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Rock Force: The American Paratroopers Who Took Back Corregidor and Exacted MacArthur's Revenge on Japan
From the #1 New York Times bestselling coauthor of No Easy Day comes a thrilling World War II story of the American airborne soldiers who captured a Japanese-held island fortress
In late December 1941, General Douglas MacArthur, caught off guard by the Japanese invasion of the Philippines, is forced to retreat to Corregidor, a jagged, rocky island fortress at the mouth of Manila Bay. Months later, under orders from the president, the general is whisked away in the dark of night, leaving his troops to their fate. It is a bitter pill for a fiercely proud warrior who has always protected his men. He famously declares "I shall return," but the humiliation of Corregidor haunts him, even earning him the derisive nickname "Dugout Doug."
In early 1945, MacArthur returns to the Philippines, his eyes firmly fixed on Corregidor. To take back the island, he calls on the 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment, a highly trained veteran airborne unit. Their mission is to jump onto the island—hemmed in by sheer cliffs, pockmarked by bomb craters, bristling with deadly spiky broken tree trunks—and wrest it from some 6,700 Japanese defenders who await, fully armed and ready to fight to the death.
Drawn from firsthand accounts and personal interviews with the battle's surviving veterans, acclaimed war correspondent and bestselling author Kevin Maurer delves into this extraordinary tale, uncovering astonishing accounts of bravery and heroism during an epic, yet largely forgotten, clash of the Pacific War. Here is an intimate story of uncommon soldiers showing uncommon courage and winning, through blood and sacrifice, the redemption of General MacArthur.
In late December 1941, General Douglas MacArthur, caught off guard by the Japanese invasion of the Philippines, is forced to retreat to Corregidor, a jagged, rocky island fortress at the mouth of Manila Bay. Months later, under orders from the president, the general is whisked away in the dark of night, leaving his troops to their fate. It is a bitter pill for a fiercely proud warrior who has always protected his men. He famously declares "I shall return," but the humiliation of Corregidor haunts him, even earning him the derisive nickname "Dugout Doug."
In early 1945, MacArthur returns to the Philippines, his eyes firmly fixed on Corregidor. To take back the island, he calls on the 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment, a highly trained veteran airborne unit. Their mission is to jump onto the island—hemmed in by sheer cliffs, pockmarked by bomb craters, bristling with deadly spiky broken tree trunks—and wrest it from some 6,700 Japanese defenders who await, fully armed and ready to fight to the death.
Drawn from firsthand accounts and personal interviews with the battle's surviving veterans, acclaimed war correspondent and bestselling author Kevin Maurer delves into this extraordinary tale, uncovering astonishing accounts of bravery and heroism during an epic, yet largely forgotten, clash of the Pacific War. Here is an intimate story of uncommon soldiers showing uncommon courage and winning, through blood and sacrifice, the redemption of General MacArthur.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published December 1, 2020
108 people are currently reading
537 people want to read
About the author
Kevin Maurer
37 books75 followersKEVIN MAURER is an award-winning journalist and the bestselling coauthor, with Mark Owen, of No Easy Day: The Firsthand Account of the Mission that Killed Osama bin Laden. He has covered special operations forces for a decade.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
December 1, 2020
Loved this book. It's an amazing true story never told before. We always think of Europe when we think of WW2 paras. Think again. Written with real gusto and style. Proper page turner.
January 25, 2021
One of My New Year resolutions was to read more non fiction, WW2 has always interested me and when I received this book I immediately started it!
To be honest I don’t know very much about paratroopers and I feel like we don’t hear a lot about them. When I started this book I was amazed with their bravery. The 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment were dropped on the Island of Corregidor in the Philippine Islands. These men were sent their to retake the island from the Japanese, they knew they would be dropping down on rough terrain, some of the men landed and had broken bones or even died. The men of the 503rd struggled in battle for ten days against 6500 defending Japanese, in a battle that raged against the background of ruins that one time in the past was known as Gibraltar of the east. Low on food and water and sometimes trapped in one spot these men gave everything even their lives, they watched men who they considered friends die right in front of them. One fateful night the 50 men from the F company paratroopers watched over 500 Japanese marines March towards them what happened was a three hour battle that shocked me and left me amazed. The author does an incredible job introducing you to these brave soldiers before they made the jump onto Corregidor, then we follow them into battle and even after and we see how the battle effected the men after leaving the island. I feel like we need to remember the lives that were lost and the brave men who fought in WW2. I’m giving this book five stars I learned so much and I feel like it’s a must read!
To be honest I don’t know very much about paratroopers and I feel like we don’t hear a lot about them. When I started this book I was amazed with their bravery. The 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment were dropped on the Island of Corregidor in the Philippine Islands. These men were sent their to retake the island from the Japanese, they knew they would be dropping down on rough terrain, some of the men landed and had broken bones or even died. The men of the 503rd struggled in battle for ten days against 6500 defending Japanese, in a battle that raged against the background of ruins that one time in the past was known as Gibraltar of the east. Low on food and water and sometimes trapped in one spot these men gave everything even their lives, they watched men who they considered friends die right in front of them. One fateful night the 50 men from the F company paratroopers watched over 500 Japanese marines March towards them what happened was a three hour battle that shocked me and left me amazed. The author does an incredible job introducing you to these brave soldiers before they made the jump onto Corregidor, then we follow them into battle and even after and we see how the battle effected the men after leaving the island. I feel like we need to remember the lives that were lost and the brave men who fought in WW2. I’m giving this book five stars I learned so much and I feel like it’s a must read!
December 2, 2020
This was an alright story, however I didn’t find it really compelling or exciting. I understand the importance since we mostly hear about paratroopers in the European theater. So on that point, I see why this book could be important.
All that was overshadowed though with the first sentences of this book which told me that soldiers referred to the Japanese in ww2 as japs and nips, and the author had to remind me that I should be offended by this. Yeah, that’s a no from me on that. I think reading a book about the pacific theater of ww2 gives me a basic understanding that that might happen. Virtue signaling and “woke” politically correctness is an automatic star deduction from me and I took another one off for being extra woke in that first statement. Thanks but no thanks on the warning mr. author. I appreciate that language as a sign of the times, I mean it was an effing war they started so save the lecture for someone else!
All that was overshadowed though with the first sentences of this book which told me that soldiers referred to the Japanese in ww2 as japs and nips, and the author had to remind me that I should be offended by this. Yeah, that’s a no from me on that. I think reading a book about the pacific theater of ww2 gives me a basic understanding that that might happen. Virtue signaling and “woke” politically correctness is an automatic star deduction from me and I took another one off for being extra woke in that first statement. Thanks but no thanks on the warning mr. author. I appreciate that language as a sign of the times, I mean it was an effing war they started so save the lecture for someone else!
April 21, 2025
Most westerners only know about Corregidor as the place that America's General MacArthur escaped from as the Japanese Empire ran wild in early 1942. Kevin Maurer, a journalist and popular history writer wants us to know about the re-conquest of the Island Fortress - in 1944 - in one of the most inventive uses of parachute infantry of the whole war. While the Japanese were hoping to be ready for all amphibious comers -the American Army thought it might be easier to land their guys on top of the fort- and then work their way down. Maurer tries to write it like a novel, which I usually find annoying- but he manages to straddle the drama/history line and still deliver the goods. I am taking a half point off for the fact that there is only one map, but otherwise, I really enjoyed this one.
The Map issue is a factor because I happen to have been to Corregidor- over a year ago- with a WWII History Museum group. So I knew essentially where each skirmish was taking place- but without that knowledge - I might have been lost with the solitary map provided. The coordinated amphibious assault that followed the paratroopers of the 503rd PIR is less well covered, but the whole assault is the topic- until MacArthur is able to return to see the damage. The Philippines is my father's campaign, so I found this narrative riveting but I think many readers will find US Army Parachute Operations in the Pacific a new and interesting subject.
There are some adult themes, and some graphic combat injury passages, so this is a good read for the Junior Reader over 14/15 years. For the Gamer/Modeler/Military Enthusiast, this book is a good but not complete resource. The gamer will see a strong resource for gaming this scenario- but will need other sources, perhaps with a few more maps of the island. Modelers will find some good build and diorama ideas, but will want more photos of the island and its building styles. The Military Enthusiast gets a fairly complex operation explained in detail with perhaps too much drama- still it's a good read and got me fired up to read more about WWII in the Philippines.
The Map issue is a factor because I happen to have been to Corregidor- over a year ago- with a WWII History Museum group. So I knew essentially where each skirmish was taking place- but without that knowledge - I might have been lost with the solitary map provided. The coordinated amphibious assault that followed the paratroopers of the 503rd PIR is less well covered, but the whole assault is the topic- until MacArthur is able to return to see the damage. The Philippines is my father's campaign, so I found this narrative riveting but I think many readers will find US Army Parachute Operations in the Pacific a new and interesting subject.
There are some adult themes, and some graphic combat injury passages, so this is a good read for the Junior Reader over 14/15 years. For the Gamer/Modeler/Military Enthusiast, this book is a good but not complete resource. The gamer will see a strong resource for gaming this scenario- but will need other sources, perhaps with a few more maps of the island. Modelers will find some good build and diorama ideas, but will want more photos of the island and its building styles. The Military Enthusiast gets a fairly complex operation explained in detail with perhaps too much drama- still it's a good read and got me fired up to read more about WWII in the Philippines.
April 24, 2021
This book is about the 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment that landed on Corregidor to liberate it in February 1945. It is told through the experiences of members of the unit especially 1LT Bill Calhoun. Cpt. Doc Bradford, Pvt. Tony Lopez also contributed their experiences mostly through unpublished manuscripts like Calhoun. The parachute drop was a surprise to the Japanese. They were expecting a beach assault so their defenses were facing the sea rather than the top of the "Rock." There was a supporting assault by 34th Infantry Regiment of the 24th Infantry Division simultaneously. The fighting was intense. Like all the stories of Japanese soldiers not surrendering, on Corregidor it was the same. Few prisoners were taken. The insights into the soldier's perspective by Calhoun and Lopez and a third soldier, Pvt. Chet Nycum are captivating. The reader can feel the adrenaline, fear, relief and grief of the soldier. The Doctor's perspective is somewhat philosophical though he experienced fear and grief as much as the fighting infantryman. The battle succeeded of course in liberating Corregidor but the cost was 228 killed in action, and 727 wouned or injured. The Japanese lost 4,497 killed in action and 119 prisoners taken. Original intelligence estimates were a little over 800 Japanese defenders. So much for intelligence estimates! I was disappointed by the lack of maps accompanying the narrative. There is one small map. The pictures included are ok and include one of Pvt. Nycum actual rough landing on the Rock taken by a combat photographer. I was also surprised by the tactics employed by the 503rd. They left a gaping whole in their perimeter and it allowed the Japanese to attack and almost overrun the Regimental Headquarters. Colonel George "Panama" Jones who commanded the assault shot three Japanese soldiers with his .45Cal during the banzai attack. All in all it was an interesting read about an attack I knew little about. I recommend it to anyone interested in the Pacific Theater and Airborne assaults.
November 2, 2021
Having taken the boat out from Manila to Corregidor years ago, I was anxious to read an account of the recapture of the island fortress from the Japanese, and this did not disappoint. My visit in 2002 was emotional, seeing what remained of the topside barracks and officers' quarters, as well as the huge gun emplacements of Fort Mills, the below ground Malinta tunnel complex, as well as the jetty where MacArthur had left the island via P.T. Boat. I'd read a number of books on the defense of the Island, but never one on its recapture. The narrative flowed well, and was centered around one platoon of the 503rd parachute infantry regiment and their exploits in battling the fanatical Japanese defenders. I'd remembered a number of the place names, having seen them firsthand, which made the read (listen) all the more interesting. As with any series of battles, there was tremendous courage exhibited by both sides, with a number of actions where the Distinguished Service Cross and Congressional Medal of Honor were awarded being well-described. Individual stories from both sides were well-chronicled, and the epilogue followed the key characters' lives "after the Army" stories. All-in-all Maurer did a very good job in relating this two-week action in the recapture of the Philippines, on the road to Japan.
January 25, 2021
I'm pretty conversant with most of the parachute operations that took place in Europe and the Mediterranean in World War II, from Eben Emael and Crete to Market-Garden and Varsity. I even know about the Soviet drop at Kanev, and operations by the American 11th Airborne Division in the Philippines. But I had never heard of the parachute drop by the 503rd Parachute Infantry Battalion to retake Corregidor in February 1945.
Kevin Maurer's book fills that gap in my knowledge with an excellent tale told from the personal diaries and reminiscences of some of the key participants, supplemented by research from the official unit records and even the scanty Japanese accounts. The result is a Band of Brothers-like account that is gripping and embraceable, encompassing as it does a very well-defined space (the island of Corregidor) and time (about two weeks). Maurer weaves the details of daily life for the American paratroopers--the filth, the flies, the fear--into a larger picture of the recapture of the island fortress and the significance of that for American prestige.
Kevin Maurer's book fills that gap in my knowledge with an excellent tale told from the personal diaries and reminiscences of some of the key participants, supplemented by research from the official unit records and even the scanty Japanese accounts. The result is a Band of Brothers-like account that is gripping and embraceable, encompassing as it does a very well-defined space (the island of Corregidor) and time (about two weeks). Maurer weaves the details of daily life for the American paratroopers--the filth, the flies, the fear--into a larger picture of the recapture of the island fortress and the significance of that for American prestige.
April 11, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I did not realize that Corregidor was retaken by paratroopers, nor did i realize the intensity of the battle to retake the Rock. I have read much about WWII and about the island campaigns but knew very little about the campaign in the Philippines until recently. I have been playing catch up. This is well written and blunt about the fighting. Some may find it demonizes the Japanese. I would not agree with this. As young teen I experienced the raw emotion of a WWII vet who had survived the Bataan death march. He hated all Japanese viscerally. I was shocked at the time. I certainly do not agree with his views, but I absolutely understand them. To anyone who finds the views and deeds of the soldiers represented on the pages of these books to be cavemen and brutes, you need to remember it was another time and another place and you were not there.
This is a great book on an often-overlooked battle. I highly recommend it.
This is a great book on an often-overlooked battle. I highly recommend it.
September 10, 2023
Wow. Corregidor is an island just inside Manila Bay, 4 miles long with a very narrow tail that curves to the west, its widest section is 1 mile. It had been an American fortress, including a nine hole golf course for the officers, until the Japanese took control of the Philippines in 1942 and Douglas MacArthur got the hell out of Dodge, vowing to return. In 1945 The American paratroopers, airborne 503, surprised the Japanese, who were expecting and were prepared for an amphibious assault, launching a gory bloody back and forth 10 day battle in which 6500 Japanese were killed, preferring to be killed or to commit suicide them to surrender.
I thought the writer did a really good job describing the brutality, the filth— imagine the stench of thousands of rotting bodies in an area known as maggot Valley—and the privations suffered by the airborne troops, whose casualties numbered in the hundreds and who were ultimately victorious. He included the personal stories of enough of the soldiers to give the book a very human element, great job.
I thought the writer did a really good job describing the brutality, the filth— imagine the stench of thousands of rotting bodies in an area known as maggot Valley—and the privations suffered by the airborne troops, whose casualties numbered in the hundreds and who were ultimately victorious. He included the personal stories of enough of the soldiers to give the book a very human element, great job.
August 28, 2025
This book was the story of American paratroopers who jumped onto Corregidor Island in the Philippines during World War II. General Douglas MacArthur had served on that island before being forced off by the Japanese invasion.
Although outnumbered by Japanese defenders, the American troops clawed their way through various obstacles, dealing with the enemy hiding in caves and underground tunnels - who then snuck out at night to battle the Americans. It was the very personal story of a handful of paratroopers and how they struggled / yet continued the battle with steady losses of their friends and buddies around them. Unlike many Pacific theater island campaigns, these paratroopers were there when a big WWII personality, General MacArthur, physically returned to the island.
Although outnumbered by Japanese defenders, the American troops clawed their way through various obstacles, dealing with the enemy hiding in caves and underground tunnels - who then snuck out at night to battle the Americans. It was the very personal story of a handful of paratroopers and how they struggled / yet continued the battle with steady losses of their friends and buddies around them. Unlike many Pacific theater island campaigns, these paratroopers were there when a big WWII personality, General MacArthur, physically returned to the island.
October 27, 2024
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January 27, 2021
As a history buff, I'm disappointed by how much I know about the war in the Pacific. This is a great telling of a crucial battle that was a precursor to the invasion of Japan. After reading this I have a further understanding of what such an invasion would have been like. It creates a good perspective on the argument regarding the dropping of atomic bombs.
Engaging read, so happy I discovered this book
Engaging read, so happy I discovered this book
March 27, 2021
Starts off a little slow, but gets absolutely riveting as the paratroopers leave for battle, jump and then engage the Japanese. I’ve been on Corregidor and in the deep tunnels. It’s not a very big place and it’s astonishing that our paratroopers were able to successfully land there. And what a terrible, bloody, long battle it was. It’s hard to believe most of the soldiers, including officers, were just 18-21 yrs old. We owe them a lot.
January 19, 2024
As the U.S. was getting ready to return to the Philippines the 503 paratroopers infantry regiment landed to take over Corredor. A good book describing the objectives and then the battles that took place. After reading this it was one part of World War two that I had never really heard about so I was glad that someone wrote about these men and gave them their moment to shine. A very good book. I received this book from Netgalley.com
November 5, 2025
Good book about a little talked about military operation for the liberation of the Philippines during WW2. There's a reason why airborne combat drops were a rare thing in the Pacific. These men not only did a combat drop, but they did one of the most difficult combat drops in the war and succeeded. If you enjoy military history, especially little known battles, this book is for you. I finished it in 3 days.
January 1, 2021
Amazing book about real life heroes. They weren’t called the greatest generation for nothing. This book hit home as my grandfather also fought for the liberation of the Philippines. Loved it. Definitely worth your time to read especially if you are a WWII buff or just love history.
January 25, 2021
Amazing Stories
Another great book about the greatest generation and the brave men who fought to take back Corrigador. These brave men gave everything they had to take back what the Japanese had taken.
Another great book about the greatest generation and the brave men who fought to take back Corrigador. These brave men gave everything they had to take back what the Japanese had taken.
January 28, 2021
Kevin Maurer did a great job to collect some of the last surviving accounts and sentiments of the 503rd Parachute Infantry Division that dropped on Corregidor. War is brutal and often graphic. But, Mr Maurer set the stage to remember the events that were, for many, their last days of World War II.
February 11, 2021
I loved this book. My father was in the 503rd and jumped on Corregidor. Gave me some insight into what he faced in the war. As most WWII vets, he never spoke about his combat tour of duty. I wish he was alive today to share this with him.
RIP Dad.
RIP Dad.
Read
February 12, 2021Audiobook - 3 stars. Glad to have watched movies/documentaries of the Pacific war before I read this so I had a clearer picture in my head what these soldiers were up against. Wish I could see a Hollywood adaptation of that Sherman tank blowing up.
March 13, 2021
A very good book about a little know battle of WWII. A bit confusing at times as the author jumps around at bit too much between platoons and time. However, I would still recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading about WWII.
January 7, 2021
Fascinating story about a bit of history I knew nothing about before I picked up the book. Very skilled writer who knows how to keep the reader engaged.
May 16, 2021
My father wouldn’t talk very much about his time in the Philippines in 1945. He tell me about a bonsai attack. Thanks to this book I have a better understanding of what he was talking about.
June 30, 2021
A good unit/engagement history, following the 503 Paratroop Division during the battle to retake Corregidor.
August 28, 2021
Excellent story that is little known.
September 25, 2021
Engaging
I like this book because it made me feel like I was there. The small details that he brings out really helps you understand the men and circumstances, highly recommended.
I like this book because it made me feel like I was there. The small details that he brings out really helps you understand the men and circumstances, highly recommended.
July 11, 2022
Well researched. A battle I knew nothing about but now want to find out more about the war in the Far East
July 1, 2023
I must confess, I knew little about this action. I enjoyed this book and Maurer covered the topic well with personal accounts of the battles and good overall coverage of the campaign.
January 13, 2021
This book has a special significance to me, my grandfather jumped on Corregidor with the 503rd. He said he went out the door his the wind pushed his helmet over his eyes he pushed it up next thing he knew his feet hit the ground and all hell broke loose . Come to learn in this book he was probably only 300 ft off the ground when he jumped. He was an 18 year old kid. It's hard to fathom.
November 17, 2023
An outstanding book on a battle I knew nothing about. Written as a story made it easier to follow than some other battle histories where one needs a map to keep track of the movements. Some reviewers marked the book down due to the author's note on the terms "Jap" and "Nip," seemingly because he was being politically correct. However, I do not see that as fair to the author, whom, I'm sure wrote those words mainly to protect himself from unfair accusations of racism.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews