Recognition of the Battle of Ormoc Bay

Floor Speech

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Mrs. LURIA. Madam Speaker, it is my honor to recognize our brave servicemembers and allies that fought in the Battle of Ormoc Bay during World War II. One of the fiercest battles of the war, Ormoc Bay proved pivotal in the Pacific and the liberation of the Philippines.

By October 1944, the tide in the Pacific had begun to shift in favor of the United States and our allies. Recognizing the strategic importance of the Philippines, soldiers from the U.S. Sixth Anny landed on Leyte Island.

The Battle of Ormoc Bay was pivotal in the liberation of the Philippines and began on November 11 when U.S. 3rd Fleet Commander Admiral William Halsey ordered an air attack on two resupply convoys approaching the bay, followed by mine sweepers Pursuit and Revenge and Destroyer Squadron 22 entering Ormoc Bay.

The battle had a significant impact on Ormoc. The port suffered significant damage, and casualties mounted. As the fighting intensified, Filipino community leaders worked to save lives and countless civilians evacuated from the area with many families sheltering in the mountains.

In a push to gain control of the port at Ormoc, on December 7 infantry regiments of the 77th Division conducted an amphibious landing 3 miles south of Ormoc. In the most intense aerial battle of the Leyte Campaign, allied aircraft dropped 97,000 pounds of munitions on enemy shipping sinking several ships. Over 75 vessels of the Ormoc Attack Group came under constant and intense kamikaze attack. The destroyers Ward and Mahan were lost in the engagement with several other ships badly damaged. The Battle of Ormoc Bay was the only naval engagement during the war where the enemy brought every type of weapon to bear against the Allies.

The Battle of Ormoc Bay brought terrible destruction and incalculable loss of life. Countless individuals risked their lives to free a nation with thousands making the ultimate sacrifice. Before being able to celebrate the liberation of the Philippines, many Filipinos bravely fought for freedom and suffered tremendous loss throughout the war.

Madam Speaker, we are once again honored to remember all those who sacrificed in the liberation of the Philippines. Their dedication paved the way to victory in the Pacific and provides us an example to which we all strive to live up to. I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing these outstanding heroes.

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