Day-by-Day Timeline of Events
Wednesday, December 10th, 1941
Along the north of Luzon - at Aparri, Gonzago and Vigan - two large Japanese Army forces land via amphibious assault.
Friday, December 12th, 1941
The airfields at Laoang and Tuguegarao fall to the Japanese invaders.
Monday, December 22nd, 1941
The Japanese 48th Division lands at Lingayen Bay on Luzon.
Tuesday, December 23rd, 1941
The order is given by American General Douglas MacArthur to retreat from Luzon and take up positions on the Bataan Peninsula.
Tuesday, December 23rd, 1941
MacArthur's forces are cut-off from further retreat by a Japanese Army force advancing from the south.
Thursday, December 25th, 1941
The Japanese 48th Division makes substantial progress against American forces, working their way towards the capital city of Manila.
Saturday, December 27th, 1941
The Philippine capital city of Manila eventually falls to the invading Japanese Army.
Friday, January 9th, 1942
The Japanese begin their offensive against the dug-in American forces on the Bataan Peninsula.
Friday, January 23rd, 1942
The American defensive lines finally break.
Tuesday, May 5th, 1942
The Japanese enact an offensive to take Corregidor Island, a strategic point providing access to Manila Bay.
Wednesday, May 6th, 1942
Corregidor Island falls to the Japanese, giving the invaders control over Manila Bay.
Thursday, July 12th, 1945
The Allies conduct an amphibious landing at Sarangini Bay in a step towards removing the Japanese defenders at Mindanao.
Thursday, July 26th, 1945
Japanese defenders on Mindanao in the Philippines are defeated.