The documentary about Corregidor (produced by Spyron AV Manila) was shown in the Charles Parsons Ballroom that has historical significance. It was the very room where the Japanese General Yamashita was tried for war crimes. The ambiance was further enhanced when guests were led to the veranda overlooking Manila Bay. Cocktails were held with Corregidor in the background.
The special guest was 98-year old paratrooper Richard Adams who was part of the 503rd Infantry Regiment that retook Corregidor. Out of seven in his team, Adams is the last man standing.
“I’m here because I am lucky,” Adams said in his opening remarks. The present day 503rd Infantry Regiment flew in from Italy just to see him. The pilots that assisted the paratroopers came from the 317th Airlift Wing and they were also represented.
The documentary revealed a few interesting aspects about the war.
Corregidor was called The Rock because it was a fortress. It was also known as the Gibraltar of the East.
After MacArthur returned to the Philippines, he made it a priority to retake Corregidor from the Japanese. He did this by sending paratroopers who were flown in by the air force.
Some of the paratroopers who were interviewed revealed that they signed up after being promised an additional USD50 a month salary. During the attack, they initially estimated around 300 Japanese soldiers in the island. The count ballooned overnight to 6,000. The initial number of American paratroopers that jumped into Corregidor was around 2,000 men.
For people who have never experienced war, remembering the past gives an opportunity to learn from it. Hopefully, it never happens again.
