A day after the Camp Balara encounter, December 14th, 1941, PMA Class 1942, together with the members of classes ‘43, ‘44 and ‘45, were ordered to proceed to University of Sto. Tomas for the “Graduation Exercises” of the former. Two days later, the PMA Cadet Corps assembled at the lecture hall of the University’s main building. However, even before the rites could start, Japanese planes bombed Manila twice, causing the cadets to run for cover on the first floor all the way from the third floor, and seek safety from the bombing.
As the bombing stopped, the graduation rites finally commenced. Brigadier General Fidel Segundo, the newly promoted Chief of Staff, announced the commissionship and acceleration of PMA Classes ‘42 and ‘43 as Third Lieutenants in the Regular Force effective December 13, 1941, as embodied in Army Headquarters General Order Number 246. The emotions filling the hall during the rites were like that of enduring a roller coaster ride, with the euphoria of having graduated suddenly snuffed out, as shortly after announcing the commissionship of the two upper classes, Brigadier General Segundo concluded the activity by announcing the deactivation of the Philippine Military Academy and disbanding the classes of ‘44 and ‘45 to be sent home to conserve manpower.
As their graduation came to a close, the upperclassmen gathered, embraced and tightly clasped the hands of the members of Class of 1945, signifying the end of their plebehood with the traditional “Recognition” Ceremony. Class ‘44 and ‘45 packed their things and left for their respective homes. As for the newly commissioned officers from PMA Class ‘42 and ‘43, graduation was just the beginning of their military journey.
- © 2022 Diamond Finance