Davao
Port city and harbor located on the south-east coast of the island in Devao De Sur Province.  Prior to the war, this city had the largest expatriot Japanese popluation living in the Philippines.

Japanese Attack
On December 8, 1941 planes from carrier Ryujo attacked the harbor, but found no American forces there and met no opposition.  This was the first air raid in the Philippines, hours before the raid on Clark Field, yet word did not seem to reach Luzon about it. One bomber ditched due to engine trouble, and its crew was recuse. After the start of the war, many Japanese residents were imprissoned and a few killed by the Filipinos.

Japanese Occupation
Occupied on December 20, 1941 by troops landed by Destroyer Amatsukaze. Sporatic resistance met the landing part at the shore, but then was dispersed by fire from the destroyer, which dispersed the opposition and set a fuel tank on fire. By February life had returned to normal for the city, aside from the Japanese ships using the harbor

Captain Hara recalls in Japanese Destroyer Captain:
"The streets of Davao had not been damaged they were crowded with crews from other warships anchored in the harbor.  Housewives of Japanese residents in the city set up refreshment stands with signs reading 'please help yourself to coffee and tea Served by your fellow contrymen.'"

Japanese & American Missions Againt Davao
December 8, 1942 - May 8, 1945

American Liberation
It was not until mid-1945 that American forces returned to liberate the city. Opposing them was the bulk of Japanese forces on the island, including the 35th Army's 100th Division and Navy troops assigned to defend the south-east corner of the island. 24th Infantry Division in Digos turned north to secure Davo, entering the destroyed city on May 3, 1945. The Japanese decided not to defend the town, and Americans only met scattered resistance. With the liberation of Davo, the last major port city held by the Japanese had been liberated. The 24th Infantry division had covered 115 miles in fifteen days. But, Japanese resistance continued to the north and north-west fought on thur June. Elements of the 41st Infantry Division arrived from Zamboanga to join the battle. It was not until mid-June that American forces overwhelmed the enemy, who fled further to the north.

Sagami Maru
Japanese freighter which sunk close to the shore of Samal Island, in the Davao Gulf by a U.S. Submarine.

Davao Airfield (Sasa, Francisco Bangoy)
Prewar airfield occupied by the Japanese, still in use today