The Battle of Leyte Gulf, Part 6: The Battle of Cape Engaño

On October 25, 1944, the American forces tracked down IJN Zuikaku, the last of the six Japanese carriers that had attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. With that, a new battle within the larger Battle of Leyte Gulf would begin. In part 6 of our video series, learn all about the Battle of Cape Engaño.

This 11-part video series explores the Battle of Leyte Gulf in-depth, using accounts from veterans who fought that battle. Many of the veterans who fought at Leyte Gulf have since passed on, but before they died, they left behind vivid accounts of their experiences. In this video series, voice actors read aloud their words to bring their experiences back to life. From them, we can learn what it was like to have witnessed one of the largest naval battles in world history.

All videos are researched, written, and produced by staff and volunteers at the Hampton Roads Naval Museum.

[BuzzSargent]

The words of the pilot flying through the superstructure of the Japanese ship were spell-bounding for me. Imagine the thoughts of the Officers on the Bridge in their Whites looking out to see an American plane going by their window. We had some wonderful men at that time doing their best.

[jameshunter]

Meanwhile back at the ranch off the Leyte shore, Taffy 3, having been deserted by this wild expedition suffered an attack by Adm Kurita’s center force. Only a magnificent last stand by the tin can sailors led by the USS Johnston and her resolute crew and officers saved the day from Kurita tearing to pieces the landing parties. A miraculous and courageous defense that saved the day, but cost the lives of most of the crew from these small ships. Yes, Halsey achieved vengence for Pearl Harbor but in doing so almost cost the entire operation to go down in defeat.

[kewlshopper]

It was like the Admiral was focused on the Zuikaku like his great white whale. No matter the decision to go north the part I think was unforgivable was not sending a message to any one the the task force was going after the aircraft carriers.

[jollyjohnthepirate]

Where repeat Where is Task Force 38? The world wonders.

[antoniocarrascosa]

El documental omite que esa fuerza japonesa tenía como único objetivo ser un cebo para las tasks force americanas, lo que cumplió a la perfección...halsey se precipitó y envió casi todas sus fuerzas al NE en su búsqueda....los portaaviones casi no disponían de cobertura aérea.... por eso les fue bien fácil a los pilotos americanos hundir los barcos....si el inútil de kurita hubiera aprovechado la oportunidad y seguido hacia golfo de Leyte, hubiera arrasado con su fuerza a la flota americana que permanecía en el mar de Samar...e incluso a los buques de desembarco