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Wendell Fertig

Wendell Fertig

December 16, 1900 – March 24, 1975). American mining engineer, reserve officer, and guerrilla leader in Mindanao.

September 27, 1942

I have accepted command of the Mindanao force in the field. As I am in the district I had better command rather than be mere

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November 28, 1942

McClish has done some organizing but has been taken in by some crooks from Bohol. He apparently has already moved against the wrong elements in

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January 6, 1943

When President Roosevelt’s picture was shown, the audience clapped and cheered but when Hirohito’s picturewas flashed, no applause. The Japanese officers pounded the floor with

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February 11, 1943

Both Tokyo and Manila have spent considerable time in their radio news broadcast telling about peaceful conditions in the Philippines; how the Filipinos are helping

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February 19, 1943

Finally mutiny has broken out and threatens this whole crazy structure… Gador has assumed control of all the Philippines and is heading for trouble.

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February 21, 1943

That is wonderful for it gives me a friend at court. He can explain the reason for many things that have been done.

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March 16, 1943

[Smith] encoded a telegram for the South. He would not let Parsons read it so he left in huff… Parsons considers himself as C.O. of

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April 12, 1943

Radio from Peralta or rather Abcede suggests that they might be considering an armistice which will make it that much tougher on us.

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May 3, 1943

[Andrews] is violently anti-American, is largely responsible for Pendatun’s attitude. [Grimstead is] a stable and careful commander in a difficult area. [Khalil Khodir is a]

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May 7, 1943

KGEI commented ‘Tozyo visit to the Islands will be restricted by the activities of the Filipino-American troops.’ This is one of the first official admissions

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May 16, 1943

Briefly reports from Manila indicate that the politicians are trying to play the game,. Except for Aguino the others are still with us. Even Laurel

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May 19, 1943

KAZ has named Villamor as C.O. 7th Mil. Dist. To try and bring into line the groups that are fighting. God help him. I would

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May 30, 1943

[Melvin McCoy, Stephen Mellnik, William] They are a bit stir crazy, and apparently determined to continue on south.

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June 7, 1943

The casa is the one place in the whole world in which it is almost a pleasure to be sick. The war seems so far

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June 13, 1945

[Agent named Quizon] Looks most suspicious as tho he were reporting my movements and indicating the possibility of an early attack… [William Knortz] He was

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June 22, 1943

Unification of Negros is doubtful as Villamor is young, He is using unlimited promotion as a club to buy opposing leaders.

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June 23, 1943

Little discourse with Morgan concerning his use of the rank ofColonel and issuance of orders to Cunanan of Siquijor.

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June 25, 1943

Andrews is continuing his anti-American conversations. He had a long talk with Morgan and after a few drinks, the latter admitted that he was responsible

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July 3, 1943

My soldiers run off with the greatest of ease. May they resist when necessary. …It is only natural, I suppose, to place yourself in the

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July 12, 1943

Villamor gave WSK orders to send us no information except naval movements, and to relay our stuff south. Result we know nothing about changes in

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July 27, 1943

Morgan apparently thought that I would be going to Australia and had left Bowler in command. He would then take over. His latent anti-American jealousy

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August 7, 1943

[Re: Hugh Straughn] Tokyo radio is playing up the capture as that of the guerrilla leader of the Philippines. Jap like he was quoted ‘I

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August 9, 1943

[Letter from Luis Morgan] setting forth grievances which are those of a spoiled child. He was not given the same treatment as others, etc.

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August 10, 1943

Morgan aired his grievances to the assembled Provincial officials in Kolambugan and apparently consist largely of anti-Americanism and petty personal insults. It boils down to

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August 11, 1943

[Met Luis Morgan] I did tell him exactly what I thot [sic] of his actions. He has authorized the burning of all houses occupied by

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August 22, 1943

Queer this war. Monday morning 8:30 P.I. time in my nip shack on a Lanao hillside looking toward Mt. Melindong across the smooth blue bay.

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September 1-10, 1943

Tate is Oc. Misamis doing some harassing and trying to clear up the mess made under Morgan’s orders… [Cabili to Morgan in Misamis Occidental] with

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September 13, 1943

Morgan is whipped… Tate pulled away and left him out on a limb. The mutiny is done…Things are clicking so well that I almost expectant

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