I had the honor to visit this island on our trip. The fortress, impenetrable in its day, until the airplane. Japan attacks Pearl Harbor and on the same day, begins their assault on the Philippines where thousands of Americans are stationed. General Douglas MacArthur in command, out of retirement, is given the order to abandon his troops, and friends, including President Manuel Quezon. He refuses repeatedly and submits finally to a presidential order coupled with promises of coming help. “I SHALL RETURN.” He departs, no help comes, and the American/Filipino force surrenders. Bataan Death March follows, along with mass killings of POW’s. They say that for 27 days, approximately 16,000 bombs fell on Corregidor before the surrender, shown below at the Malinta Tunnel. Very moving, all of it. 48,000 graves or names to commemorate it. MacArthur fulfills his promise and comes through. What a picture of him landing at Leyte Gulf! I have never heard such stories of camaraderie as those of the Filipino Scouts and American Soldiers. I love the picture of them below with the two flags flying in the backdrop.