The Luzon Campaign 1945: MacArthur Returns

“… does give the reader a good understanding of the grinding nature of ground combat on Luzon.” – Army History MagazineThe Luzon campaign of 1945 was the longest island campaign of the Pacific War, lasting from January 1945 to September 1945, and only ended with the surrender of Imperial Japan. It is often overlooked or mentioned in passing by most histories of that war, yet hundreds of thousands of Americans and Japanese fought in some of the worst conditions imaginable for eight months to clear Luzon of the invaders.This full account of the Luzon campaign stretches from planning stages to the end of the war and the surrender of over 50,000 Japanese troops under the noted Japanese general Yamashita. The landings at Lingayen Gulf, the Battle for Manila and the recapture of Corregidor are all included, as well as lesser-known battles for the summer capital of Baguio, the battle for Manila's water supply, constant jungle fighting, the raids to rescue Allied POWs, the recapture of Bataan, destruction of the only Japanese armored division to fight in the Pacific, American parachute drops on Corregidor and Aparri, and much more. Individual acts of heroism are highlighted as are the interactions among the senior commanders involved, including General MacArthur, General Krueger (6th Army) and General Eichelberger (8th Army). The book ends with the surrender of Imperial Japan and the end of the Luzon Campaign in September 1945.Table of Contents1. Introduction2. The Lingayen Beachhead3. The Central Plain4. Securing the Beachhead5. The Kembo Group6. The Race to Manila7. The Tragedy of Manila8. Intramuros, the Walled City9. The Shimbu Group10. Seizing the Dams11. Southern Luzon12. North to Baguio13. The Villa Verde Trail14. San Jose, Digdig and Baguio15. Baguio Falls16. Balete Pass17. The Bambang Front18. Aparri19. Pursuit20. The Luzon CampaignAppendix A: U. S. Forces Order of BattleAppendix B: Imperial Japanese Army Order of BattleAppendix C: Luzon Campaign Medals of HonorAppendix D: Casualty ComparisonBibliography Read more