Lewis C. Beebe

(December 12, 1891 – February 2, 1951), Brigadier General; Assistant Chief of Staff, USAFFE (later, USFIP).

December 8, 1941

We were all astounded today to learn of the bombing of Hawaii by Japanese planes. First information was very meager. Naturally, only one conclusion is

December 9, 1941

I was awakened early this a.m. (3:10) by the noise of windows rattling at the head of my bed, and by the sound of explosions.

December 10, 1941

The scramble for transportation continues. We send a convoy of trucks into the field with ammunition, and the Division C.O. grabs the convoy and keeps

December 11, 1941

Transportation situation is better, although still acute. The Motor Transport Officer is getting things under better control and starting a new organization to handle the

December 12, 1941

In my concern over my administrative troubles, I forgot to mention that the Japanese staged a landing on the northern end of Luzon two days

December 13, 1941

We have been getting air raids rather regularly—a couple yesterday, one at six and again about noon today. The Japanese blasted Nichols Field again today,

December 14, 1941

I didn’t realize today was Sunday until I was fed hot cakes for breakfast today—our usual Sunday a.m. food. To cap the climax we had

December 15, 1941

We had two air alarms early this a.m. and another about noon today. The first two were false alarms as far as we were concerned,

December 16, 1942

December 16, 1941

We had a very quiet day today. That is, it was quiet as far as enemy activity is concerned. There has been no alarm since

December 17, 1941

No air raids today either. I have done very well on sleep the last two nights. It almost appears there is no war—except for the

December 18, 1941

The Japs decided we had been permitted to rest long enough so they staged another party today. Bombed Nichols Field again and strafed it, then

December 19, 1941

We had two visitations from the Japs today—one in the morning about ten o’clock and a second one just as I finished lunch again—about two

December 20, 1941

More or less an uneventful day as the days are figured here, although we had a mild case of bombing at Nichols Field about noon

December 21, 1941

Had a couple of Jap visitations today. They are concentrating particular attention on Cavite right now, although they paid a little attention to Nichols Field

December 22, 1941

It looks as though the Japs were really making their main thrust, or are at least getting set for it. Instead of 15 transports, there

December 23, 1941

The Japs moved in a little more yesterday and enlarged their beachhead. They pushed south as far as San Fabian along the coast, and east

December 24, 1941

This has not been such a promising day before Christmas as it might have been under other conditions. Our troops up north (Philippine Army) are

December 25, 1941

What a Christmas!!! Not a thing to remind me that it is Christmas, except the date. Presents from the States didn’t arrive, so had nothing

December 26, 1941

Had a fine night’s sleep last night, except that I was too cold. After sweltering in the tunnel the night before, I went to bed

December 27, 1941

Had a better night’s sleep last night, because I had a blanket. The air was fine and there was quite a breeze through the room.

December 28, 1941

Spent all night in the car as we had to get back as soon as possible. We were stopped any number of times on the

December 29, 1941

The war really started today as far as our headquarters is concerned, for we were heavily bombed by the Japs for the first time on

December 30, 1941

We expected to have a raid today but were agreeably surprised. Not a hostile plane flew over the island. Possibly they are going to let

December 31, 1941

The Japs are still pushing ahead and the Filipino Army troops are steadily retreating. The threat is now down Route 5 from Cabanatuan, and has

January 1, 1942*

January 1, 1942

*Philippine Diary Project Note: President Quezon’s inaugural was on December 30, 1941, two days before the date of this entry. Had a little rain as

January 2, 1942

More rain today—like apologies in California—very unusual weather. The Japs entered Manila today. I am not sure of the hour, but there have been messages

January 3, 1942

Today has not been particularly exciting, except for a rather long air raid. It seemed to me that the raid signal was on from early

January 4, 1942

The Japs took advantage of the clouds today to stage a little raid. The clouds were quite low so the planes could not be observed,

January 5, 1942

I issued an order today putting everyone on half rations. Also a directive to all commanders to conserve food. Directed the C.G. Service Sector to

January 6, 1942

We had our usual visit from the Japs today at about noon. I am glad to see them come in at about that time each