WWII E152 Marine Airpower in the Philippines: The Forgotten Wing of MacArthur’s Return

Written By Robert Estrada

Episode Description

The Philippines became the centerpiece of General Douglas MacArthur’s promise to return. The Army was to lead, but when setbacks on Leyte bogged down operations, Marine aviation and artillery were rushed in. Within hours after their arrival, they were flying convoy cover, striking Japanese shipping, and dueling enemy aircraft. Despite crude airfields and poor coordination under Fifth Air Force control, Marines flew over 260 missions in their first weeks.

By campaign’s end, Marine air had won Distinguished and Presidential Unit Citations, reshaped close air support doctrine, and proven indispensable. What began as reinforcement became central to victory, cementing Marine aviation’s legacy in modern warfare.

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References

  • Chapin, J. C. (1994). …And a Few Marines: Marines in the Liberation of the Philippines. Washington, DC: History and Museums Division, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps.

  • Connaughton, R. M. (1988). MacArthur and Defeat in the Philippines. New York: Routledge.

  • Frank, B. M., & Shaw, H. I., Jr. (1968). Victory and Occupation: U.S. Marine Corps Operations in World War II (Vol. 5). Washington, DC: Historical Division, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps.

  • Miller, J. (1959). Leyte: The Return to the Philippines. Washington, DC: Office of the Chief of Military History, U.S. Army.

  • Shaw, H. I., Nalty, B. C., & Turnbladh, E. T. (1973). Central Pacific Drive. Washington, DC: Historical Division, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps.

  • Shaw, H. I., Kane, D. T. (1963). Isolation of Rabaul. United States: Historical Branch, G-3 Division, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps.

  • Smith, R. R. (1963). Triumph in the Philippines. Washington, DC: Office of the Chief of Military History, U.S. Army

  • Rottman, G. L. (1970). Marine Aviation in the Philippines. Washington, DC: Historical Division, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps.

Robert Estrada
Next

WWII E151 The 7th Marines: Final Chapter at Peleliu