(5/5) Pacific Lost Evidence Leyte Gulf World War II

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The Battle of Leyte Gulf consisted in 4 battles extending from Surigao Strait to Cape Engano.

The U.S. Navys 7th Fleets main task was to support and land the U.S. 6th Army at Tacloban beach in Leyte Gulf. The 7th Fleet (Kinkaid) consisted of: transports, destroyers cruisers, old battleships and escort carriers.

Protecting 7th Fleet was the massive U.S. Navys 3rd Fleet. Third Fleets task was too attack any Japanese Fleet presence and destroy Japanese land based air power.

A huge Japanese armada, the IJN Central Force (Kurita), was spotted by American reconnaissance planes, attempting to enter Leyte Gulf through the Sibuyan Sea. This fleet was attacked by the 3rd Fleets carrier aircraft. The 68,000 ton super battleship Musashi was sunk in this battle. (GDH)

While the 3rd Fleet (Halsey) was attacking the IJN Central Force, the IJN Southern Force (Shima and Nishimura) was attempting to enter Leyte Gulf, from the southern route, through Surigao Strait. The Southern Force was, for all intents and purposes, destroyed. In perhaps the most successful U.S. Navy torpedo attack in history, U.S. destroyers settled the Battle of Surigao Strait before any American battleships began firing.

Third Fleet believed that the IJN Central Force was in full retreat from the Philippines. However, Central Force had reversed direction and was attempting to re-enter Leyte Gulf. This Japanese plan succeeded and the Central Force began attacking elements of the escort carrier force in Leyte Gulf off Samar (Taffy 1, 2, 3). The Japanese attack was completely disorganized. Small U.S. Navy escort destroyer attacks through the whole Japanese fleet into confusion. The Central Force retreated thinking that larger American forces heard the desperate pleas from the Taffy carriers and were fast approaching the area. The U.S. escort destroyers incredible bravery saved many lives during this lopsided engagement.

The IJN Northern Force (Ozawa) was a diversionary force. The IJN plan to lure 3rd Fleet from supporting 7th Fleet had completely succeeded. This force was decimated by 3rd Fleets carrier aircraft off Cape Engano.

Leyte Gulf was an American victory. However, the mistakes made by American commanders clearly indicated the short comings, of the political decision, of not having an overall commander in chief, of the invasion of the Philippines.(GDH)

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[corgidoggy]

Truly Americas greatest generation. At 45, I have never had to fight for my Country.

That is due to their unimaginable bravery and incomparable sacrifice.

Not only WWII, but in all wars that Americans have fought in the name of FREEDOM.

Their actions shall never be forgotten by millions of patriotic Americans who have benefited from their deeds, as seen in these videos.

This is also a major reason why those who benefited MUST do their duty and take our Country back from the ungrateful li

[VNGUY123]

i'm think shark it the most terrible part

[topperheartramada]

@corgidoggy The entire Western world needs to get itself together and stop taking its freedom for granted.

[samk1101]

The Saint Louis Cardinals had just defeated the Saint Louis Browns in the only series between the two teams in Saint Louis.

[tonimontana123ujify]

@corgidoggy ithink you talking about the japenese

[sarnath66f]

sharkie attacks suck

[SpyBum007]

thank you brave US soldiers

[gurugurukuma]

just look at the shockwave @ 2:33... completely obliterated!!!