 The United States began considering complete withdrawal and Commander in Chief, Asiatic Fleet, Admiral Thomas C. Hart began withdrawal of units along the coast and recommended withdrawal of the 4th Marines as he felt war was inevitable.On 10 November 1941 permission to withdraw the 4th Marines was given and put into effect.1st Battalion and part of the Headquarters sailed for the Philippines on 27 November embarked in the chartered liner with the remainder of the 4th Marines embarking in and sailing for the Philippines on 28 November 1941 with the first elements arriving at Subic Bay 30 November and the remainder the next day.