Maps of World War II 1939-1945

Japanese Invasion of the Philippines
December 10, 1941 - May 3, 1942

The American controlled Philippine islands represented a serious threat to Japanese expansive intentions in the Pacific and were therefore targeted for invasion. General MacArthur initially commanded the Allied forces. Japanese General Homma's diversionary landings in the north of the main island of Luzon failed to divide the defenders who nonetheless could not cope with the main landings at Lingayen Gulf. By the end of December most of the island was occupied.