CRUSHING THE JAPANESE SURFACE FLEET AT THE BATTLE OF SURIGAO STRAIT

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On the afternoon of 24 October, 7th Fleet torpedo-boats moved through Leyte Gulf and Surigao Strait into the Mindanao Sea south of Leyte, and by dusk were in position on their patrol-lines. Covering the northern part of the strait, were posted the Meanwhile, destroyer squadrons, cruisers, and battleships formed a line of vast fire power which would force the Japanese ships to approach head on -- classic crossing the T. With overwhelming force, the US impenetrable gauntlet defeated the Japanese at Surigao Strait and played a significant in winning the Battle of Leyte Gulf. By securing the waters around the beachheads, the US Sixth Army on Leyte was safe from Japanese attacks from the sea.