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liberated numerous villages and towns, including Malaybalay, the capital of Bukidnon Province. Then, we were to meet with the 40th Division moving toward us from the north, thus opening the vital Sayre Highway and completing the liberation of Central Mindanao. Our Regiment then turned on the retreating enemy, completely routing them, forcing remnants of their troops into the roadless mountains.
During our drive, aerial support was used with marked success. At times, the incoming enemy artillery fire caused concern, but our L-4 and L-5 artillery liaison planes would locate the enemy positions, and in a brief time, our own 116th Field Artillery would destroy them.
Once during our pursuit of the enemy, I observed many naked dead enemy soldiers on the river banks and in the water as we crossed a stream. Our men were advancing so rapidly, the enemy wasn't aware that our troops were anywhere near them. What a shock that must have been to them as they washed and swam in the stream.
Large numbers of civilians came out of the jungles to greet us. I remember them offering us roasted grasshoppers, the only food they had. They were overjoyed to see American soldiers once again in their country.
We now moved to the north coast of Mindanao, near the town of Cagayan, and eventually erected tents and life became somewhat routine but civilized again.
I decided to purchase for myself a cute little monkey from a young Filipino man. In just a few days, this monkey and I became attached to each other. However, he became overprotecti ve of me and my immediate area. My cot and belongings were located in a corner of a large tent occupied by other persons and other cots. He interpreted visitors as intruders and challenged everyone dropping by to chat. He was also very protective of my personal belongings and was the best	personal guard I	could ever hope to have. When I	was
away	from the tent, no one	dared touch my possessions.	For
some reason, he hated Filipino children and whenever he saw one approaching our area, he would dash out toward them showing his teeth and screaming to high heaven. He would look up to me for approval that he had just accomplished a brave deed. I did smoke at that time and while I slept at night, he would methodically tear each cigarette in a carton into small fragments. I suspect he thought cigarettes were harmful to me.	I finally had to	give	him away just before boarding	the
ship	for the States.	I've	always had fond memories of that
brave and mischievious little companion.
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