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 few 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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