Leyte: The Return to the Philippines

"Leyte: The Return to the Philippines" by M. Hamlin Cannon is a historical account written in the mid-20th century. This volume is part of the series "United States Army in World War II," which chronicles the military activities and strategies employed during the Pacific War. The book focuses on the Leyte Campaign, detailing the reentry of American forces into the Philippines, their strategic objectives, and the significant military maneuvers that unfolded during this phase of the war. At the start of the volume, the author outlines the context leading to the Leyte Campaign, emphasizing General Douglas MacArthur's determination to return and liberate the Philippines after the early war defeats. It presents a detailed strategic plan, including the logistical and tactical preparations required for the American forces to establish control over Leyte. The initial landing operations and the expected resistance from Japanese forces set the stage for the ensuing events, painting a broad picture of the challenges faced by American troops as they aimed to reclaim a pivotal area in the Pacific theater.