San Vicente Hill formed the northern tip of Catmon Hill, a stronghold defended by elements of the Japanese 9th and 20th Infantry Regiments of the 16th Infantry Division. On the morning of October 26, the responsibility of securing San Vicente Hill fell to Company E of the 383rd Infantry Regiment. After Captain Jesse R. Thomas finalized his tactical plans, his platoons quickly advanced toward their objective. The assault began with a ten-minute barrage of 155mm artillery fire directed at the hill’s crest ; however, the bombardment proved ineffective, as the shells landed too far ahead of the advancing American troops. At 10:00 AM, the 1st and 2nd platoons began pushing through the dense fields of tall cogon grass stretching before the hill. The men were under strict orders to hold their fire until they encountered enemy resistance — which soon erupted in a sudden barrage of small arms and mortar fire. In response, the 3rd platoon pushed forward to support the pinned-down assault.
Attacker: Japanese (9th and 20th Infantry Regiments, 16th Infantry Division)
Defender: American (Company E, 383rd Infantry Regiment)
