SAVING THE FLAG

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXII, Issue 119, 20 April 1942, Page 5

SAVING THE FLAG

GALLANT CORREGIDOR MORE STUBBORN FIGHTING (United Press Association —Copyright.) (11.26) WASHINGTON, April IIJl l J A War Department communique says that a small force of Americans and Eilipinos, operating in the mountains in Northern Luzon, successfully raided enemy outposts at Sau Nicolas, Natividad and Tayug (all in Pangasinian Province), destroying military 'stores and inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy, while stubborn fighting is continuing on Sebu and Panay Islands. Raids and shelling against Corregidor continue, but the American counter-fire has silenced at least four and possibly five of the Japanese guns m the past few days. In Corregidor a 10011 flagpole was a casualty for a few minutes yesterday when a Japanese shell fragment struck the pole and cut the halyard, but Captain Brewster Gallup, Sergeant Ezra Smith, and a Filipino, Honorio Punongbayen, rushed to the pole, gathered the descending flag in their arms and then, amidst bursting shells, repaired the halyard and a.gain hoisted the proud flag. General Wainwright officially commended the .gallant trio.

FIERCE FIGHTING AT SEBU. RUGBY, April 18

A United States communique states: "Reports from Sebu indicate that Sebu City is in enemy hands. It is reported to be burning 'and fierce fighting is continuing ill the vicinity. The hostile forces which landed on the island oi i'anay are being vigorously opposed.' The communique also says: "The bombardment and shelling of Corregidor continued throughout yesterday, though it was somewhat reduced in intensity and little damage was doneGuns from our iorts silenced several enemy batteries and blasted roads and bridges in Batan, disrupting communications.''—Official Wireless