>October 20th 1944, Philippines Begin to Be Liberated
General MacArthur landing
On October 20th, 1944, American forces commanded by General MacArthur began their return to the Philippines by landing on Leyte. The Japanese were overwhelmed by the superior American forces and its ever-expanding air support. On December 15, 1944, US troops landed on the beaches of Mindoro. On January 9, 1945, the Americans landed on the main island of Luzon. After a bitter battle, they reached the capital, Manila, on February 2nd. The Japanese lost 170,000 men in the Philippines, compared to American casualties of 8,000.Allied planners deliberated over the necessity of recapturing the Philippines. The decision was made to proceed with the operation primarily due to the Philippines’ close ties to the United States and its potential as an ideal base for an assault on the Japanese homeland.
The initial objective was to seize the Island of Leyte. The initial landing occurred on October 20, 1944. The Japanese attempted to halt the American advance with naval forces but grossly underestimated the fortitude of the American troops. In a series of battles known as the Battle of Leyte Gulf, the American forces decisively defeated the Japanese forces, rendering the Japanese navy incapable of participating in significant naval engagements thereafter. The landing was successful, and the US Sixth Army advanced inland, capturing the island. Filipino guerrillas also contributed by harassing the Japanese troops and securing crucial bridges. The US launched a second landing at Ormoc Bay, effectively isolating Japanese forces.
On December 15, American forces made a landing on Mindoro. The island’s defenses were minimal, and despite kamikaze attacks on the landing zone, the American forces, aided by Philippine assistance, swiftly captured the island and established a significant air base there.
Allied forces landed in the southern portion of Lingayen Gulf on the island of Luzon on January 9, 1945. Over 175,000 troops disembarked and swiftly advanced inland, capturing Clarke Field. Forces landed on the Bataan Peninsula, while a second group parachuted south of Manila. On February 3, 1945, troops entered the city of Manila. The Japanese resistance was obstinate, and despite overwhelming force, it required until March 3rd for the city of Manila to be liberated.