Major Ernest R. McLish 61st Infantry Regiment was a military unit and formation of the Philippine Army, activated in August 1941 in Panay Island.

[1] Three American officers – Captains John Moran, Edward Childress, and Ernest McLish are appointed as battalion commanders of 1st, 2nd and 3rd respectively.

In January 1942, the division commander General Bradford Chynoweth received transfer order of 61st and 62nd Infantry, and 61st Field Artillery Regiment to Mindanao.

There was no Japanese activities in the sector until late April 1942 and regiment was on continuous training and guarding vital installations around Dansalan.

[3] In April 1942, Zamboanga sector commander reported an invasion force consisting of 6 transports and escorted by 2 destroyers are on the way to western coast toward Cotabato and Polloc Harbor.

After a secured a beachhead they routed 1st Battalion 61st Infantry under Major Moran started moving north to Dansalan.

Japanese forces met a serious resistance in Malating River where a battalion of 61st Infantry under Major Ernest R. McLish threw them back five times before they effected a crossing.

[7] Captain Harry Harding took over the command of 2nd Battalion when Major Childress was reportedly killed and missing after the fight near Malabang.