I had no idea of any action on the Asian mainland. I thought all the Marines were withdrawn to the PI with the rest of the 4th Marines in November of 41. No disrespect intended. I was going with information from memory anyway. The question a first ground combat was in this thread as being on Luzon. I thought that it was at Guam, since the first attack overwhelmed the US garrison there in several hours. I knew that the boys on Wake Island put up a hellofa fight before surrendering (due to broken communications) on December 23rd when they were actually in the process of kicking Jap ass there. When the Japs came ashore at the Lingayen Gulf on 22 Dec local time, I didn't take into account of the international date line. Again, no disrespect intended to those men in the field pulling triggers where ever they were was intended. My position was to enlighten those who got their history lessons from movies to the truth, and the movie "Wake Island" wrongfully led many amatuer historians down the wrong path. I am not into splitting hairs on this issue. That was not my intention. All were heroes in my book. I stand corrected in my attempt to set things staight. Done deal.

__________________
On the Plains of Hesitation
lies the blackend bones of countless millions
who, at the dawn of victory sat down to rest,
and resting died....
(author unknown-I wish it was me)