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Long carried as “missing in action on 7 May 1942 on Mindanao,” Lieutenant Colonel <em>Floyd Forte</em> was officially declared dead on 31 July 1944. However, voluminous and frequent correspondence with many, many American military who served with him up to the very end clearly shows that he died a valorous hero’s death while standing in a jungle trail firing at the oncoming Japanese until he was overrun. All this bravery and initiative was in a futile attempt to rally the Filipino soldiers to halt the overwhelming attack. Most accounts verify that this took place on 7 May 1942, although some say on 2 May 1942. He was posthumously awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart and promoted to lieutenant colonel officially. Such a field promotion had already been made, but apparently the records were lost. He probably was the unknown American officer buried on the side of the dirt road near Lake Lanao.</p>
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Colonel Forte was born in Viesta, Foggi, Italy, on 26 January 1910, the son of Joseph Forte. He came to America with his family at the age of three in 1913, living in Ravenna, Ohio, until 1920. The family then moved to Chicago where he lived until 1924, when they returned to Ravenna. Here he attended public schools in Ravenna High School, participating in many activities.</p>
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As a boy, he was active in the Boy Scouts and had a great interest in camping, hiking, and all athletic activities, particularly in football and track events. While attending Ravenna High School, he was in the junior and senior class plays and played tackle on the school’s first “Trolley League” football championship team. After graduating from high school in 1929, he attended Kent State College in Kent, Ohio, for a year.</p>
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His older brothers were World War I veterans and active in veterans affairs. This stimulated his interest in an Army career. On 1 July 1930, he entered the Military Academy on an appointment by Congressman Francis Seiberling (18th Ohio District), gained by result of a competitive examination. He frequently expressed his enthusiasm and pride in the Academy to his family as well as his great interest in athletics. In the latter field, he was on the plebe fencing team and football squad, and was an outstanding member of the Academy boxing team his last three years, reaching the semifinals of the National Intercollegiate Boxing Championships his last year when he represented West Point in the 155 pound class. He was a cadet corporal and a sergeant. Somewhere during his last year, he acquired the nickname of “Sammy,” which stayed with him the rest of his life. Commissioned a 2nd lieutenant of Infantry when graduating in June 1934 with his class, he was truly dedicated to the ideals of the Academy.</p>
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Initially assigned to the 29th Infantry at Fort Benning, Georgia, in September 1934, he excelled as a platoon leader, was designated an honor leader, and was one of those selected for a test of a 13-week training program for recruits. Sammy proved himself to be a superb leader, who set high standards for himself, gained the highest respect and love from his men, and was at all times dedicated, loyal and dependable.</p>
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In 1937-38, he was a student at the Infantry School. He made the most of his time professionally and also enjoyed the freedom for athletics—tennis, handball and, especially riding in which he won several cups in jumping.</p>
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Completion of the Infantry School Regular Course in June 1938 was followed by assignment to the 20th Infantry, Fort Frances E. Warren, Wyoming, until December 1939. Then a short stay with HQ and MP Co, 6th Infantry Division at Camp Jackson, South Carolina, preceded overseas orders for transfer to the Philippines in early 1940. Sam visited us for a few days at Fort Benning during the Christmas-New Year’s holiday (1939/1940) and saw many old friends and classmates. He had just received his overseas orders about which he was greatly enthused.</p>
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While en route to the Philippines in 1940, he visited his widowed father, brothers, and sisters at his home in Ravenna, Ohio. This was his only family and the last time he saw them. He also visited a classmate, John Merrill, in San Francisco while en route. He never married but was survived by three sisters, Leonardo Ceglio of Ravenna, Ohio; Lillian Marlin of Stowe, Ohio; and Vincenza Davidio of Warren, Ohio; and by three brothers, Michael of Ravenna; Anthony of Cuya-haga Falls; and Peter of Warren.</p>
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Arrival in the Philippines found him with the 45th Infantry (P.S.) at Fort McKinley, Luzon, where he later commanded its Machine Gun Company as a captain (promoted 9 September 1940) and enjoyed prewar “foreign service.” Increasing tensions, however, led to duty with the Philippine Army on 21 August 1941 at Iloilo, Panay, along with several other American officers. Here he participated in the acceptance of Philippine units into the US Army on 1 September 1941 and assisted in their training. Shortly thereafter, he, still a captain, was given command of the just mobilized 61st Infantry Regiment of the 81st Philippine Division. Sammy took his regiment from Panay to Negros, where he turned over command to a senior lieutenant colonel in November or December 1941. He was then assigned as logistics officer on the Corps and Defense Area staff, first at Cebu and then in January 1942 to Corps HQ at Del Monte, Mindanao. He was promoted to major in December 1941.</p>
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In April 1942, his request for transfer to a more active job got him assigned as chief of staff of the 81st Philippine Division (his former division) and the Lanao Defense Sector. He apparently was promoted to lieutenant colonel as several officers in recent correspondence refer to him as Lieutenant Colonel Forte and specifically mention his silver leaves.</p>
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On 13 April 1942, not long before the final surrender, Sammy wrote a long, very meaningful letter to his classmate, one-time roommate, and Fort Benning contemporary, Johnny Merrill and his wife Helen. (Lieutenant Colonel John A. Merrill was himself killed in June 1944 while commanding an infantry battalion at Cherbourg, France). That letter, on file with the Cadet Library at West Point, is quoted below.</p>
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“C.P.Y. Mindanao<br />April 13, 1942</p>
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Dear Jawn and Helen,</p>
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It looks like there is a chance this mail may get through. I’d like to drop you chums a line to say ‘hello’ and— just in case—’It was grand knowing you.’ I’ve had a very interesting time in the Philippines—land of manana. Service at Fort McKinley was a lot of fun. Weather grand, lots of golf and lots of nice people. Last February (1941) we started to increase the tempo a little. Our scouts were increased in number and there was golf on weekends only. I had a machine gun company—later changed to heavy weapons co. Enjoyed it a lot. Then we went on PA duty in August. The war’s been on since. I was sent to Iloilo on the island of Panay where they gave me a regiment which I took to the island of Negros. Then a colonel arrived from U.S. and I lost the reg’t. A week later they put me on the ‘Corps’ Cmdr’s staff and sent me to Cebu and from there to here. So I joined the army to see the world and really got to see the Philippines.</p>
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It broke my heart our losing Bataan. Many of my pals have gone. But I’m sure they gave the japs hell while they could. My lieut who took over my company got the Congressional Medal of Honor. I was tickled pink to learn that and also that my old company really did well.</p>
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During an inspection trip got into a fight with the japs for about 16 hours. I honestly believe the enemy is of inferior quality—but ‘they got there fustest with the mostest’ and I might add bestest equipment. I’m sure the ‘first team’ will really mop up when you get put in.</p>
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Jawn, old man, remember how we used to sit around drinking and bitching about the dead wood in the army. I believe you’ll have a chance to do something about it. For God’s sake get rid of it. We can’t stand for incompetence or inefficiency in our Army. We can’t let sympathy for social friends or their wives prevent our kicking the unfits out of the Army. I believe you’re going places in our Army and expect you not just to make it but make it absolutely efficient.</p>
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Honestly it’s been wonderful knowing you and Helen. It’s been a wonderful life. If there’s no more remember Sammy has no regrets. I only hope one thing above all and that is that I’ll live up to our song “Alma Mater.” I was thinking about that once when I was in a particularly tight spot; it’s really remarkable how appropriate it is.</p>
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Thank you for the grand times we’ve had together. Remember the swell parties and give my regards to all my friends.</p>
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Lots of love and keep ‘em flying.</p>
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Sammy”</p>
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Almost four weeks of much heavy fighting later, Sam met his heroic death. He was killed in action near Ganassi a few miles south of Lake Lanao while organizing resistance and personally firing on the attackers. He was never a POW! He was never a guerrilla!</p>
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Much correspondence over a lengthy period with several officers and men who knew and served with Sam on Mindanao has brought out many laudatory comments. Just a few are repeated here:</p>
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“When everything broke up it appears that Sammy wouldn’t quit and tried to take on the whole Jap attacking force which turned out to be a reinforced regiment with air cover. He was a very personable, energetic, and brave officer." (From an officer of the 61st Philippine Infantry who later was a guerilla.)</p>
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“At the very end General Fort (division and sector commander—no relation) made Sam his chief of staff and put eagles on him.—</p>
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“While we were in the hills after the surrender we heard that Sam just went berserk when things folded and refused to pull back—he and his driver took a position and just kept firing until they were overrun. I saw them moving up just before—" (From the last American soldier to see Forte alive very shortly before his death.)</p>
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“—Forte, with some Philippine soldiers, advanced against the opposing Japanese he took heavy toll of the Japanese before he gave up his life." (From the corps commander, commanding Mindanao.)</p>
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A Silver Star citation for Lieutenant Colonel Floyd F. Forte, signed by Harry S. Truman, was sent posthumously to his family. The award was originally given by Major General W. F. Sharp, Corps Commander at Del Monte, Mindanao. Date of the action is not clear but is probably the incident referred to in the above letter. General Sharp’s citation reads:</p>
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“He asked and obtained permission to go to the active front where he met and collected 100 stragglers and led them against the enemy. Later that day after the right flank of the Digos force had broken, he established a position near Holev Plantation, thereby protecting the right flank of the Digos force. For this display of courage, determination and leadership, Captain Forte (he was later promoted) is awarded the Silver Star.”</p>
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Finally, a word about Sammy’s wish that he “would live up to the words of our song, “Alma Mater.” You really did it, Sam! Be at Peace!</p>
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<em>N.P.W</em> (1934 Roommate)</p>
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