51st Division (Philippines)


The 51st Infantry Division was a division of the Philippine Army under the United States Army Forces in the Far East.

Organization

History

The 51st Division was active from 1941 to April 9, 1942, whereupon it surrendered when Bataan fell. Previously it was active in the City of Manila, Southern Luzon. BGen. Albert M. Jones was the division's commander; the Chief of Staff was Col. Edwin E. Aldridge, Inf.;and Col. Adlai C. Young, Inf., was another notable division icer.

Combat Narrative

After the Japanese invasion of the Philippines in December 1941, it formed part of South Luzon Force under Brig. Gen. George M. Parker Jr. The South Luzon Force controlled a zone east and south of Manila. Parker had the PA 41st and 51st Infantry Divisions and the 2nd Provisional Artillery Group of two batteries of the U.S. 86th Field Artillery Regiment.
When the Japanese began landing at Lamon Bay on December 24, 1941, South Luzon Force was badly dispersed. The 41st Division on the west coast was in position, but elements of the 51st Division along the east coast were in the process of movement.

Order of battle