The Allied landings on Leyte set in motion the long-anticipated return to liberate the Philippines and triggered the last, and largest, surface fleet engagement in military history. They also marked the beginning of a terrifying new phase of the war, as Japan introduced special suicide squadrons, known to the Allies as kamikazes. Although Leyte was declared secure on December 25, 1944, it proved to be only the opening chapter of a prolonged, arduous, and bloody campaign across the Philippines.

This presentation explores the significance of the Leyte campaign within World War II. Participants will learn about the military units involved, hear firsthand eyewitness accounts, and view a display of original artifacts and high-quality reproduction items from the period. The instructor will appear in an authentic U.S. Army uniform and present period-correct equipment and gear for an immersive, hands-on classroom experience.