Maps of the Asia/Pacific Theatre
1944-45
Battle of Leyte: October 20 - December 25, 1944
After debating the merits of different directions in the summer, the US chose to liberate the Philippines as its next strategic objective. The island of Leyte was the initial target. Japan viewed holding Leyte as a priority and General Yamashita was tasked with ensuring its defense. General MacArthur came ashore on the first day of the assault and issued his famous address to the Filipinos: "I have returned..." After two months of intensive battle, US armed forces had effectively completed the capture of the island.
Battle for Leyte Gulf: October 23-26, 1944
One of the great naval battles of WWII ensued from the American landings on Leyte as the opponents sought to reinforce units already on Leyte. The US victory at sea ensured that American armed forces would overwhelm the Japanese army on Leyte. Japan assembled most of its remaining naval assets for the battle and aimed to destroy the US transports bringing military reinforcements to Leyte.
Battle of Surigao Strait: October 24-25, 1944
Two Japanese naval forces, under the command of Admirals Nishimura and Shima, respectively, attempted to pass through the Surigao Strait. An American force, including several battleships damaged at Pearl Harbor, blocked their route at the northern end. US PT Boats and destroyers attacked the Japanese forces, causing considerable damage, while the capital ships maintained their position and struck those that managed to pass through the screen. Both Japanese forces ultimately turned back after sustaining losses.
Battle Off Samar: October 25, 1944
Admiral Kurita's Center Force discovered Admiral Sprague's Task Force 3 consisting of escort carriers and destroyers. The American force was unprepared for naval combat and attempted to disengage. Kurita's force continued to close and inflict damage to the American ships but it disengaged before decisive results were achieved because Kurita feared the presence of more powerful American forces (which were in fact not there). Had Kurita pursued, he might have reached the US transports off Leyte. Among the first Kamikaze attacks took place during this battle.
Battle of Cape Engano: October 25, 1944
Admiral Halsey led the main US fleet in the area to engage Ozawa's force approaching from the north. The Japanese intended for Ozawa to be a decoy and his approach did succeed in distracting the Americans. Substantial damage was inflicted on the Japanese force before Halsey turned back with most of the fleet to strike at Kurita. Some of Halsey's carriers continued to pursue Ozawa. Only two Japanese capital ships escaped destruction.
Reconquest of the Philippines: January 1 - August 15, 1945
After establishing a base of operations on Leyte, American armed forces built-up and proceeded to invade Mindoro against relatively light opposition and ultimately landed on Luzon on January 9th, 1945. Secondary landings were carried out to prevent the main Japanese forces from retreating to more defensible positions such as Bataan. By July 5th General MacArthur declared the Philippines liberated. However, some remote areas remained under Japanese control until the end of the war.
Battle of Iwo Jima: February 19 - March 11, 1945
Iwo Jima was the only Japanese base capable of interfering with American bombing operations against Japan. The entire island was heavily fortified and defended by about 21,700 troops determined to hold it. US Marines faced fanatical resistance once ashore and sustained heavy casualties. Total American losses numbered 17,200 wounded and 6000 dead. Only 200 Japanese troops were captured. Once cleared, the island was used as a fighter base for escorting bombers over Japan and as an emergency landing site for B-29 bombers operating from the Mariannas.
Okinawa Campaign: April 1 - June 14, 1945
Operation Iceberg, the US invasion of Okinawa, involved over 450,000 troops and 1200 transports in what was the largest naval operation mounted in the Pacific. About 130,000 Japanese troops defended the island from entrenched positions and they proved a formidable obstacle. Kamikaze attacks against the American naval forces also took a heavy toll. Almost all the Japanese defenders were killed, as well as about 42,000 of the 450,000 civilians on the island. Only 10,755 were taken prisoner. US casualties amounted to 12,500 killed and 35,500 wounded.
Allied Plans for 1945
US Army and Navy leaders differed on the strategic direction of the war against Japan. Admiral Nimitz preferred to forgo occupation of the Philippines in favor of an invasion of Formosa to be followed-up with landings on mainland China. General MacArthur, supported by General Marshal, wanted to occupy the Philippines, then land on Okinawa and follow up with a landing on Kyushu (the southernmost of the main Japanese home islands). After this, they intended to strike Honshu.