Evening star., 1942-03-28
Correeidor Forces
Can Take Il as
Well as Londoners
Defenders Also Are Able
To Pour It Back Under
Heavy Jop Bombines
By DEAN SCHEDLER,

Associated Press War CORRESPONDENT.
= CORREGIDOR, P. l., March Is
Delayed THAT world-captivating
phrase, London can take it" most
definitely covers also the defenders
of this fortress in Manila Bay.
Not only can these American and
Filipino soldiers take it, but they
have poured it back at the Japanese
air force during almost constant
raids the last three days and nights.
The deadly fire of Corregidor's
anti-aircraft guns, including the
famed Goth Coast Artillery" have
caused enemy pilots to climb higher
and higher as their respect decreased
for the ability of these gunners.
Though there are no defending
planes to help beat off the enemy
raids, morale of the defenders re-
mains unshaken During the at
tack by waves of enemy bombers
Yesterday over the Rock" 1t. Gen.
Jonathan M. Wainwright and Maj.
Gen. George F. Moore, command
ing the harbor .defenses, were much
in evidence, inspecting positions and
instilling that great quality of faith
among the soldiers.
Crowds Into Fox Hole.
One night I crowded into fox
hole with two soldiers operating an
observation post so I could get
good seat at the night show.
Through the afternoon and into the
night there had been intermittent
bombing
One said most of the bombs on
the last trip had fallen in the water
and it was all right with him Ito
shake a few fish around instead of
u.s." I agreed. quite heartily.
The night show was not long in
reopening, for about 10 minutes after
I settled into the crowded space the
raid alarm walled. Looking sky
ward, the star studded half-moon
seemed unreal, a scene of peace amid
screaming bombs.
The hum of airplane motors in
creased toward the west as the
searchlights poked skyward. An al
most taking silence seemed
pressing down on us as each Of us
gritted his teeth.
Searchlights Spot Planes.
First one light spotted plane,
Joined Immediately by others to
form pattern. Caught in the con-
verging rays, the plane seemed
moving slowly, so great was its
height. Three planes. dull gray OBJ
jects. thus we're caught. So fasci-
mated was I by the sight that
ducked hard when a nearby battery
opened with rapid fire. its staccato
Joined by other batteries as the
lights held their prey
There were bursts of orange-col-
ored flame near the formation of
enemy planes. We three, in our fox
hole. agreed that if there had not
been a direct hit. at least the pilot
must have got little steel floating
past his windows.
Other gun positions were laying
. pattern of shells in the skies. |
There were cheers when one plane |
veered from the formation and
trailed smoke as it headed for the !
shore near Cavite. AS it dropped
lower an dlower and merged into |
the darkness our eyes burned with |
the expectancy of an explosion or |
crash as it hit the water.
Forgot to Worry About Bombs.
The entire show lasted but few
minutes. So absorbing was it, we
forgot to duck or worry where the
next bomb would drop The all
clear signal walled and we climbed
out of the hole and guardedly
smoked cigarettes I thanked my
pals for sharing their space with !
me and promised to pay them an
other visit soon.
Walking down the road to my |
quarters I felt really thrilled at the !
show and wanted all America to
know what kind of warfare this is.
hitting pack at 200-mile- Ian n-hour |
heavy bombers with only anti-air-
craft guns and knowing how differ
ent the story will be when pursuit |
ships from the United States tangle
with the enemy.
Passing a CHEEKY word with a
sentry, / asked him what damage /
the bombs did and where they hit.
"A couple hit tree" he said. All
the rest splashed around in the
water"