Location
Lat 15° 58' 34N Long 120° 34' 16E  Inland town 13.3 miles southeast of Mangaldan astride the MacArthur Highway running north-south and an east-west road junction, making it a vital crossroads town.

Japanese Defense
The 2nd Tank Division ordered a detachment to Urdaneta on January 2, 1945 anticipating the American landing at Lingayen Gulf. After the landing on January 9, 1945 Japanese General Yamashita decided a counter-attack and ordered the 7th Tank Regiment (stationed in Urdaneta) to attack the American beachhead. The regiment consisted of one tank company and one motorized infantry battalion. In the night of 16th, they advanced towards the beachhead, but they were ambushed by AT guns and suffered heavy losses.

Battle of Urdanetta
On dawn of January 17th, the 7th Tank Regiment 'Omori Detachment' consisting of nine tanks and 100 men were serving as an outpost and rear guard for forces at Binalonan. That same morning, the US Army 6th Division, 1st Infantry Regiment attacked them, supported by M4 Sherman tanks. One platoon of 3rd Company ambushed the Sherman tanks on the road to Urdaneta and destroyed two by flank fire. But, the platoon was destroyed by other Sherman tanks. Other tanks of 3rd Company swung around towards the flank of the Sherman tanks and attacked them. The company commander's tank was destroyed by the fire from the Shermans and the The Japanese lost all nine tanks, and most of the garrison. The Americans lost 5 KIA and 15 WIA.

Urdanetta Museum
Located in the town's cultural & sports center, across from the library. This museum includes a small display of WWII era artifacts - helmets, guns and mess tins. Outside, a Japanese Jukie heavy machine gun is displayed along with Spanish era cannons.

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Last Updated
October 1, 2009