1942 culmination of the Japanese invasion of the Philippines during World War II
The Battle of Corregidor on 5–6 May 1942 completed Japan's conquest of the Philippines, denying the U.S. use of Manila Bay.
Key Facts
- Battle dates
- 5–6 May 1942
- Fall of Bataan
- 9 April 1942
- Japanese commander
- Lt. Gen. Masaharu Homma
- Japanese force
- Fourteenth Area Army
- Island recaptured by U.S.
- 1945
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The fall of Bataan on 9 April 1942 eliminated organized American resistance on Luzon, leaving Corregidor as the last major obstacle to Japanese control of the Philippines. Lieutenant General Masaharu Homma required the island's capture because American possession of Corregidor blocked Japanese access to Manila Bay and its strategically vital harbor.
On 5–6 May 1942, Japanese forces of the Fourteenth Area Army assaulted Corregidor, a heavily fortified island guarding Manila Bay equipped with extensive tunnel networks and defensive armaments. The assault brought the battle to a swift conclusion, forcing the surrender of the remaining American and Filipino defenders and completing Japan's campaign for the Philippines.
The fall of Corregidor gave Japan full control of Manila Bay and completed the conquest of the Philippine Commonwealth. American forces would not reclaim the island until 1945, and the defeat marked one of the most significant Allied losses in the Pacific theater during the early stages of World War II.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Side B
1 belligerent
Masaharu Homma.