Named after a Spanish Missionarry who used it to bring Catholicism to people in the mountains of northern Luzon. This 27 mile trail runs climbs over 5,000′ from Santa Maria to Santa Fe along ridgelines large enough for foot traffic and horses. It terminates to the junction with Route 5 and the Cagayan Valley.
Battle of Villa Verde Trail
After the American landing at Lingayen Gulf on January 9, 1945, Japanese forces of the ‘Shobu Group’ defended this location, including 10th Recconssaiance Regimen and survivors of the 7th Tank Regiment from the battle of San Manuel. The US Army 32nd Infantry Division’s 127th Infantry Regiment advanced along this trail beginning on January 30, 1945. The rough terrain made it impossible for vehicles to support the battle, Igorot laborers were employed to carry supplies and evacuate wounded.
32nd Infantry Division Villa Verde Monument
In 1987 with the help of the veterans of the 32nd and cooperation of the Santa Maria East the monument was restored from March - September 1989. The memorial’s brass plaque reads: “Erected by the officers and men of the 32d Infantry Division United States Army in memory of their gallant comrades who were killed along the Villa Verde Trail Januray 30, 1945 - May 28, 1945″.
Source: http://www.pacificwrecks.com/provinces/philippines_santa_maria.html
7 responses so far ↓
Anonymous // Feb 5, 2007 at 4:14 am
When i was young i was told by my grandfather that the Villa Verde Trail climbs up from San Nicolas, Pangasinan (not from Sta Maria) to Sta Fe, Nueva Vizcaya. I was also told that at the foot of the trail, there is a monument called “Red Arrow”. This maybe the monument shown in the picture. Can anyone clarify…
Anonymous // Feb 6, 2007 at 12:18 am
Villa Verde Trail started from Santa Maria, though it is also correct that it began from San Nicolas. This means that some soldiers advances from San Nicolas and Sta. Maria at the same time. But it starts in Santa Maria for a fact.
kingdom_tawalisi // Feb 6, 2007 at 1:20 am
To the first comments, you are right. It is from San Nicolas, in barangay Sta. Maria East not Sta Maria Pangasinan. It has been modified.
Anonymous // Feb 6, 2007 at 1:21 am
This monument has been moved during the term of Mayor Conrado Rodrigo due to the fact that it’s location has been eroding from the cabalisian river and been moved within the municipal building area
Anonymous // Feb 8, 2007 at 3:59 pm
This monument has been moved during the term of Mayor Conrado Rodrigo due to the fact that it’s location has been eroding from the cabalisian river and been moved within the municipal building area
Matthew // Feb 9, 2007 at 2:26 am
My Father, Donald C. Boyd fought in the Battle of the Villa Verde Trail. He is now 81 years old and in good health. An interview and recent image of him with his many decorations may be viewed at: http://carol_fus.tripod.com/army_hero_donald_boyd.html
eddie // Feb 9, 2007 at 2:50 pm
Thanks for your father.
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