Buying Time in the Pacific: The Battle of the Points In a gamble, the Japanese tried to outflank the main line by landing a force of 900 men on Jan. 23 in southern Bataan, followed by another 300 reinforcements on Jan. 27. About 1,000 men from the 24th Pursuit Group and 19th Bombardment Group fought alongside U.S. Army soldiers, sailors, Marines, and Filipino soldiers and police, to drive the Japanese out. The few USAAF P-40s left on Bataan helped prevent further Japanese reinforcement of their beachhead. After three weeks of bitter fighting, the Japanese positions were completely eliminated. This vigorous defense helped Bataan hold out for two more months, which brought more time to prepare Allied defenses elsewhere. Click here to return to the Bataan Death March Overview. Find Out More Related Fact Sheets Curtiss P-40E Warhawk Note: The appearance of hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the National Museum of the USAF, the U.S. Air Force, or the Department of Defense, of the external website, or the information, products or services contained therein.