"On The Rock"
At 0825 on 16 February 1945, the 503d Parachute Regimental Combat Team,
affectionately known as The Rock Force courageously parachuted into
22-knot winds onto the fortified Island of Corregidor (The Rock) initiating
Operation Topside. Defying a defending Japanese force of up to 6,550 in
strength, the 2,050 paratroopers from the 503d Parachute Regimental
Combat Team valiantly leapt from fifty-one C-47 aircraft of the 317th Troop
Carrier Group at a 1,150 foot altitude onto a Drop Zone barely suitable for
airborne operations. Topside Drop Zone was a rubble-strewn patch of land
no bigger than 325 yards long and 125 yards wide and previous used as a
parade field located on the upper portion of the island. Reinforced by the 3d
Battalion Combat Team of the 34th Infantry Regiment, 24th Division, the 1st,
2nd, and 3rd Battalions of the 503d Parachute Regimental Combat Team,
portions the 462d Parachute Artillery Battalion, and C Company of the 161st
Airborne Engineer Battalion surprised their Japanese foe in one of the most
daring, well-planned, and superbly executed airborne operations in the
annals of US Military history. Fighting valiantly and engaging thousands of
Japanese soldiers hidden around the island that refused to surrender The
Rock Force repatriated the island on 2 March 1945. Of the thousands of
Japanese soldiers defending the island, only 50 survived. The 503rd,
however, lost 169 men killed and many more wounded or injured. For its
gallantry The Rock Force was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for its
actions on Corregidor. This print is dedicated to all American Paratroopers
then and now. Their courage and sacrifice demonstrate their commitment to
freedom and American resolve.
Illustration by James Dietz - Copyright © 2005.
All rights reserved. No part of the contents of this website may be reproduced
or utilized in any form without the written consent of American Art & Antiques, Inc.
affectionately known as The Rock Force courageously parachuted into
22-knot winds onto the fortified Island of Corregidor (The Rock) initiating
Operation Topside. Defying a defending Japanese force of up to 6,550 in
strength, the 2,050 paratroopers from the 503d Parachute Regimental
Combat Team valiantly leapt from fifty-one C-47 aircraft of the 317th Troop
Carrier Group at a 1,150 foot altitude onto a Drop Zone barely suitable for
airborne operations. Topside Drop Zone was a rubble-strewn patch of land
no bigger than 325 yards long and 125 yards wide and previous used as a
parade field located on the upper portion of the island. Reinforced by the 3d
Battalion Combat Team of the 34th Infantry Regiment, 24th Division, the 1st,
2nd, and 3rd Battalions of the 503d Parachute Regimental Combat Team,
portions the 462d Parachute Artillery Battalion, and C Company of the 161st
Airborne Engineer Battalion surprised their Japanese foe in one of the most
daring, well-planned, and superbly executed airborne operations in the
annals of US Military history. Fighting valiantly and engaging thousands of
Japanese soldiers hidden around the island that refused to surrender The
Rock Force repatriated the island on 2 March 1945. Of the thousands of
Japanese soldiers defending the island, only 50 survived. The 503rd,
however, lost 169 men killed and many more wounded or injured. For its
gallantry The Rock Force was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for its
actions on Corregidor. This print is dedicated to all American Paratroopers
then and now. Their courage and sacrifice demonstrate their commitment to
freedom and American resolve.
Illustration by James Dietz - Copyright © 2005.
All rights reserved. No part of the contents of this website may be reproduced
or utilized in any form without the written consent of American Art & Antiques, Inc.
Here at Ozark Airfield Artworks we offer a large selection art prints. These prints mainly
depict modern and historic aviation along with military, civil and space flight. We also deal
with naval subjects and military armor and infantry works. These prints are from all the top
national and international artists along with some local artists. Many of our prints are
signed by the artist and by famous pilots and veterans. If you are looking for a specific
plane, pilot, artist or subject please contact us.
depict modern and historic aviation along with military, civil and space flight. We also deal
with naval subjects and military armor and infantry works. These prints are from all the top
national and international artists along with some local artists. Many of our prints are
signed by the artist and by famous pilots and veterans. If you are looking for a specific
plane, pilot, artist or subject please contact us.
Copyright © Ozark Airfield Artworks 2005 All Rights Reserved
All sales are subject to availability.
All sales are subject to availability.
All images are copyrighted by the individual artist and may not be reproduced
without their consent.
without their consent.
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