largest tank battle in ww2 ww2 phillippines lost to japan

In June, Tokyo’s leaders decided upon a fight to the finish, committing themselves to extinction before surrender. Japan had concentrated its strength for a decisive defense of the homeland. In the summer of 1945, the United States pursued a mixed strategy: continuation of the bombing and blockading, while preparing for an invasion. Marshall, the influential Army Chief of Staff, were convinced an invasion would be necessary. King, Chief of Naval Operations, believed that encirclement, blockade, and bombardment would eventually compel the Japanese to surrender. “Hap” Arnold, commander of the Army Air Forces, predicted that the bombing would be sufficient to prevail and “enable our infantrymen to walk ashore on Japan with their rifles slung.” Adm.

On March 9, 1945, the bombers destroyed 16 square miles of Tokyo and killed 83,793 Japanese.

Night after night, the B-29s rained firebombs and high explosives on the wood and paper structures of Japan.

From there, B-29 bombers could reach Tokyo and all important targets in Japan. The outcome of the war was sealed in 1944 when the United States obtained air bases in the Marianas.

Largest tank battle in ww2 ww2 phillippines lost to japan