Leyte 1944 Book Review
By Rachel E. Veres
| Date of Review | August 2015 | Title | Leyte 1944 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Author | Clayton Chun | Publisher | Osprey Publishing |
| Published | 2015 | ISBN | 9781472806901 |
| Format | 96 pages, softbound | MSRP (USD) | $21.95 |
Review
Following the Philippines' fall to Japanese forces in 1942, General Douglas MacArthur vowed to return. Now the 282nd installment in Osprey's extensive "Campaign" series recounts the fulfillment of that promise.
Subtitled "Return to the Philippines", Leyte 1944 recaps Operation King II, the amphibious invasion of Leyte island in October.
As with previous "Campaign" books, Clayton Chun dedicates the first half to comparing US and Japanese adversaries. Contents flow from opposing commanders through campaign plans to orders of battle.
US Operation King II – and the Japanese counter-strategy, Sho-go 1 – consume the remaining half. Within successive sections, the author thoroughly recaps skirmishes, the aftermath and the battlefield today.
Over 70 historical photographs, campaign maps and colorful artwork capture the combat. A bibliography and index complete contents. Interested in knowing more? Osprey provides a list of associated titles inside the back cover.
Just one persistent complaint remains: the military symbols legend size and acronyms list should be appendices. Unless you knew they were located inside the front cover, you might easily overlook them.
Gripe aside, decidedly recommended reading.
My sincere thanks to Osprey Publishing for this review sample!