"For those who missed Normandy and Cassino, Manila would do." *
Sgt. John Gallagher of New York was with G Trp, 2nd Sqdn, 8th Cav Reg, 1st Cav Div: the second serial of the Flying Column, Lt.Col. Haskett “Hack” L. Connor, Jr. commanding with Company B 44th Tank Bn., attached, the first serial to enter Santo Tomas. For heroism at the battle at Far Eastern University, across from Old Bilibid Prison (POW) in Manila, Philippines, on Saturday night February 3, 1945, Sgt John Gallagher was awarded the Silver Star medal. The battle prevented the Japanese from attacking Santo Tomas Internment Camp at the time it was being liberated and is said to have had more fire power unleashed than at any other battle of the war, to that point. Sgt Gallagher repeatedly risked his life to go into the streets and under tremendous fire power, he rescued at least ten downed, unconscious soldiers; my father, the rifle platoon leader, was one.
"For those who missed Normandy and Cassino, Manila would do." This is six days later, Friday, February 9, 1935,* click on
http://www.ngb.army.mil/gallery/heritage/manila.asp to view a painting and a description of the battle from the history of the 37th Infantry Division of the Ohio National Guard.