LEYTE 1944: The Soldiers' Battle

1-200660

Much has been written about the naval Battle of Leyte Gulf that his return provoked, but almost nothing has been written about the three-month long land battle to seize Leyte itself. This unique battle also saw a major Japanese counterattack-not a banzai charge, but a carefully thought-out counteroffensive designed to push the Americans off the island and capture the elusive General MacArthur. Both American and Japanese battalions spent days surrounded by the enemy, often until relieved or overwhelmed. Under General Yamashita's guidance it also saw a rare deployment of Japanese paratroopers in conjunction with the ground assault offensive.