On 16 February 1945, the 503d Parachute Regimental Combat
Team, affectionately known as 'The Rock Force', parachuted onto
the fortified Island of Corregidor, initiating Operation Topside.
Defying a defending Japanese force of up to 6,550 in strength,
the 2,050 paratroopers from the 503d Parachute Regimental Combat
Team, together with other units, surprised their Japanese foe
in one of the most daring, well-planned, and superbly executed
airborne operations in the annals of US Military history.
Signed by the artist. |