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    Palo (Polo) Leyte Province Philippines
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Faillace Oct 20, 1944

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Justin Taylan 2005
Location
Palo is located at an elevation of 19' / 5m on the eastern coast of Leyte in Leyte Province in the Eastern Visayas (Region VIII) of the Philippines. Also known as Polo. This town is the intersection of Highway 1 and Highway 2. To the north is Tacloban and to the south is Tanauan and beyond Dulag. To the west is Jaro and beyond Carigara. To the east is Leyte Gulf.

Wartime History
On October 20, 1944 Palo was heavily damaged in the pre-invasion bombardment before the U.S. Army landing. Palo had the distinction of being the first town on Leyte liberated by the Americans.

Red Beach (MacArthur Landing Memorial)
Also known as the MacArthur Leyte Landing Memorial National Park, Leyte Landing Memorial Park or MacArthur Park that commemorates the location where General Douglas MacArthur landed at Leyte and thus made good on his promise "I shall return". Bronze statues in a man made pool of water depict the landing. Nearby is a museum with photos, a copy of his speech and even bronzed footprints of the general, when he returned to the Philippines in 1961.

Guinhangdan Hill (Hill 522)
This feature was designated "Hill 522" by the U.S. Army is located in Palo with an elevation of 522'. Also known as Guinhangdan Hill. At this location was a church used as a hospital during the Battle of Leyte. A photograph of a wounded and bandaged American soldier with Filipinos praying for him was taken at this location. Church used as a hospital during the battle of Leyte. A famous photograph of a wounded and fully bandaged soldier in a church with Filipinos praying was taken at this location.

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Last Updated
October 23, 2019

 

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Oct 20, 1944

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