John D. Bulkeley and the PT Boats of the Philippines
In early 1942, Lieutenant John D. Bulkeley and his tiny squadron of PT boats became the last offensive surface force the U.S. Navy had left in the Philippines. Night after night, they ran through black water off Bataan and Corregidor—torpedo attacks, rescue runs, and a high-risk mission to carry General Douglas MacArthur through enemy-controlled seas to safety. All with worn engines, improvised repairs, and no promise of relief.
This week’s Beyond the Call feature from Dispatch: U.S. Military History Magazine follows Bulkeley from a New Jersey farm to the dark waters of Manila Bay, then on to hard fighting in the English Channel and a postwar career spent demanding that every ship be truly ready for combat. His story is summed up in the standard he lived by: “You engage, you fight, you win.”
If you’re interested in how small craft, big courage, and relentless leadership can shape a campaign—and a Navy—this Beyond the Call installment is for you. 🎖️
