whereupon it surrendered when Bataan fell. It was organized and trained in Zambales Province of Northern Luzon. Col. (later BGen.) Clifford Bluemel (USA) was the division's commander. Col. Pastor C. Martelino (PA), a 1920 U.S. Military Academy graduate, was his chief of staff. [1] [2]

Combat Narrative

General Clifford Bluemel, division commander from November 1941 to its surrender in May 1942. General Clifford Bluemel.jpg
General Clifford Bluemel, division commander from November 1941 to its surrender in May 1942.

At the opening of hostilities, 8 December 1941, the 31st Division formed a part of BGen. (later LGen.) Jonathan M. Wainwright's North Luzon Force of the Philippine Army (later renamed I Philippine Corps), alongside the 11th and 21st Divisions, and the 26th Cavalry Regiment. The 31st was initially headquartered at San Mateo, Rizal, but most of its personnel were training at San Marcelino, Zambales, near Subic Bay, when hostilities broke out.

Order of Battle

Notable Members

Sources

Bibliography

References

  1. Alcaraz, Ramon A. (November 17, 1941). Personal Diary. Philippine Diary Project. Retrieved February 3, 2023.
  2. "International Graduates (through Class of 2020)" (PDF). West Point Association of Graduates. Retrieved February 3, 2023.