John H. McGee
John Hugh McGee was a brigadier general in the United States Army who fought as a guerilla in the Philippines during World War II. He later served upon with distinction upon the staff of the Eighth United States Army during the Korean War, finally retiring after 30 years of service in 1961.
Background
John McGee attended US Military Academy at West Point, New York in 1927 graduating in class of 1931.Philippine Scouts
In 1940 he reported to Petitt Barracks in Zamboanga in southern Philippines and was assigned to command Company C, 43rd Infantry of the Philippine Scout, composed of Moros.His experience in training, operating, and commanding indigenous soldiers made the best to command training center for this purpose. He was appointed to command the Zamboanga Training Center setup in Calarian, Zamboanga in August 1941.
World War II
In December 1941, on orders of BG William Sharp, he was transferred to Bukidnon to command a battalion of Philippine Army. His battalion was assigned to guard Del Monte Field in Tankulan, Bukidnon still Mindanao.Digos Sub-Sector
In January 1942, his battalion was placed under 101st Infantry a component of 101st Infantry Division. Transferred to Davao SubSector in Digos where he became executive officer to Lieutenant Colonel Howard Perry and later commanded the 101st Infantry Regiment. He fought Muira detachment in February until he was replaced by Lieutenant Colonel Reed Graves commander of 101st Field Artillery Regiment.Surrender
In May 1942, he obeyed General Sharp's order to surrender to the Japanese. He and his units surrendered and became prisoner of war on May 10, 1942. He and other American soldiers was reincarcerated in Camp Casisang, Malaybalay, Bukidnon.Escaped
Some American officers including him were transferred to Davao Penal Colony and he was to be transferred to Japan in June 1944 but he escaped. He was rescued by Filipino fishermen and turned him over to Captain Claro Laureta the guerilla commander of Davao. Who arranged them to move to Zamboanga to meet Colonel Wendell Fertig commander of guerillas in Mindanao.He was evacuated along 81 other POW escapees to Australia by US Navy Submarine, USS Narwal in September 1944. He was sent home by SWPAC Headquarters to recuperate while attended the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. He was reassigned to command 169th Infantry Regiment a component of 43rd US Infantry Division who was to invade Japan in 1945. The invasion was cancelled due to the dropping of the Atomic bombs that capitulated Japan into unconditional surrender.