After Japanese air raids decimated USAFFE bases and the relocation of operational bombers were diverted to Australia, the USAFFE were left with only a handful of aircraft. Without aircraft to support the remaining maintenance, communication, intelligence, ground, and aircrew squadrons formed two infantry battalions known as the Provisional Air Corps Regiment (PACR) in January 1942.
With a Force between 1,000-1,400, the PACR took its place on Bataan's defensive line. Through February and March, they trained for ground combat, prepared defensive positions, probed enemy positions, and repulsed Japanese infantry patrols. On the night of April 6, 1942, Japanese tanks and armored vehicles broke through the PACR positions. Without anti-tank weapons or artillery support, the Airmen-turned-Soldiers could not stop the attack.
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