With the Leyte Campaign the War in the Pacific entered a decisive stage. The period of limited offensives, bypassing, and island hopping was virtually over. American troops in greater numbers than ever before assembled in the Pacific Theater, supported by naval and air forces of corresponding size, fought and overcame Japanese forces of greater magnitude than any previously met. Though the spotlight is on the front-line fighting, the reader will find in this volume a faithful description of all arms and services performing their missions. The account is not exclusively an infantry story. It covers as well the support of ground fighting on Leyte by large-scale naval operations and by land-based air power under the most adverse conditions. In addition, careful attention to logistical matters, such as the movement of supplies and the evacuation of the wounded, gives the reader a picture of the less spectacular activities of an army in battle.

The Assault Landings on Leyte Island The significance of weather in these operations, as noted in a review of action reports: BY COMMANDER, THIRD AMPHIBIOUS FORCE: 1. The lack of weather restrictions was directly responsible for a large part of the success of the operation. 2. It was recognized that the existence of unreported typhoon weather can outweigh security considerations dictating radio silence. 3. Air operations were not seriously affected by the weather. 4. Weather conditions of wind and temperature distribution favored the efficient use of smoke in the transport area. 5. Ground operations were slowed by unfavorable soil trafficability conditions resulting from precipitation. 6. There was no attempt to use weather for concealment as our intentions had been disclosed when minesweeping operations started. 7. Good weather over the Philippine Islands favored enemy air opposition by facilitating the staging in of aircraft from other locations. BY COMMANDER, SEVENTH AMPHIBIOUS FORCE: 1. The use of carrier support insures local air superiority as bad weather in the area has the same adverse effect on enemy operations. 2. Weather conditions were excellent for the landing of troops and for protection by friendly aircraft. 3. Close air support was hampered by afternoon shower activity. 4. Enemy aircraft made excellent use of cloud cover for concealment during harassing raids.

The decisive battle in Gen. MacArthur’s reclaiming of the Philippines in WWII is told in vivid, on-the-ground detail in this “definitive account” (WWII History Magazine). When Gen. Douglas MacArthur left the Philippines in 1942 to organize a new American army, he vowed, “I shall return!” More than two years later, he did return, retaking the Philippines from the Japanese. The site of his reinvasion was the central Philippine island of Leyte. The Japanese high command decided to make Leyte the “decisive battle” for the western Pacific and rushed crack Imperial Army units from Manchuria, Korea, and Japan to overwhelm the Americans. The Americans in turn rushed in reinforcements. This unique battle also saw a counteroffensive designed to push the Americans off the island and capture the elusive Gen. MacArthur. Both American and Japanese battalions spent days surrounded by the enemy, often until relieved or overwhelmed. Leyte was a three-dimensional battle, fought with the best both sides had to offer, and did indeed decide the fate of the Philippines in World War II.