Captain Pajota's operational plan to block Dokuho 359 at Cabanatuan

Captain Pajota's Course Of Action Mission Statement And Sketch

Mission Statement

Captain Pajota aims to assist the Allied extraction of POWs from Pangatian Camp by blocking off a mile section road to the prison to allow the Allies access to attack the camp without interference from more Dokuho 359 forces coming in from General Tomoyuki Yamashita's order of Commander Oyabu's Dokuho 359 towards Cabanatuan City.

Commander's Intent

The purpose of the operation is to assist Allies in the removal of POWs and to show clear weaknesses in the heart of Japanese territory in the Phillipines. The much larger Dokuho 359, assisted with six tanks, is a large force. Holding it off in order to allow the extraction of POWs will show weaknesses in the Japanese defense and increase Allied resolve in the region.

Decisive Operation (DO)

Block the Japanese Imperial Army's Dokuho 359, including 800 men and six tanks, at two critical locations surrounding Cabanatuan City and thus preventing them from interfering with the Allied extraction of POWs out of the Pangatian Camp. First, the Guerilla's must block them from crossing over the timber bridge at Cabu. Another force lead by Captain Joson will block the position to the West 4 miles to Canabatuan City. sealing off a mile section of road to allow the Rangers to enter into the camp, attack it, and safely remove prisoners. Thus, the larger artillery force of the Guerilla force will focus on blocking the bridge across the Cabu River to prevent tank crossings, with two of the larger light infantry company's blocking potential foot crossings at the north and south of the bridge. One smaller infantry unit will seal off the road behind the prison, where there is not the threat of the larger Japanese force with tanks.

Fires

Three machine gun crews and the bazooka team will wait at the east end of the camp, ready to fire on the bridge and any tanks or foot troops attempting to cross it.

Intelligence

Communications with Captain Joson's brigade are necessary to ensure his section has not been breached. Also, the Observation post near the Cabu River Bridge will need to notify the Platoons of any other potential foot crossing locations so they can adjust their positions.

Tactical Risk

The biggest potential risk here is the breach of the blockade. If necessary, the bazooka teams will act to destroy the bridge with their fire so to stop the advancement of any further tanks into the area.