The Approach to the Philippines - Paperback

by Robert Ross Smith (Author)

(Includes maps) "The Approach to the Philippines" deals principally with lesser known but highly interesting amphibious and ground operations along the New Guinea coast during 1944 and also relates the Army's part in the conquest of the southern Palau Islands. Opening the way for the Allied invasion of the Philippine Islands in the fall of 1944, the operations described in this volume involved all the mechanics of modem warfare - the complexities of amphibious landings, carrier-based and land-based air support, infantry maneuver and small unit action, artillery support, logistics, lank and flame thrower action, troop leadership, medical problems, civil affairs, intelligence, and all the rest. While primarily a story of ground combat action, the volume describes the activities of the Army's supporting services in sufficient detail to complete the history of the ground operations. Navy, Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps activities are covered as necessary to provide a well-balanced picture, and enough strategic background material is included to fit the tactical narrative into its proper perspective in the global war.

Author Biography

Robert Ross Smith received his B.A. and M.A. degrees from Duke University. A graduate of the Infantry Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, Georgia, Mr. Smith served two years in the G-3 Historical Division staff at General MacArthur's headquarters in the Southwest Pacific. He joined the Center of Military History in 1947 and rose to the position of branch chief before retiring in 1983. He also served as chief historian of U.S. Army, Pacific, during an important phase of the Vietnam War. Mr. Smith has written many works on military history, including "Triumph in the Philippines," another volume in the U.S. Army in World War II series. He is a retired lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve.