Location
Situated at nearly 6,000' altitude, Baguio is cooler, and hillsides are covered with pine trees. A long, winding road connects Baguio with La Union Province. Today, the city is a bustling and youthful, with several universities and a large shopping center mall.

History
Developed as an R&R area in the mountains for for American troops, with the establishment of an army camp in 1903 outside of the town. The city was laid out with Washington DC as its inspiration. Baguio became the summer capital of the Philippines, with wealthy families owning homes in the city.

Japanese Occupation
The town had the distinction as being the first location the Japanese bombed on December 8, 1941, when Japanese aircraft hit Camp John Hay. The Japanese 9th Regiment occupied the city on December 24, 1941, coming from Bauang. The war years past relatively peacefully, as there were few guerilla activities in the area, and few reprisals by the Japanese, who occupied building in the town. The area was defended by the Japanese Army's 19th Tora Division. General Yamashita moved his headquarters to Baguio.

American Missions Against Baguio
January 23, 1945 -  August 9, 1945

After the American landing at Lingayen Gulf, the town was subjected to air raids from late January thru April, 1945 in an effort to deprive the Japanese of the city.

Battle For Baguio
Only the Japanese 10th Tank Regiment, 5th Company defended the city (3 medium, 2 light tanks), and were ordered to carry out suicide attacks with their tanks. On the road to the city, one Type 97 and one Type 95 had two explosives attacked to the front of the hull. They hid into a bamboo bush near the road between Baguio and Sablan on which the American tanks would advance. When a column of Sherman tanks turned the corner about 100m far from them, they dashed forwards the column. The leading tank of the column was surprised at them and tried to go back, but it failed to turn and fell into a valley along the road. Japanese tanks clashed with enemy tanks and four tanks (two Shermans and two Japanese tanks) were destroyed. The Japanese crews who survived jumped off a tank and attacked the enemy, brandishing a sword. After this incident, Americans hesitantly advanced. Finally, on April 27, 1945 US force from the 33rd, 37th and USAFFE-NL 66th Infantry Regiment liberated the town.

Japanese Surrender
Until the end of the war, Japanese resistance persisted to the west and north of Baguio. Japanese forces officially surrendered in Baguio on September 3, 1945 present were Lt. General Jonathan M. Wainwright and Lt. General Wilhelm D. Styer.

Baguio Cathedral (Our Lady of the Atonement)
Built during 1920 - 1936 by missionaries from Belgium on Kampo Hill (renamed by them 'Mount Mary'), the highest point in Baguio.

Wartime History
The cathedral was used as a shelter for civilians during the American bombing of Baguio, and an evacuation center. Many residents built shanty shacks around the cathedral, after it was filled to capacity. During April, 1945 advance units of the US Army arrived at the Cathedral and liberated the town.

Burnham Park
Park at the center of Baguio. The US Army held a formal ceremony here in April 1945 after the liberation of Baguio attended by General Swift, commander of I Corps.

Camp Allen
Prewar US Army camp in Baguio.

Japan-Filipino Peace Monument
A memorial park and obelisk is located on the western edge of town, with dedications in Japanese and english.

Veterans Park & Wall of Honor
Dedicated in 1991 and upgraded in 1995, this small memorial park and Wall of Honor lists the names of the 3,347 officers, enlisted men and auxiliary volunteers of the 66th Infantry Regiment USAFFE. The memorial lists 854 casualties (280 KIA, 568 WIA, 6 MIA) in the campaign in the mountains. At the front of the memorial, a US Army 105mm howitzer is on display.

Camp John Hay
US Army camp was established in 1903, and encompassed over a thousand acers.

Loakan Airfield
Built prewar, still in use today two days a week

Birac Airfield
Located to the south-east of Baguio, prewar built for mining activities

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Last Updated
October 9, 2009