.
The Japanese landed three tanks, two Type 97 tanks and a captured
M-3. Two other tanks were lost 50 yards offshore while landing with
the 2d Battalion, 61st Infantry. The surviving tanks were
stranded on the beach due to the steep cliffs and beach debris and
were left behind by the advancing infantry. In one hour, the tank
crews and engineers worked a path off the beach. When the tanks
reached the cliffs, they found the inclines too steep and were
unable to move further. The Marines were alerted to the presence of
the tanks and Gunner Ferrell went to Cavalry Point to investigate
the rumors of tanks, and found the vehicles apparently hopelessly
stalled.
At daylight the Japanese were
able to cut a road to Cavalry Beach but were still prevented from
moving inland by the slope behind the beach. Finally the captured
M-3 negotiated the cliff and succeeded in towing the remaining tanks
up the cliff. By 0830, all three tanks were on the coastal road and
moved cautiously inland. At 0900, Gunnery Sergeant Mercurio reported
to Malinta Tunnel the presence of enemy armor.
At 1000
Marines on the north beaches watched as the Japanese began an attack
with their tanks, which moved in concert with light artillery
support. Private First Class Silas K. Barnes fired on the tanks with
his machine gun to no effect. He watched helplessly as they began to
take out the American positions. He remembered the Japanese tanks'
guns "looked like mirrors flashing where they were going out and
wiping out pockets of resistance where the Marines were." The
Marines still had nothing in operation heavier than automatic rifles
to deal with the enemy tanks. Word of the enemy armor caused initial
panic, but the remaining Marine, Navy and Army officers soon halted
the confusion.
Photograph courtesy of Dr. Diosdado M. Yap |