Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A United States of America Second War Army Good Conduct pair awarded to Private First Class Arthur F. Perry, 103rd Infantry Regiment, who was killed in action 15 January 1945, during the battle for Luzon Island

United States of America, Army Good Conduct Medal, slot brooch ‘Arthur F. Perry’; Philippines Liberation Medal, slot brooch, very fine (2) £60-£80

36170413 Private First Class Arthur F. Perry, from White Cloud, Newaygo County, Michigan, served with the 103rd Infantry Regiment, 43rd Infantry Division. He died on 15 January 1945 and is buried at Manila American Cemetery.

‘The 103rd Infantry Regiment landed on the island of Luzon (Philippines) on 9 January 1945 and was one of the leading elements during the Battle of Luzon. As the left wing of the invasion force, they pushed inland, encountering stiff opposition from fanatical Japanese enemies. The 103d Infantry went ashore at 0700, with the 152nd following at 1300 to set up firing positions on the beach. The landing was unopposed and the regiment moved inland by column of battalions, with 3rd in the lead, followed by 2nd, and 1st in support. As the day went on, Japanese resistance began to increase. Using 75mm guns, the Japanese would initiate long-range ambushes on the 103rd, retreating when approached by riflemen. This delaying tactic did not inflict many casualties, but it did slow the regiment’s advance. The next day saw the 103rd making good time but it was still slowed by harassing enemy attacks. Riflemen, acting in conjunction with artillery fire, steadily advanced and destroyed several of the Japanese guns.

Everything changed on the morning of 11 January, when 2-103 Infantry began the assault on Hill 200. It was a heavily fortified position, with caves, tunnels, and trenches dug into the hillside for both infantry and artillery. It took five days of brutal fighting to take the hill, characterised by heavy supporting fire from the 152nd FAB, the 105mm howitzers in the 103rd’s Cannon Company, and the 103rd’s organic mortars. The rest of the battalion worked on securing the perimeters around the hill with aggressive patrolling, which sparked intense fighting. By 16 January, Hill 200 and its environs were in U.S. hands. An enemy armoured counterattack in the vicinity of barrio Potpot resulted in a long night for the men of 3-103rd Infantry, as they fought off the attack and destroyed eleven Japanese tanks.’