The Battle of Leyte Gulf Lecture

Join us for a compelling presentation on the Battle of Leyte Gulf—the final major fleet operation of World War II and the largest naval battle in history. Spanning over 100,000 square miles and involving nearly 300 ships, this epic conflict resulted in the loss of 26 vessels and more than 400,000 lives.

Discover how this pivotal battle marked the end of the Japanese Navy as an offensive force, featuring four major naval engagements. The climactic final confrontation saw the lightly armed escort carriers of Taffy 2 and Taffy 3 face off against a powerful Japanese fleet led by the world’s largest battleship.

The battle also saw the first organized kamikaze attacks in the Pacific and set the stage for the U.S. liberation of the Philippines—culminating in General Douglas MacArthur’s iconic declaration: “I have returned.”