In December 1941, it was part of Samar Brigade under Colonel Theodore Cornell along with 81st Infantry Regiment who was transferred from Cebu.

In January 1942, the brigade was ordered to transfer to Mindanao, the second largest island in the Philippines to bolster its defense.

It was posted in the left side of Mangima Canyon extended to Dalirig.

They fought at the Battle of Mangima Canyon and gave the Japanese high casualties but had to pullback as 62nd Infantry Regiment withdrawn on their left flank.

Visayas-Mindanao Force commander Major General William F. Sharp ordered all units in Mindanao to surrender at daybreak on May 11, 1942.