US AIRBORNE

Robert H. Soule

The 188th Glider Infantry Regiment (GIR) was activated on February 25, 1943, under the command of Colonel Robert H. Soule at Camp Mackall, North Carolina. Part of the 11th Airborne Division, it was composed of two battalions. This activation marked the beginning of an intensive training period that would prepare the regiment for the demanding combat conditions it would encounter in the Pacific.

The initial training took place primarily at Camp Mackall, where the soldiers learned airborne combat techniques. They practiced extensively with glider landings and parachute operations, essential skills for their future missions. The soldiers carried out numerous glider training flights and parachute jumps to simulate real combat conditions and hone their expertise in these areas.

In addition to these individual exercises, the regiment also participated in large-scale maneuvers with other airborne units to simulate real combat operations. These maneuvers strengthened coordination between different units, improved terrain management, and prepared them for the complex challenges of combat in hostile environments.

In April 1944, after several months of intensive training, the 188th GIR was moved to Camp Stoneman, California, for final preparations before deployment. This camp, which served as a processing center for units departing overseas, gave the soldiers their final instructions and allowed them to mentally and logistically prepare for their mission in the Pacific.

On May 11, 1944, after leaving San Francisco aboard several ships, the 188th GIR began its 28-day journey to New Guinea. Upon arrival, they were assigned as a reserve unit for Operation Hollandia, marking the beginning of their involvement on the Pacific front. This training and preparation period was crucial in equipping the regiment with the skills necessary for the success of its future missions in the Pacific islands.

After departing the United States, the 188th Glider Infantry Regiment (GIR) arrived in Dobodura, New Guinea, on May 22, 1944. Upon arrival, the soldiers were faced with a challenging tropical environment that required rapid adaptation. After a long sea voyage, the troops set up camp by erecting pyramid tents by company and constructing kitchens and rest areas to improve their comfort during this period of intensive training. Jungle training began immediately. The soldiers were trained in tropical survival techniques, learning to navigate the hills and mountains of the Owen Stanley Range. They developed bushcraft and hunting skills to prepare for the region’s specific combat conditions. In addition to survival exercises, the regiment took part in field exercises, training jumps, combat simulations, and shooting sessions to hone their military skills.

Outside of training, the soldiers found comfort in various social activities to maintain morale. They attended USO shows, participated in gambling games, and interacted with other units stationed nearby, exchanging resources and equipment to improve their living conditions. As they continued their intensive training, the troops also prepared for their deployment to Leyte, Philippines. On November 6, 1944, after six months of rigorous training, the 188th GIR embarked on a 2,100-mile journey to Leyte, where they would soon be engaged in intense combat operations. This period in Dobodura was crucial for the regiment, as it allowed them to prepare both physically and mentally for the challenges ahead in the Pacific campaigns. Their rigorous training and thorough preparation played a vital role in their success on the battlefield.

On November 18, 1944, the 11th Airborne Division landed on the beaches of Leyte. After receiving all their equipment, the troops were sent inland to relieve the 7th Infantry Division, with the mission of tracking down and destroying the enemy in the sector. The 188th Glider Infantry Regiment (GIR), under the command of Colonel 'Shorty' Soule, was tasked with securing the southern part of the sector. Its first battalion fought its way to the western coast of Leyte, protecting the westward advance of the 511th Parachute Infantry Regiment (PIR). The 188th GIR then moved northward.

On December 5, 1944, the Japanese attacked the San Pablo airstrips, but despite the element of surprise, the 11th Airborne repelled the Japanese forces into the mountains. The fighting was extremely violent and intense, often involving close-quarters combat. The Japanese, who had camouflaged their shelters so effectively that a GI couldn’t spot them even at a meter’s distance, also employed suicide attack tactics, blowing themselves up with grenades. This area of combat, due to the high number of casualties, was nicknamed 'Purple Heart Hill' in honor of the many wounded and killed among the Allied soldiers.

The fighting continued for five weeks. Finally, the 2nd battalion of the 188th GIR made the final assault, ending a series of fierce battles in which American troops had faced determined and desperate Japanese resistance. This period was marked by sacrifice and exemplary courage, with the soldiers of the 188th GIR playing a key role in the liberation of Leyte and the Allied advance toward other Philippine islands.

After their amphibious landing at Nasugbu Bay on January 31, 1945, the troops of the 188th Glider Infantry Regiment (GIR), part of the 11th Airborne Division, were sent to Luzon, Philippines. Their initial mission was to capture the town of Nasugbu, establish a beachhead, and then pursue the Japanese forces northward. Upon landing, Colonel Soule ordered the advance toward the Tagaytay Ridge to establish a defensive position. Once this task was completed, the 187th relieved the 188th in defending Nasugbu, allowing the latter to advance quickly toward Manila, capturing the Palico River bridge intact, to the surprise of the Japanese. On February 1, the 188th attacked the Japanese defenses on Tagaytay Ridge. Despite fierce resistance and kamikaze counterattacks, on February 3, the troops launched a final assault, using flamethrowers and grenades to dislodge the enemy. This sector was subsequently nicknamed 'Shorty Ridge' in honor of the regiment’s action. The 188th then joined forces with the 511th PIR, which had landed to the east of Tagaytay Ridge.

After this junction, the 188th continued to hunt down the last Japanese defenders, discovering a complex network of tunnels and caves equipped with cannons and machine guns. On February 4, despite being wounded, Colonel Soule continued to coordinate the defense of the ridge, blocking the access to Manila.

On February 7, the 188th attacked in the Genko Line sector, while the 511th fought house to house to dislodge the Japanese. Three days later, Major Loeper, commander of the 1st Battalion, led a heroic action that cost him his life, attacking a position strongly held by the enemy and posthumously receiving the Distinguished Service Cross. The situation stagnated until February 11, when the 187th and 188th launched a joint attack. The fighting was fierce, often involving hand-to-hand combat, but by the end of the day, the Japanese positions were cleared, opening the way to the next objective: Fort McKinley.

The assault on Fort McKinley began on February 17 and mobilized the entire 188th, the 2nd Battalion of the 187th, and the 511th PIR, with the mission to meet at the 'Caribon' gate of the fort. However, the gardens surrounding the fortress were mined, and when the paratroopers approached, the Japanese sailors triggered explosive charges, causing heavy losses. Despite this, the 1st Battalion of the 188th managed to enter the fort and join the 511th PIR, forcing the Japanese to retreat eastward. Fighting for Manila continued, but all resistance ceased in early March.

The 188th then participated in the operation to liberate the Los Baños camp. The attack began on February 23 at 7:00 AM under the orders of General Joe Swing. The 511th parachuted in without incident, freeing the prisoners and ensuring their evacuation. Meanwhile, the 188th cleared enemy positions on the San Juan River, securing the area for the refugees' passage. Anticipating a Japanese counterattack, Colonel Soule established a beachhead to protect the evacuees, but fortunately, no attack came. The operation was a success, largely attributed to the efforts of the 188th.

The 1st Battalion of the 188th was then ordered to secure the southern region of Luzon, around Ternate, known as 'Pico de Loro Hills.' The fighting was intense, with the Japanese using a complex network of caves and tunnels that rendered artillery and mortars ineffective. It was a month of intense struggles, often involving hand-to-hand combat, during which the 188th captured over 40 suicide boats intended for attacks on American ships. In a month, the regiment suffered 40 casualties and counted 103 wounded.

The next operations were aimed at Japan. To this end, the 11th Airborne was reorganized, with the 188th and 674th becoming parachute regiments and the glider regiments expanding to three battalions.

After intense fighting in Luzon, the 188th Glider Infantry Regiment (GIR) was deployed to Okinawa, Japan, on August 11, 1945. Although the Battle of Okinawa officially ended on June 22, 1945, the arrival of the 188th GIR on the island marked the beginning of a period of stabilization and preparation for future operations. Upon landing, the soldiers of the 188th found themselves in a post-war environment, with the main mission of securing and stabilizing the island after the fierce fighting of the previous months. The troops set up temporary camps, from which they organized regular patrols to maintain order and prevent any residual enemy activity. The regiment was tasked with securing strategic areas of Okinawa and overseeing the surrender of remaining Japanese forces. In preparation for the occupation of Japan, the soldiers participated in preparatory exercises and reconnaissance missions to assess logistical and security needs, thus preparing for their post-war role.

On August 15, 1945, Emperor Hirohito announced Japan’s surrender, marking the official end of World War II. This news transformed the mission of the 188th GIR, shifting from combat preparation to managing stabilization operations. Starting on August 30, 1945, the regiment intensified its efforts in reconstruction and securing areas under Allied control, preparing to play a key role in the occupation of Japan.

This period in Okinawa marked an essential step for the 188th GIR, symbolizing the transition from active war to a phase of reconstruction and post-conflict stabilization. The regiment’s soldiers made a decisive contribution to securing the island and preparing for the occupation operations that would follow.

After their mission in Okinawa, the troops of the 188th Glider Infantry Regiment (GIR) were deployed to Tokyo, where they played a crucial role in the occupation of Japan and the country's reconstruction.

On August 30, 1945, the first elements of the 188th GIR landed in Tokyo, marking the beginning of their occupation mission. The soldiers set up temporary headquarters and quickly organized patrols to maintain order and security in the Japanese capital, still marked by the scars of war. The regiment was tasked with securing critical infrastructure in Tokyo, overseeing the surrender of Japanese forces, and actively participating in the reconstruction of devastated areas. The soldiers also took charge of securing the International Military Tribunal for the Far East, where Japanese war criminals were tried from 1946 to 1948, thus playing a role in the post-war justice process.

During their mission, the soldiers of the 188th GIR interacted with the local population, participating in humanitarian actions such as distributing food and essential supplies while contributing to various community reconstruction projects. In addition to their official duties, they participated in recreational activities to maintain troop morale during this long occupation period. This period in Tokyo was marked by intensive efforts of stabilization and reconstruction, with the 188th GIR playing a key role in Japan’s transition to peace and rebuilding after the war.