Following the Japanese invasion in 1941, the 26th Cavalry Regiment played a crucial role in the Allied withdrawal to the Bataan Peninsula. Their actions included executing a classic delaying tactic, allowing less mobile units to safely retreat to the peninsula. During this operation, the 26th provided formidable and the primary opposition to the Japanese forces. Many of the units sent northward towards Lingayen Gulf consisted of divisions from the untrained and ill-equipped Philippine Army.
For example, during the initial landings, the regiment single-handedly stalled the advance of four enemy infantry regiments for six hours at Damortis. On December 24th, they repelled a tank assault at Binalonan. However, this resistance came at a significant cost, as by the end of December 24th, the regiment's numbers had dwindled to 450 men. Subsequently, the regiment was pulled from the front lines and replenished to a strength of 657 men. In January 1942, they played a crucial role in keeping the roadways to the Bataan Peninsula open, allowing other units to prepare for their stand there.
In Bataan, the 26th Cavalry Regiment, primarily composed of Philippine Scouts, carried out the final horse-mounted cavalry charge in American history when they encountered Japanese forces at Morong on January 16, 1942. This charge would be the last instance of horse-mounted warfare involving a U.S. cavalry regiment.
During the retreat to Bataan, the 26th faced a numerically superior enemy force supported by tanks. Despite the odds, they managed to drive off the surprised Japanese. Due to a shortage of food, they were compelled to slaughter their horses, leading to the regiment's transformation into two squadrons: one motorized rifle squadron and the other a mechanized squadron utilizing remaining scout cars and Bren carriers.
Following a delaying action in the central Luzon plain, Troop C found themselves cut off from the rest of the regiment, having been directed to Northern Luzon in an attempt to defend Baguio. In January 1942, with support from the 71st and 11th Infantry, the unit conducted a raid on Tuguegarao Airfield, resulting in the destruction of several planes and the elimination of multiple Japanese soldiers. Over time, the unit was reinforced by additional soldiers and guerrillas, remaining an effective fighting force well into 1943. The remnants of Troop C were eventually integrated into the United States Army Forces in the Philippines – Northern Luzon, commanded by Russell W. Volckmann, due to losses and captures.
Other guerrilla organizations, led by officers or enlisted men who had escaped from Bataan, operated independently of the regiment. These groups, while not directly linked to the regiment, contributed to the overall resistance efforts.
The 26th Cavalry Regiment was inactivated in 1946 and officially disbanded in 1951.
Painting: "The Last Charge" by John Solie
