Established in November 1941 to provide air defense of Luzon, Philippine Islands. After Japanese invasion on 24 December 1941, mission changed to provide ground defense of island, with ground and air echelon personnel of unequipped Fifth Air Force units on Luzon attached to fight as ground infantry units during the Battle of the Philippines (1941–42) after their aircraft were destroyed or evacuated to locations away from Luzon.
Most members of the command surrendered on 9 April 1942 after the Battle of Bataan. Some survivors escaped to Corregidor Island in Manila Bay, Philippine Islands and surrendered on 6 May 1942, ending all US organized resistance to the Japanese in the Philippines. Some survivors possibly fought afterwards on Luzon as unorganized resistance (May 1942 – January 1945).
Lineage
Established as 5th Interceptor Command (Provisional) 7 November 1941 (date approximate)[citation needed]
Discontinued c. May 1942 (date approximate)[citation needed]