Lonnie sailed for the Philippine Islands on November 1, 1941. He and the rest of the 27th Bombardment Group arrived in the Philippines on November 20, but the ship carrying their aircraft could not be provided an escort from Hawaii until November 24. At the time, the 27th Bombardment Group used Douglass A-24s.
Lonnie was present in the Philippines during the attack on Pearl Harbor. After the Japanese attacked the Philippines, the ship carrying the 27th Bombardment Group’s aircraft was diverted to Australia.
Lonnie was present in the Philippines during the attack on Pearl Harbor. After the Japanese attacked the Philippines, the ship carrying the 27th Bombardment Group’s aircraft was diverted to Australia.
When news reached those stationed in the Philippines about the attack on Pearl Harbor, they were unsure of what to do with American planes on the ground in the Philippines. Because of this, many planes remained on the ground and were destroyed in Japanese air attacks.
As early as December 12, the Japanese forces had landed on the islands of Bataan and Luzon. However, it was not until December 22 that the main Japanese attack on the Philippines began. Under the command of General Douglas MacArthur, American forces retreated into the Bataan Peninsula. The 27th Bombardment Group formed the 2nd Provisional Air Corps Regiment, Infantry.
As early as December 12, the Japanese forces had landed on the islands of Bataan and Luzon. However, it was not until December 22 that the main Japanese attack on the Philippines began. Under the command of General Douglas MacArthur, American forces retreated into the Bataan Peninsula. The 27th Bombardment Group formed the 2nd Provisional Air Corps Regiment, Infantry.
During the holdout in the Philippines, Lonnie was sent to a hospital on the field from February 13 to February 18, 1942.
For the next three months, American forces held a stronghold on the peninsula. They fought constantly against the Japanese without air or naval support, but eventually illness and lack of food on top of this weakened the troops. General MacArthur was ordered to leave the Philippines. On April 9, 1942, General Edward King Jr. surrendered 75,000 troops at Bataan.
Lonnie was reported missing in action on May 7, 1942 in the Philippines, following the surrender of Corregidor.
For the next three months, American forces held a stronghold on the peninsula. They fought constantly against the Japanese without air or naval support, but eventually illness and lack of food on top of this weakened the troops. General MacArthur was ordered to leave the Philippines. On April 9, 1942, General Edward King Jr. surrendered 75,000 troops at Bataan.
Lonnie was reported missing in action on May 7, 1942 in the Philippines, following the surrender of Corregidor.