Jungle Patrol, the Story of the Philippine Constabulary (1901-1936)

Vic Hurley · Victor Hurley

Jan 2011 · Cerberus Books

About this ebook

"Always Out-Numbered, Never Out-Fought " ..... the Philippine Constabulary Jungle Patrol, the Story of the Philippine Constabulary (1901 - 1936) by Vic Hurley Hurley's remarkable and hard-to-find (1938) book about an obscure and heroic quasi-military force, the Philippine Constabulary, is now re-issued by Cerberus Books in a new, improved edition containing all of the original text and new material. The original edition is rarely for sale, and costly if found. This book details America's first experiment with jungle guerilla warfare and America's first experiment with the use of local native personnel as a police or military force under the command of 'foreigners' - American and European. Both of these military experiments are studied, even today, by West Point officers and cadets. Professional and amateur military historians and strategists, and historians from the West, Southeast Asia, and the Mid-East, as well as the families of these mythically heroic men, often search in vain for this rare book. At the end of the Spanish - American War the policy of the McKinley administration and the military authorities in the Philippines prohibited the use of the more than 70,000 U.S. troops in the islands, to suppress the nascent Philippine Army, the guerilla bands of independence warriors, and the outlaws, pirates, and brigands who had arisen. Initially the native battles were for Philippine independence, however the conflicts deteriorated into harsh and bloodthirsty attacks on foreign occupiers and peaceful villagers, alike. The Constabulary was, in reality, a small, poorly armed, 'black force' acting on behalf of an ineffective U.S. military and a politically infected Philippine Commission. Hurley, an Honorary Third Lieutenant in the Constabulary, recounts vividly and dramatically the real origin, handicaps, growth, development, use, strategies, and key battles of this force that many credit with being the single most important element in the Philippines' development of democratic self-rule.

About the author

Gerald V. (Vic) Hurley (1898 – 1978) was the author of many published fiction and non-fiction works including the books: Southeast of Zamboanga, (©1935, 1963); Men in Sun Helmets (© 1936, 1964); Swish of the Kris, The Story of the Moros (©1938, 1966, 2010); Jungle Patrol, The Story of the Philippine Constabulary (©1938, 1966, 2011); The Parthian (1960); and Arrows Against Steel: the History of the Bow (© 1975, 2011). He was a prolific writer emphasizing both military and historic themes and he was the author of U.S. military manuals and plans during World War II. Hurley wrote a number of screenplays at least one of which, starring Gary Cooper, was produced. During the 1920's he became a legendary track star at the University of Washington and later lived for eight years in the Philippines. He served in the U.S. Army in Europe during the First World War, the Navy Reserve, and as a Naval Officer in the Pacific Theater during the Second World War, and was a member of the Explorers Club. There are collections of the author's works and other material at several influential museums and libraries. Much of his work and research is still used in academic, cultural, and military studies. (111022) Christopher L. Harris. (MFA) the Art Director and Art Editor of Cerberus Books, has spent a lifetime in design and creative work. He is a Professor of Theatre and Resident Scene Designer at Willamette University and has taught for more than thirrty-five years. Harris has designed over two hundred and fifty productions worldwide, including the American Professional Premieres of The Rover, Barnaby Sweet, The Sickness of Youth, Father Dreams and Picasso In The Back Seat and productions in London, Toronto, New York, Boston, St. Louis, Chicago and Portland, Oregon. His design and production work has received recognition in a variety of professional design competitions and has been frequently praised in the media. His work has been seen in films including Without Evidence, (Assistant Art Director) and A Life In Twelve Words, (Set Decorator) All of the aspects of visual creativity are encompassed in theatre set and production design: the conceptualization of the underlying theme; design sketches; the use of color; the importance of layout and the relation of design elements; emotional tone; the capture of observer’s interest; the overall impact of the finished work, and fixed deadlines – make him a particularly effective contributor and leader for Cerberus. (111022)