The soldiers was equipped with M1917 Enfield .30 Caliber Bolt Action Rifles a standard issued weapon of the Philippine Commonwealth Army to its units.

After securing a beachhead in Tayabas Province, USAFFE Headquarters activated WPO 3 which requires all units to retreat to Bataan Peninsula.

41st Infantry and others units of 41st Division performed well and fought back these assault earning the moniker the Rock of Bataan.

[3] On January 26, 1942, Japanese started their campaign against Orion-Bagac Line, With more defendable and shorter 41st Infantry was assigned at the center of the Division's area of responsibility.

On January 31 they resumed starting with aerial and artillery bombardments but was frustrated with Machinegun fire of 41st Infantry was so effective.

41st Infantry due to its reputation in inflicting heavy losses to the Japanese were subject to harsh treatment, deprived of food and water many succumb and some massacred by shooting and bayoneted by their guards.