The Approach to the Philippines

(Includes maps) “The Approach to the Philippines” deals principally with lesser known but highly interesting amphibious and ground operations along the New Guinea coast during 1944 and also relates the Army’s part in the conquest of the southern Palau Islands. Opening the way for the Allied invasion of the Philippine Islands in the fall of 1944, the operations described in this volume involved all the mechanics of modem warfare – the complexities of amphibious landings, carrier-based and land-based air support, infantry maneuver and small unit action, artillery support, logistics, lank and flame thrower action, troop leadership, medical problems, civil affairs, intelligence, and all the rest. While primarily a story of ground combat action, the volume describes the activities of the Army’s supporting services in sufficient detail to complete the history of the ground operations. Navy, Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps activities are covered as necessary to provide a well-balanced picture, and enough strategic background material is included to fit the tactical narrative into its proper perspective in the global war.