Why is a Cancer Tag with a Bataan Memorial Death March medallion? Cancer zodiac is all about home, which these guys were deprived of in the most horrific way for 3-1/2 years. 75% of this unit were Hispanic and 20% Native American (mostly Taos Pueblo, and a number of Mescalero Apache and Navajo)
The reason for going to national guard units is related to New Mexico's national guard. We have long memorialized our great Veterans of the New Mexico National Guard - in 1942 the 200th Coast Artillery - because they were one of the Guard units in the horrific Bataan Death March.
New Mexico National Guard's involvement in the Bataan Death March
The infamous Bataan Death March was one of the greatest atrocities of World War II.
Approximately 1,800 men from the 200th and 515th Coast Artillery Regiment deployed to the Philippines in September 1941. When the Regiment reached the Philippines they immediately moved to Fort Stotsenberg, 75 miles north of Manila. Over the coming months, they trained under simulated war conditions. By December the situation changed drastically.
On December 8, 1941 Japanese bombers made their appearance and the war was on. It was the 200th Coast Artillery (Anti-aircraft) — the original full Regiment — who is credited as being the “First to Fire” on December 8, 1941. That night, the 515th Coast Artillery (Anti-aircraft) was formed from the ranks of the 200th. The Japanese landings on Luzon began on December 10, 1941, with more Japanese forces landing on December 12, 1941.
The 200th and 515th could not do much damage as their powder train fuses only had a range of 20,000 feet and the bombers were flying at 23,000 feet. But when planes came in low, the 200th and 515th got a number of them. The main Japanese invasion forces landed December 22, 1941 and the decision was made to withdraw the forces into Bataan. The 200th covered the retreat of the Northern Luzon Force into Bataan and the 515th for the South Luzon Force. They were able to hold the Japanese air and ground attacks back, thus saving the bridges – and the North and South Luzon Forces found a clear, safe passage to the Bataan peninsula.
For months the American and Filipino troops fought bravely as the war situation worsened. By April 3, 1942 the Japanese received sufficient reinforcements and began to drive down the Bataan peninsula. Four days later, the Japanese broke through allied lines. After holding off the Japanese from December to April – four long months – the battle for Bataan ended on April 9th
Following the fall of the Bataan Peninsula, on April 9, 1942 the United States surrendered to the Japanese and instantly, more than 75,000 U.S. and Filipino soldiers were forced to become Prisoners of War. The POWs were soon forced to make the 65 mile trek – with no food or water – to confinement camps throughout the Philippines. Thirsty and exhausted, those who attempted to steal a sip of water from roadside streams or collapsed along the way – were shot or bayoneted on the spot by their Japanese captors. In total, 10,000 men – 1,000 American and 9,000 Filipino – died during the Bataan Death March.
Those who survived the march spent the next 40 months in horrific conditions in confinement camps. Most were transported to the Japanese man island aboard “death ships.” Many did not survive the voyage. Given very little food, water or clothing, the men were tortured, malnourished and riddled with disease. Two-thirds died from disease, starvation, horrendous conditions, beatings or were plain murdered. More than 11,500 American soldiers died during the three plus years in confinement.
It wasn’t until late summer of 1945 that these prisoners of war saw freedom. Survivors were diseased, frail – emaciated, skin and bones, some blind, others unable to walk. Sadly one third of the former POWs died of complications within their first year of freedom. Of the 1,816 men 200th & 515th Coast Artillery men identified, 829 died in battle, while prisoners, or immediately after liberation. There were 987 survivors.
CANCER ZODIAC SIGN DATES & TRAITS
Cancer Dates: June 21 to July 22
Symbol: Crab
Element: Water
Planet: Moon
House: Fourth
Color: Silver, white
CANCER SIGN TRAITS OVERVIEW
Cancer, the fourth sign of the zodiac, is all about home. Those born under this horoscope sign are ‘roots’ kinds of people, and take great pleasure in the comforts of home and family. Cancers are maternal, domestic and love to nurture others. More than likely, their family will be large, too — the more, the merrier! Cancers will certainly be merry if their home life is serene and harmonious.
Traditions are upheld with great zest in a Cancer’s household, since, as the rulers of the fourth house of home and memory, this zodiac sign prizes family history and loves communal activities. They also tend to be patriotic, waving the flag whenever possible. A Cancer’s good memory is the basis for stories told around the dinner table, and don’t be surprised if these folks get emotional about things. Those born under this sign wear their heart on their sleeve, which is just fine by them.
CANCER SYMBOL, ELEMENT, QUALITY, AND PLANET
The symbol of Cancer is the Crab, and much like this shelled little critter, Cancers are quick to retreat into their shells if it suits their mood. No wonder these folks are called crabby! It’s said that those under this star sign are first to laugh and first to cry, so you can bet they’ll fill you in. That shell, by the way, isn’t the only tough thing about Crabs. These folks are tenacious and strong-willed and like to get their way. If their well-documented kindness and gentleness doesn’t do the trick, however, they’re not above using emotional manipulation to make things happen. If that still doesn’t work, they’ll just go back to their shell and sulk, or find a way to get back at the source of their pain, since Crabs can be rather vindictive. That said, any self-respecting Crab would tell you that they are ultimately motivated by protecting their home and loved ones, a most noble goal.
Cancers are ruled by the Moon — the Great Mother of the heavens in ancient times. Here on Earth, this is manifested in the Crab’s maternal instincts and desire to protect home and hearth. This may appear smothering at times, but that’s the Crab for you. The Moon is associated with fertility, too, a quality that is most pleasing to Cancers. The Moon is also the ruler of moods, and Cancers have plenty of those. The element associated with Cancer is water. Like the rolling waves of the sea, the Crab’s emotions can make quite a splash. The folks of this astrology sign can cry you a river if they’re so inclined, and they usually are.
CANCER PERSONALITY: STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES
Crabs find it easy to be sympathetic to others and are quick to show their affection. Their intuition is also a great help to them, especially in times of stress. These folks tend to pick up on things and bring them in, with the outward result ranging from sentimentality to possessiveness. Crabs need to resist the temptation to become selfish or to feel sorry for themselves, since this behavior won’t help. On the bright side, Cancers are good with money (although some consider them too thrifty), probably because they value a sense of security. The Cancer sun sign is also quick to help others and tends to avoid confrontation. In keeping with their nurturing personality, those born under this sign are a whiz with food. A hearty picnic in the park is heaven-on-earth to most Crabs.
The great strength of the Cancer-born is the tenacity with which they protect their loved ones. These folks don’t ask for much, either: a comfortable home and sense of peace about sums it up. It’s that nurturing instinct which makes Cancers a pleasure to be with.