World War II .281941.E2.80.931945.29 Philippine Navy

sangley point cavite navy yard burning after japanese air attack on 10 december 1941. small-arms shells explode (left) , torpedo-loaded barge (center) burns.

in 1935, commonwealth government passed national defense act, aimed ensure security of country. criticized because placed burden of defense of philippines on ground forces, in turn, formed reservists. discounted need commonwealth air force , navy, , naval protection provided united states asiatic fleet.

relatively small fleet of such vessels, ...will have distinct effect in compelling hostile force approach cautiously , small detachments.

when world war ii began, philippines had no significant naval forces after united states withdrew asiatic fleet following attack on pearl harbor imperial japanese navy. philippines had rely on osp headquarters located @ muelle del codo, port area, manila, composed of 5 high-speed thorneycroft coast motor boat (cmb) 55-foot (17 m) , 65-foot (20 m) pt boats, known q-boats, repel japanese attacks sea.

during course of war, osp undaunted enemy s superiority fought zeal, courage , heroism. intrepid , successful missions , raids on enemy ships, unit dubbed mosquito fleet because of minuscule size, speed , surprise, shown capability attack deadly sting. unit cited gallantry in action when q-boats squadron shot 3 of 9 japanese dive bombers flying towards shore installations in bataan. osp participated in evacuation of high philippine , u.s. government officials manila corregidor when manila declared open city.

surviving personnel of offshore patrol didn t surrender after april 9, 1942 japanese, conducted recognized guerrilla , local military troops of philippine commonwealth army hit-and-run attacks against occupying japanese forces until return of u.s. forces. end of war, 66 percent of men awarded silver star medal , other decorations gallantry in action.