Manila Bombed!

[Music] Your commentator is Basel Risdale. Manila, far away United States possession, capital of the Philippine Islands. Here in the heart of the tropics are broad avenues and stately buildings. Its high state in civilization is closely knitted to the American way of life. Here too stand old forts, reminders of the days of Spanish rule. Manila declared an open city, but destined for ruthless attack by the [Music] Japanese. As though rehearsing for the main drama in a tragic play, the Japs first try their cunning and prowess on the small defenseless island of High in nearby waters. The strategy of the invaders is not to destroy any military bases of value, but instead to crush and disorganize defenseless peoples, to shutter their morale, their homes, and demolish their cities and [Music] towns. Aping their Nazi masters, the Japs parade to impress the populace with their importance and gallantry. While to the rear, guerilla fighters wait to strike their foul and cruel [Music] blows. Here is a now truly historic picture of MacArthur's heroic soldiers who outnumbered 10 to1 by enemy forces, fought on gallantly and endlessly against unbelievable odds. Passing in review before their commanding general, here are the very men whose amazing stand will live in the annals of all history. December 7th, 1941. The tragic hour. Manila is [Music] bombed. Frantic last minute efforts to protect life and property from the sky attacks of the ruthless invader. Moments of terror in the defenseless city of 600,000 civilians. Hardly had the den of aerial fire over Pearl Harbor been stilled when the Japs wantedly and ruthlessly attacked the Philippine capital. [ __ ] planes roar over the city again and again in endless waves, dropping missiles of destruction and turning Manila into a fiery [Music] furnace. Heat. Heat. [Music] [Music] [Music] Savage jet bombers find targets even in the House of Peace. Destruction at every hand as fierce fires burn houses to the ground. In the nearby town of Barry Paranki, the aerial attack is most severe. The Japs following the Nazi technique of terrorism. Choose residential districts as military objectives. Similar devastation is caused in the marketplace of San Pablo. The raids continue without interruption until the dawn of the new year. The tall brick chimney is leveled to the ground. Nothing is spared. The Jets bring their ruthless warfare to American territory, the land that America has administered for 43 years. The only Christian nation in the Orient. Thousands of terrorstricken, helpless refugees are evacuated from Manila and its suburbs. By striking simultaneously at Singapore, Britain's stronghold in the Far East, the Nepon objective is to prevent any aid going from that quarter to the [Music] Philippines. While the battle rages with unending fury on all sides, America's first soldier honors heroes of his command. Decorations are given several officers right on the field of battle. Across historic Manila Bay, MacArthur miraculously transported his men to Corodor to Batan, braving enemy attacks from the air and sea. At West Point, the heroes of tomorrow honor MacArthur, America's hero of today. [Music] In France in the First World War, the fighting young brigadier who became a general is decorated with a distinguished service medal by General Persing. 12 years later, acclaimed as America's first soldier, MacArthur is made chief of staff, the youngest in history, by War Secretary Hurley. MacArthur, now a four-star general. MacArthur's army of the 1930s had needed planes, tanks, and motorized divisions. In vain, their commanding general pleaded for them to France again in 1931 to review maneuvers on the very fields where MacArthur himself wrote military [Music] history. Democratic France bestows its highest award. MacArthur is made commander of the Legion of Honor. In Germany, where he once commanded the American Army of Occupation, MacArthur observes the growing military power of an enemy he helped to defeat. A study that will stand him in goodstead in days to [Music] come. at West Point where he graduated with first honors and served as superintendent. MacArthur addresses the cadetses on the spirit of West Point. That spirit is a guarantee of fortitude of vigor of victory. Young comrade in arms, happy landings and God be with you. War Secretary Durn bestows MacArthur's 13th decoration upon the general's retirement as chief of staff. Little did MacArthur realized then that his greatest adventures were yet to come, that he was to become an heroic defender of civilization. I shall wear it upon my uniform where for all eyes it will stand as an outward symbol of the devotion, the efficiency and the accomplishments of the officers and the soldiers whom it has been my high honor to command. For them and for myself, I thank them. His last picture in the Philippines, a brave soldier who wears his honors with modesty. On March 17th, 1942, journeying through enemyinfested skies, MacArthur obeys the orders of his commander-in-chief from the Philippines to Australia, there to become the United Nations forces commander. Sydney and Melbourne, typical Australian cities, are now his greater responsibility in a land as large as the United States. Here, as in America and throughout the free nations of the world, hundreds of millions look to MacArthur in the offensive battle that he will lead to the enemy's very lines. Soldiers in overalls from 16 to 70 enlist in the great battle now being waged, making bombs, tanks, planes, and guns. No waste of time, no holidays, just work and sweat to meet the unending demands of the ever growing fighting forces. Australia's armadas must be kept flying in everinccreasing numbers, more and more planes that Australia's defensive may become Australia's offensive. to make more guns for the Galadosis to carry, to fill those guns with ammunition, to face a total war until victory is won. And to MacArthur and his gallant fighters who will carry the fight to the enemy, America will deliver in a constant flow ships, guns, planes, and tanks. America and Americans will not fail General Douglas MacArthur. [Music] Every man, woman, and child will ever remember his immortal words. Only those are fit to live who are not afraid to die.