United States
On October 20, 1944, U.S. General Douglas MacArthur waded ashore at Leyte in the Philippines, fulfilling his earlier promise to return after the Japanese occupation. The landings began a major campaign to liberate the Philippine islands. The battle involved large numbers of American troops and Filipino forces. Japanese defenders resisted strongly on land and at sea, including in the nearby Battle of Leyte Gulf. The campaign was costly but helped cut Japan off from important resources and bases. It also had strong symbolic meaning for both Americans and Filipinos who had endured years of occupation.
