American troops land on the main Philippine Island of Luzon, after the capture the Philippine islands of Leyte and Mindoro to the south in late December 1944, where two airfields were established to assist in the landings on Luzon.
Mexican and Australian troops also participated in the battle for Luzon, as well as a very large number of Filipino fighters. Japanese losses were 217,000 dead, with 9,050 taken prisoners. U.S. losses were 8,310 killed and 29,560 wounded. Civilian casualties are estimated at 120,000 to 140,000 dead. More
