The United States (US) Army is a conglomeration of different branches that work together to accomplish the nation’s missions. There are various branches of the Army that not share in the same limelight as the infantry or the armored divisions when comparatively examined through the lens of military history. One of these unsung branches is the air defense artillery. Elements of air defense artillery were introduced into the Army in the autumn of 1917, however, it was not established as an official branch of the US Army until1968. In the 50 year history that led to the air defense artillery becoming its own branch air defense soldiers and units have distinguished themselves while defending the skies around America’s defended assets. One of these distinguished units is the 60th Coastal Artillery (AA). …show more content…
The unit emplaced on Corregidor Island, a small island with large hills located at the entrance to Manila Bay in order to defend two US Forts and the entrance to the bay. The bay is the principal entrance to the Philippine capital of Manila from the South China Sea. According to Kirkpatrick (1984) the 60th AA:
Conducted what was by any criterion the most successful anti-aircraft campaign of World War I1 between Dec. 8, 1941, and May 6, 1942. In its defense of the fortified islands of Manila Bay, the 60th Coast Artillery shot down 54 confirmed Japanese aircraft and prevented enemy bombardment from causing any significant military damage to Corregidor and its satellite forts. (p. 4).
The success of the 60th AA’s engagements also had the effect of altering Japanese air force’s tactics throughout the rest of World War II. The 60th AA actions during the First Philippine Campaign earned the unit honors and awards from both the US and the Philippine