Contemplated under War Plan Orange 3, the Main Battle Position of the USAFFE, known officially as the Abucay-Morong Line was established astride this road, committed to this line under the II Corps (East Sector) was the 57th Infantry Regiment (PS) whose sector stretched along the beach from Balanga to Mabatang, hence 2000 yards westward crossing at this point.  To its left were the 41st Division (PA) and the 51st Division (PA).  Each of which held a front of 6,500 yards up to the wooded east slopes of Mt. Natib.  In the 1 Corps (West Sector), from the coastal barrio of Mauban eastward to the Western undulation of Mt. Silanganan was positioned the 1st Regular Division (PA) to which was attached the rifle equipped 31st PA Regiment 31st Division (PA).  Leaving a huge gap in the Mounts Silanganan Natib Area.  The East and West sectors of this line were assaulted beginning the 9th and 15th January 1942, respectively.  Line abandoned on 25 January when in the West Sector, the enemy infiltrating through the gap a t Mt. Silanganan established a road block at Mauban ridge at the rear of the 1st regular division, while in the II Corps sector, the enemy broke through the line of the 51st division.

Lt. Alexander R. Niniger, Jr. 57th Infantry (PS) of Gainsville, Georgia was posthumously decorated the Congressional Medal of Honor for an action for this line on 12 January 1942 and became the First American Service Man to win American’s Highest Military Decoration.