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Bells of Balangiga

Bells of Balangiga

The Bells of Balangiga are displayed at the Cheyenne Air Force Base. They were captured as war trophies at the same time as the English Falcon Cannon following the Balangiga massacre in 1901. The flag pole sits between the bells and the cannon in what is called Trophy Park. The flag pole is believed to be from the USS Wyoming. Two bells came to the USA and a third is in Korea with the 9th U.S. Infantry Regiment.

A movement is underway to return the bells to the Philippines.

Balangiga Massacre

American troops of Company C, 9th U.S. Infantry Regiment were eating near the town of Balangiga on September 28, 1901, when Filipino militants attacked and slaughtered the US troops while they ate breakfast. At least one bell was used to signal the attack. The 9th maintains that one bell was presented to them by the villagers.

Two American commanders were court-marshaled for the subsequent reprisals against Balangiga.