Island in the southern part of the Philippines, north of Mindanao.
History
 First
island in the Philippine archipelago to be liberated by American
forces. Filipno guerilla leader, Ruperto Kawgleon's organized
forces were part of the reason that MacArthur planned to
invade Leyte as the first foothold in the Philippines. On
October 20, 1944 by the US Army 7th Division, and the 96th,
Infantry Division "The
Deadeyes" land.
Intense land, sea and air battles took place over the island.
The island
included
seven airfields. Six built by the Japanese, one by American
forces.
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Battle of Leyte Gulf |
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Capital of Leyte, objective of the inital American liberation |
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Red Beach, site of initial American landing |
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Town outside Tacloban, American airfield |
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Japanese built airstrip north of Bayug, paratrooper attack |
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Site of initial American landings on October 20, 1944 |
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City and bay on the west coast of Leyte |
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Located inland from the western coast Bayug Airfield |
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Japanese airfield used until the American landing on Leyte |
Battle of Baluarte Marker
Located at Baluarte, Bgy. Minuhang Barugo. Site of the historic
battle between Filipino guerrillas and Japanese Imperial Forces at
dawn
of August 24, 1944. Significant because there was no Filipino casualty
while all the Japanese except one were killed in the encounter;
beautiful and symbolic monument made up of three stairs: at the
topmost stand 3 rifles each crowned by a helmet: measuring 3.5
x 3.5 meters. This concrete structure is fenced by big silver-colored
chains; on one side area 3 flagpoles which look like bayonets.
Japanese War Memorial Cemetery
Located at Bgy. San Diego (Buraueun) Site of one of the fiercest
battles fought in Leyte for the liberation; Japanese cemetery frequently
visited by memorial tour groups.
Buga-Buga Hills
Located in Villaba - Mountain stronghold of General Suzuki where
thousands of Japanese soldiers died defending the area and hundreds
of American lives were sacrificed in the assault to capture this
hill during World War II; frequently by big Japanese memorial tour
groups and bone hunting expedition and object of pilgrimage by domestic
and foreign tourists.
Breakneck
Ridge (Hill 1525)
Located to the north of Leyte near Carigara Bay. Defended by the
Japanese 1st Division and assaulted by 32nd Infantry Division. An eight
day battle that resulyed in 2,800 KIA and 9,500 WIA.
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