Joint Force Quarterly
Abstract
This article examines the enduring principles of warfare—particularly movement and maneuver—through a detailed analysis of Operation King II, the U.S. amphibious assault on Leyte in October 1944, which marked the beginning of the Philippines' liberation during World War II. The study situates the operation within the broader context of global war, emphasizing the evolution of U.S. and Japanese strategies in the Pacific theater. It highlights how coordinated, multidomain operations—across land, sea, and air—enabled U.S. forces to seize key terrain and deliver a decisive blow to the Imperial Japanese Navy at the Battle of Leyte Gulf. Despite challenges stemming from divided command structures, the operation demonstrated the effectiveness of integrated planning, timely intelligence, and agile joint force execution. Key takeaways emphasize the necessity of unity of command, cross-domain synchronization, and rapid, adaptive decision-making in modern warfare. By revisiting this historical case, the article calls to attention the relevance of these timeless operational tenets for today’s joint force facing multidomain challenges.
Recommended Citation
Michael M. Trimble, Douglas W. Burkman & Michael L. Simmons, "Movement and Maneuver at Leyte, October 1944," Joint Force Quarterly 117 (2nd Quarter 2025), 81-91, https://digitalcommons.ndu.edu/joint-force-quarterly/vol117/iss2/12.
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