Battle of Tirad Pass

The Battle of Tirad Pass was a battle in the Philippine-American War fought on 2 December 1899 in northern Luzon in the Philippines, when a 60-man Filipino rearguard commanded by Brigadier General Gregorio del Pilar eventually succumbed to 300 Americans of the 33rd Infantry regiment under Major P.C. March.

The 24-year-old "boy general" del Pilar had noted the advantageous terrain of Tirad Pass (Pasong Tirad), and offered to defend it while Emilio Aguinaldo, President of the Philippine Republic, made good his escape through the mountains.

The picked force of Filipinos constructed several sets of trenches and stone barricades, all of which dominated the narrow zigzag trail ascending towards the pass.

At about 0630 on the morning of 2 December, an American advance up this very trail was swiftly halted, leading to several U.S. casualties. The Americans abandoned the idea of a frontal assault, instead sending elements of their force to outflank the determined defenders. Texan sharpshooters stationed themselves on a hill overlooking the trenches, and proceeded to whittle down the Philippine rearguard with measured volleys. With the help of local villager Januario Galut, another group of Americans were led up a trail by which they could emerge to the rear of the Filipinos.

Finally, over five hours after the battle had started, Americans fell upon the flank and rear of the outnumbered defenders, killing some 52 of the 60 Filipinos. Among the dead was the inspirational General del Pilar, shot through the neck at the height or end of the struggle (depending which eye-witness accounts are to be believed). The Americans lost 2 dead and 9 wounded.

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