THE BATTLE OF BATAAN

The siege of Bataan was the United States' first major land battle of World War II, and it was one of the country's most devastating military defeats. With 76,000 Filipino and American troops, the force on Bataan is the largest army ever surrendered under American command. On April 9, Filipinos around the country remember the Day of Valor, also known as "Araw ng Kagitingan." The Philippines was a part of World War II from December 8, 1941, to September 2, 1945, and Bataan served as the country's defensive hub during the four-year battle. On April 9, 1942, Bataan fell to the Japanese.

Army Major General Edward P. King surrendered to Japanese General Masaharu Homma on April 9, 1942, bringing the Battle of Bataan to a close. Around 12,000 Americans and 63,000 Filipinos were held as POWs. Following that, the Bataan Death March commenced, which was one of the most bloody disasters in modern history. Army Major General Edward P. King surrendered to Japanese General Masaharu Homma on April 9, 1942, bringing the Battle of Bataan to a close. Around 12,000 Americans and 63,000 Filipinos were held as POWs. Following that, the Bataan Death March commenced, which was one of the most bloody disasters in modern history.

The Battle of Bataan was significant because it halted the Japanese march through the Philippines in March. During World War I, the Japanese marched 76, 000 allied soldiers from the Philippines and America across the Bataan Peninsula, a distance of approximately 80 miles. The purpose of Araw ng Kagitingan is to honor Bataan and the heroic soldiers who sacrificed their life for our country.