1905 ~ 1949
ARTICLES:
February 26, 1946
Source: The Mindanao - Sulu Herald
December 1949
Source: The Philippine Educator. 1949. Volume 4.
DOCUMENTS:
February 25, 1942
Web Source:
September 1, 1943
October 2, 1943
February 12, 1945
May 1, 1945
Sept. 17, 1945
October 28, 1945
Dec. 22, 1945
Dec. 29, 1945
Cross Reference:
1. While the colonel was making decisions and dispensing justice, Ensign Nimitz was making
friends. He became particularly attached to a Moro chief named Datu Piang. After World War II,
the latter's son, Major Datu Gumbay Piang, of the Philippine Constabulary, sent Admiral Nimitz
a kris, the Moro short knife, that had belonged to his father. It was the major's way of thanking
the admiral for his part in liberating the Philippines.
1. Potter, Elmer Belmont (1977). Nimitz: Biography of Chester W. Nimitz. Published by Naval
February 4, 1946
February 4, 1946
February 4, 1946
February 5, 1946
February 8, 1946
February 9, 1946
February 28, 1946
March 1, 1946
May 31, 1955
July 11, 2000
BIOGRAPHY / REFERENCE BOOKS:
WEBPAGE LINK:
MUSEUM PHOTOS:
MacArthur Memorial, Norfolk, Virginia
Notes:
The cavalry sword probably dates back circa late 1800's. It is mentioned in Captain Datu
Gumbay Piang's message to the Adjutant General and letter to Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz.
It was presented back to General Douglas MacArthur (son of Lt. Gen. Arthur MacArthur) at the
Malacanang Palace during the fifteenth anniversary of Philippine Independence.
Cross Reference:
1. Now, Piang was barely five feet high, while the sword was designed to hang alongside the lanky
legs of a six-foot officer of American cavalry. As a consequence, at the second or third stride, the
trailing weapon deftly inserted itself between the datu's knees. There was an agonizing clatter -
and the little Moro rolled head over heels on the floor.
For a potentate in any land to be made ridiculous in the eyes of his subjects is a serious matter
for him, and may be a highly hazardous one for those whose gift has made derision possible!
So, comical as the sight of the rolling datu was, we Americans all sat with rigid faces, our eyes
straight to the front.
But Piang was a thoroughly good sportsman. He leaped to his feet, and burst into laughter, loud
and genuine. At this, all about the room his henchmen fairly yelped with glee, slapping each
other's shoulders, and calling out jests at their prince.
Then, and then only, did we Americans allow ourselves to smile.
1. Potter, David (Rear Admiral, SC, USN) (1940). Sailing The Sulu Sea. Belles and Bandits in the
PHOTOS / POSTCARDS:
The U. S. Army cavalry sword (saber) presented by Lt. General Arthur MacArthur to Datu Piang.
Caption: Philippine Normal School Graduating Class 1926 photo where he was for three
consecutive years the president of his class.
Caption: Datu Gumbay Piang studied Bachelor of Science in Pedagogy at the University of the
Philippines where he graduated Summa Cum Laude.
Caption: Congressman Datu Gumbay Piang (third from left) with Cotabato delegates at the
Malacanang Palace. Seated on the right is President Quirino.
Caption: After five days of visitation at the State of the House of Representatives in Manila, Datu
Gumbay Piang was laid to rest in the family ancestral burial grounds in the town of Datu Piang
where mourning continued for seven days and seven nights.
Source: The Mindanao - Sulu Herald. 1946.
Caption: With Datu Gumbay Piang's great grandchildren Chebrai and DJ from Iowa.
From Left to Right:
Mrs. Erlinda Meram, Mr. Gumbay Piang III (Daniel)
(Putri Gonong Lidang Grace).
and
Not included in the photo is the late Mr. Gumbay Piang II (Jr).
From Left to Right: Erlinda, Mrs. Visitacion T. Piang, Jane, Datu Gumbay Piang, Grace and Jr.
From Left to Right: Mrs. Visitacion T. Piang holding Erlinda, Datu Gumbay Piang beside Grace and
Gumbay Jr. seated at the front.
Sons of Datu Piang - Related Photos, Postcards and Prints Collection.
Philippines. New York. E. P. Dutton & Co., Inc.
Institute Press. Page 60.
NOTICE: Contains graphic wartime images that may be disturbing for viewers.
LETTERS / SPEECH:
Sept. 12, 1926
Nov. 20, 1934
Notes:
Mount Peris Echo - A mimeographed newspaper published by Gumbay Piang during the war,
has yet to be traced.
Source: Files of Lou Janssen Dangzalan
Source: Files of Lou Janssen Dangzalan
Notes:
Most of the original documents provided by Bai Jane Piang Shever.
Dec. 27, 1934
Source: Files of Lou Janssen Dangzalan
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