The ‘Great Raid’ liberated more than 500 POWs
By Jessica Evans
Posted On Jun 11, 2024 12:44 PM PDT
The Raid at Cabanatuan, also known as the Great Raid, holds a reputation for being one of the most daring and successful rescue missions in American military history. This daring raid was conducted by U.S. Army Rangers, Alamo Scouts, and Filipino guerrillas during World War II. The objective was clear. Liberate more than 500 Allied prisoners of war (POWs) and civilians from a Japanese-run POW camp near Cabanatuan City in the Philippines. This remarkable feat was a testament to the courage, resourcefulness, and determination of the U.S. Army Rangers, as well as the vital role played by the Filipino guerrillas.
This picture, captured from the Japanese, shows American prisoners using improvised litters to carry those of their comrades who, from the lack of food or water on the march from Bataan, fell along the road. Philippines, May 1942. USMC Photo/public domain
The Philippines fell to Japanese control in 1942. At that time, thousands of U.S. and Filipino soldiers became prisoners of war. The prisoners were subjected to the infamous Bataan Death March, during which many died from exhaustion, disease or execution. Those who survived were taken to various POW camps, with one of the most notorious being the Cabanatuan camp. By late 1944, the camp held over 5,000 POWs, most of whom were American, British, Dutch, and Australian.
https://www.wearethemighty.com/history/the-great-raid/
