[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 93 (Friday, May 27, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E557-E558]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 RECOGNITION OF THE BATTLE OF ORMOC BAY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELAINE G. LURIA

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 27, 2022

  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,

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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.

                          ____________________