JAPANESE LANDINGS AT LINGAYEN GULF, LUZON

Japanese landings at Lingayen Gulf, Luzon

Just two weeks after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Japanese forces struck another major blow by landing large invasion forces along the shores of Lingayen Gulf in northern Luzon on December 22nd, 1941. American and Philippine troops under General Douglas MacArthur had already faced air attacks and smaller landings, but the Lingayen operation brought in the main body of enemy troops, with tanks, artillery, and experienced infantry. The defenders fought delaying actions, but they were short of aircraft, armor, and supplies, and their defensive plans faltered under the weight of the assault. As Japanese units pushed inland, American and Philippine commanders began planning a withdrawal toward the Bataan Peninsula and the island fortress of Corregidor. The landings at Lingayen Gulf marked the beginning of the end for organized Allied defense of Luzon, setting the stage for a bitter campaign that would end in siege, surrender, and harsh captivity for many United States and Philippine soldiers.