21st Division (Philippines)

The 21st Infantry Division was a division of the Philippine Army under the United States Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE).

History
It was active from 1941 to April 9, 1942, whereupon it surrendered when Bataan fell. It was organized and trained in Northern Luzon. Col. (later BGen.) Mateo M. "Matty" Capinpin (PA) was the division's commander; he and his staff took command on 18 Nov 1941. The division's Senior Instructor was Col. Ray M. O'Day, and like all of his counterparts in other units, his training task was monumental.

Combat Narrative
At the opening of hostilities, 8 December 1941, the 21st Division formed a part of BGen. Jonathan M. Wainwright's North Luzon Force of the Philippine Army (later renamed I Philippine Corps), alongside the 11th and 31st Divisions, and the 26th Cavalry Regiment.

Order of battle

 * 21st Infantry Regiment (PA) (LCol. Valentin Valasco) (transf. to 2nd Division (PA))
 * 22nd Infantry Regiment (PA) (Maj. Joachin D. Esperitu) (transf. to 2nd Division (PA))
 * 23rd Infantry Regiment (PA) (Maj. Liberato Littaua) (2/23 Hvy. Wpns. Co. C.O.: 1Lt. Avelino J. Battad) (transf. to 2nd Division (PA))
 * 21st Field Artillery Regiment (PA) (Col. Richard C. Mallonee, FA; LCol. Nemisio Catalan, on c. 7 Jan 42) (transf. to 2nd Division (PA))
 * 21st FA Regt HQ Company (PA) (transf. to 2nd Division (PA))
 * 1st Bn/21st FA Regt (PA) (75mm guns, 16x) (transf. to 2nd Division (PA))
 * 2nd Bn/21st FA Regt (PA) (2.95-inch pack howitzers, 4x) (transf. to 2nd Division (PA))
 * 3rd Bn/21st FA Regt (PA) (transf. to 2nd Division (PA))
 * 21st Engineer Battalion (PA) (transf. to 2nd Division (PA))
 * 21st Division Units (PA) (transf. to 2nd Division (PA))
 * 21st Division Headquarters & HQ Company (PA) (transf. to 2nd Division (PA))
 * 21st Medical Battalion (PA) (transf. to 2nd Division (PA))
 * 21st Signal Company (PA) (transf. to 2nd Division (PA))
 * 21st Quartermaster Company (Motorized) (PA) (transf. to 2nd Division (PA))
 * 21st QM Transport Company (Truck) (PA) (transf. to 2nd Division (PA))