Battle of Leyte Gulf





The Battle of Leyte Gulf, was a World War II engagement between October 23
and October 26, 1944. It was the largest air-sea battle in history. American
and Allied forces, preparing for the recapture of the Philippine island of
Leyte, were met by the amassed forces of Imperial Japan. Despite significant
losses, Allied ships and aircraft destroyed most of the Japanese fleet and
ended its power as an effective fighting force.

Having defended the landing force against the air and naval challenge, the
way was opened for the reconquest of Leyte by the land forces under the
command of General Douglas MacArthur, in the Battle of Leyte.