Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Colonel (Corps of Engineers) Wendell Welby Fertig (ASN: 0-254976), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while Commanding the Mindanao-Visayan Force, Philippine Guerilla Forces, in action against enemy forces from 8 May 1943 to 6 August 1943, in the Philippine Islands. Refusing to surrender when the major defense forces were overcome, Colonel Fertig assumed command of scattered forces continuing resistance on the island of Mindanao. He effectively organized many dispersed elements throughout the island, held much strong enemy forces continuously at bay, and denied to them some of the resources of their country. He improvised tactics for effective warfare with limited means, and ingenious methods for supplying his men and their families. He persisted in this enterprise, although a large price was set on his head, and he was of necessity in constant proximity to the enemy. His courage and resourcefulness enabled him to avoid capture, to inspire in the people of Mindanao a will to resist, and to furnish the United States Command with information of great military value. The exemplary heroism displayed by Colonel Fertig in the face of enemy fire and his constant, fearless leadership under adverse conditions reflect great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.

Awards Received

  • Army Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Corps of Engineers)

    Division:

    Mindanao-Visayan Force

    Action Date:

    September 16, 1942 – March 25, 1945
    War Department, General Orders No. 46 (May 23, 1946)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Colonel (Corps of Engineers) Wendell W. Fertig (ASN: 0-254976), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility as commander of the Mindanao-Visayan Force (Philippine Guerrillas) at Mindanao, Philippine Islands, from 16 September 1942 to 25 March 1945. When the surrender of United States Forces in the Philippines left the civilian population, United States, and Philippine Army personnel in a state of chaos, Colonel Fertig accepted the tremendous responsibility of organizing both civil and military resistance in Mindanao. Although confronted with almost insurmountable difficulties, he organized a well disciplined and highly effective fighting force of 25,000 men which confined the foe, vastly superior numerically, to certain heavily fortified areas. He developed an espionage system, coastal watching stations, and vast radio communications of 58 stations scattered throughout the island, many of which were in heavily garrisoned areas. Gaining contact with General Headquarters in Australia, he transmitted vital intelligence on enemy ground, sea, and air activities, and one of his reports made possible the decisive Japanese defeat in the Naval Battle of the Eastern Philippines. Colonel Fertig was responsible for the construction of havens for distressed American planes, pilots and crew. Denying the enemy access to the greater part of the island and its resources, his military activities paved the way for the virtually unopposed landing of United States Forces with a minimum of casualties. Constantly engaged with vastly superior enemy forces, he engendered Filipino faith and confidence in their ultimate deliverance, instilled in them the will to resist, and united them in the cause of freedom. By his outstanding courage, tireless determination, and brilliant leadership, Colonel Fertig made an inestimable contribution to the liberation of the Philippine Islands.