Complimenting the good news yesterday about Maj. Gen. Lewis H. Brereton, USAAC assuming command of the new USA Far East Air Command are the arrivals today from USA of the 19th Bombardment Group with 35 B-17’s under Major John F. Woodbridge USAAC; as well as the 24th Pursuit Group with 30 P-40’s under Major Orrin L. Grover, USAAC.
USAFFE HQ also announced today the activation of the following Major Forces:
Northern Luzon Force under the command of BGen. Edward E. King, USA with three Phil Army (PA) Divisions (11th, 21st & 31st). US troops included the 26th Cavalry (PS), One Bn. 45th Inf. (PS), Battery A of 23rd FA (PS), Batteries B & C of 86th FA (PS) and 66th QM (Troop) Pk (PS).
Southern Luzon Force under the command of BGen. George M. Parker, USA with two PA Divisions (41st & 51st). US troops included Battery A of 86th FA (PS).
Visayas-Mindanao Force under the command of Col. William F. Sharp USA with three PA Divisions (61st, 81st & 101st).