War Department Communique No. 178

APRIL 6, 1942

The War Department issued the following communiqué, based on reports received until 4 p.m. today:

1. Philippine theater:
   Savage fighting is in progress In Bataan today, where Gen. Wainwright’s troops are resisting stubbornly the repeated attacks of Japanese assault troops. During the day the enemy made some gains, but at a heavy cost in casualties. The attacks were supported by artillery and dive bombers. One enemy plane was shot down by our fire.
   On the East Coast hostile artillery, firing from barges, harassed our beach defenses. Most of the shells were short of the targets.
   There was no air attack on Corregidor today.
2. There is nothing to report from other areas.