The Battle of Surigao Strait: A Triumph of American Naval Strategy and Skill

The Battle of Surigao Strait was a decisive naval engagement of World War II, fought between the United States and Japan in October 1944. The battle was a major victory for the Americans, and it played a key role in the liberation of the Philippines.

On October 23, 1944, a Japanese fleet of approximately 20 warships entered the Surigao Strait, a narrow body of water between the islands of Leyte and Mindanao in the Philippines. The Japanese fleet was on a mission to attack the American fleet that was supporting the landings on Leyte. The American fleet, commanded by Admiral William Halsey, was aware of the Japanese fleet's approach, and it had deployed a force of battleships, cruisers, and destroyers to intercept it.

Battle of Surigao Strait (Twentieth-Century Battles)

by Anthony P. Tully

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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The battle began at around 10:00 pm on October 24, 1944. The American battleships opened fire on the Japanese fleet, and the Japanese responded with their own gunfire. The battle raged for several hours, and it was fought at close range. The Americans eventually gained the upper hand, and they sank several Japanese ships. The Japanese fleet was forced to retreat, and the battle was over by around 3:00 am on October 25, 1944.

The Battle of Surigao Strait was a decisive victory for the Americans. The Americans sank six Japanese battleships, four cruisers, and nine destroyers. The Japanese also lost a number of aircraft. The American fleet suffered no major losses.

The Battle of Surigao Strait was a turning point in the Pacific War. The American victory demonstrated that the United States had the naval power to defeat Japan. The battle also paved the way for the liberation of the Philippines, which was completed in March 1945.

The Battle of Surigao Strait is a fascinating and important battle in naval history. It is a story of American naval strategy and skill. The battle is also a reminder of the sacrifices that were made by the men and women who fought in World War II.

Did you know?

• The Battle of Surigao Strait was the last major naval battle fought between battleships.
• The American battleship USS West Virginia, which was sunk at Pearl Harbor, was repaired and fought in the Battle of Surigao Strait.
• The Japanese battleship Yamato, which was the largest battleship ever built, was sunk in the Battle of Surigao Strait.
• The Battle of Surigao Strait is considered to be one of the most decisive naval battles in history.

The Battle of Surigao Strait was a major victory for the United States in World War II. The battle demonstrated the power of American naval strategy and skill. The battle also played a key role in the liberation of the Philippines.

If you are interested in learning more about the Battle of Surigao Strait, I recommend reading the following books:

• The Battle of Surigao Strait: October 24-25, 1944 by Thomas J. Cutler
• The Battle of Leyte Gulf: The Turning Point in the Pacific War by C. Vann Woodward

Battle of Surigao Strait (Twentieth-Century Battles)

by Anthony P. Tully

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5094 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	352 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE