Battle of Leyte Gulf

The Battle of Leyte Gulf was fought between October 23 and October 26, 1944. It is generally considered to be the largest naval battle of World War II, involving some 370 ships and almost 2000 planes. When this four day battle ended, Japan's naval capabilities and critical oil supply lines are practically wiped out. This battle was also notable as the first time, large scale, organized Kamikaze attacks were carried out.

The losses on both sides were heavy. The Allies (mostly US, Australia was involved) had around 3000 casualties(around 1000 killed) and had six ships sunk in the battle. Japan lost over 12,000 men and 30 hips directly, many more were sank as a result of the battle.

The six ships we lost can be misleading. For example, the Princeton lost 108 men, but the Birmingham, undamaged in battle, was heavily damaged as a result of trying to save the Princeton. As a result, the Birmingham lost 233 men and had twice as many injured. That said, today we would like to remember all who fought in the Battle of Leyte Gulf, the tens of thousands who survived and the thousand who perished. The terrible things they saw could never be forgotten. But let us not forget the incredible heroism displayed by so many in those days either. Many, many lives were saved by those who placed themselves in harm's way during the heat of the battle. I'm sure many people went to their graves 70 years later who never forgot that person who reached out to them when all hope was lost and rescued them, some may not have ever known their names, but they never forgot the actions.

Lost during the battle were:

USS Princeton (CVL-23)

108 lost

USS Gambier Bay (CVE-73)

137 lost

USS St. Lo (CVE-63)

126 lost

USS Hoel (DD-533)

252 lost

USS Johnston (DD-557)

183 lost

USS Samuel B. Roberts (DE-413)

90 lost