ROAD TO TOKYO COUNTDOWN: PHILIPPINES

12″ Japanese artillery piece captured by the 158th RCT at Cuenca, Batangas in the Philippines in 1945

As we continue down the Road to Tokyo, we stop next at the powerful Philippines gallery, which will cover the major events of the American campaign to retake the Philippine islands, offering a special opportunity for observing the build up and outcome of the biggest naval battle in World War II, Leyte Gulf.

The Allies’ return to the Philippines resulted in the beginning of Japanese Kamikaze attacks as well as the immobility of a majority of Japanese naval vessels due to lack of oil supplies. The campaign represents both the Allies’ moral obligation to end Japanese imperialism in the Philippines as well as the Allies’ strategy for reaching mainland Japan.

The Philippines gallery will include five major exhibits: America Returns, Destroying the Japanese Navy, From Leyte to Luzon, Battle of Manila and Leyte Gulf Theater. Computer interactive timelines will immerse and fascinate visitors as they map out events, and a computer interactive Dog Tag Experience kiosk will allow visitors to trace how the war affected a specific service member throughout his time in the Philippines. In addition, each exhibit will display unique interactive features and artifacts that will engage visitors in this remarkable story.

158th Regimental Combat Team wounded wait for litter bearers at Damortis in the Philippines on 14 January 1945

The Philippines gallery has been made possible through a generous gift by The Charlie and Janette Kornman Charitable Fund.