To recapture the city of Manila in the Philippines, the US Sixth Army landed on the beaches of Lingayen Gulf on January 9, 1945. Meeting minimal resistance on the shore, the 37th Infantry Division raced inland heading for the famous Clark Airfield where fierce resistance awaited them. After its capture, the division continued its drive to Manila, entering the city on the 4th of February. The commander divided the northern section of the city into two sectors. The 37th Division was responsible for advancing to the south, and the 1st Cavalry Division was told to strike to the east. Immediately after crossing the Pasig River, the 37th encountered bitter opposition where the fighting devolved into bloody street fighting. As the enemy was decimated by the US forces they began to take out their frustration on the civilian population. Thousands were massacred as the Americans tried their best to liberate them.
The city was finally cleared by March 3, 1945. However, in the intense and costly street fighting on February 16, 1945, Pensacola lost another gallant son by the name of PFC J. B. (Joseph Bryan) Croxton of 1911 North 8th Avenue. He was born on March 30, 1914 in Crenshaw Co., AL, the son of Joseph Bryan and Chloe Dewitt Croxton. His father supported the family as a logging supervisor in the lucrative timber industry. However, by 1930 both of his parents had passed away and he was raised by his aunt Mrs. Eula Croxton Pierce.
fter Pearl Harbor, "J.B." enlisted in the US Army in January 1942 and was sent overseas in July that same year. The 37th Division hit the beaches of Bougainville in November 1943 along with the 3rd Marine Division. There, they took part in the famous battle of Hill 700, which was some of the bitterest fighting of the campaign. He was able to survive the battle of Bougainville and being wounded twice but he perished in the battle for Manila. His body was returned home and buried in the Rocky Mount Cemetery, in Crenshaw Co., AL where he rests today.
The Battle for Manila coast 740 US dead and 4,500 wounded
PFC J. B. (Joseph Bryan) Croxton of
1911 North 8th Avenue, KIA 2-16-1945
Pensacola News Journal 4-8-1945
Gravesite Rocky Mount Cemetery, Crenshaw Co., AL