21st Division (Philippines)


The 21st Infantry Division was a division of the Philippine Army under the United States Army Forces in the Far East.

History

It was active from 1941 to April 9, 1942, whereupon it surrendered when Bataan fell. It was organized and trained in Northern Luzon. Col. Mateo M. "Matty" Capinpin was the division's commander; he and his staff took command on 18 Nov 1941. The division's Senior Instructor was Col. Ray M. O'Day, and like all of his counterparts in other units, his training task was monumental.

Combat Narrative

At the opening of hostilities, 8 December 1941, the 21st Division formed a part of BGen. Jonathan M. Wainwright's North Luzon Force of the Philippine Army, alongside the 11th and 31st Divisions, and the 26th Cavalry Regiment.

Order of battle