History has a way of reviving events in a wholly different mood from that in which they took place. I shall not belabor the obvious Corregidor legend, but it is worthwhile to point out one or two features which deserve emphasis.

One of the most dramatic aspects of Corregidor is that it completed a full cycle in which the two belligerents reversed the roles of defense and assault. Each garrisoned the fortress against overwhelming odds, and each attacked it with overpowering forces. These events offer an interesting study in contrasts, from which the tremendous superiority of American tactics, methods, and characteristics is clearly demonstrated.

In 1945, when America returned as an attacking force, the positions were amazingly reversed. The island was taken in less than two weeks. The depths of defeat were vindicated, at last, by an equally spectacular victory.

Perhaps it is best that the realities of Corregidor might merge into a legend of supreme self-sacrifice and invincible accomplishment.