Raid at Cabanatuan was special forces operation, with the aid of local resistance, to free 500, mostly American, soldiers held in Japanese POW camp in the middle of Philippine island of Bataan. While Philippines were being recaptured by Americans and Filipino guerrillas it was feared that, just like it was in other cases, Japanese guards could kill the prisoners of war before Allied forces could reach the camp.
Unit to attack the camp was formed from 6th Ranger Battalion and Alamo Scouts reconnaissance squad, together 133 men. Local Filipino guerrillas provided 250 men to support the operation and help Americans infiltrate the area. Without being detected by they managed to travel 30 miles (48 km) inside the enemy territory and successfully attack the camp during the night.
Only 2 prisoners died during the attack, rest was escorted to safe area, the raid force had only marginal losses - 2 soldiers dead, 25 wounded. Losses of Japanese are only estimated between 500 and 1000 men, but they are hard to confirm.
American soldier organizes the Filipino guerrillas to disrupt the Japanese occupation and prepare ground for Allied invasion.
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