The raid on a Japanese military Prisoner of War camp in Cabanatuan, often known as the Great Raid, is held up today as a case study for future soldiers to study. Executed on January 30, 1945, the U.S. Army's 6th Ranger Battalion partnered with local Philippine resistance fighters and raided the POW camp, liberating 511 allied prisoners of war.
The story of The Great Raid has been told and retold numerous times in books and film, one of the more interesting ones being Ghost Soldiers by Hampton Sides which details the entire run-up to the raid and its execution by Lt. Col. Henry Mucci. When the Rangers successfully infiltrated behind enemy lines and arrived at the Japanese POW camp, they had to low crawl through the grass to get close to the camp's perimeter, then fire on those standing guard before liberating the camp.
Eighty years later, on February 1, American and Philippine Rangers gathered with other dignitaries at the Cabanatuan American memorial to commemorate the Great Raid.
"The raid on Cabanatuan was a resounding success. Over 500 allied prisoners were liberated, brought back from the brink of death to the embrace of freedom. It was a victory not just for the soldiers rescued but for the ideals of liberty and human dignity that our nations hold dear," said U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay L. Carlson.
U.S. Army Pacific historian Dr. Mike Krivdo delivered his remarks at the event as well, telling the audience that, "The Raid exemplified ingenuity, determination and collaboration. It is a shining example of how U.S. and Filipino forces came together in wartime to overcome insurmountable odds for the most noble of causes. This legacy will forever inspire generations of Soldiers and leaders.”
The Great Raid is also a moment that exemplifies the strong partnership between American and Filipino forces. The raid could not have been a success without the support of local Philippine guerrillas. Today, the Philippine Scout-Rangers stand shoulder to shoulder with their American Ranger counterparts.
"The Raid at Cabanatuan teaches us that even in the face of overwhelming odds, unity and determination can achieve the extraordinary," said 2nd Ranger Battalion Capt. David Bryan. "It reminds us that the fight for justice and liberty is a collective effort, requiring the collaboration of nations, the strength of communities, and the resolve of individuals."