The Battle of Leyte Gulf

What happened

Fought in the waters around the Philippines across four major engagements, Leyte Gulf was the largest naval battle of World War II. The U.S. Navy shattered the Imperial Japanese Navy's remaining offensive strength; the battle also saw the first organized kamikaze attacks.

Why it matters

The battle effectively destroyed Japan's fleet as a fighting force and secured the Allied return to the Philippines.

Sources

• The National WWII Museum. The Battle of Leyte Gulf · General source