“Journey To Peace” Liberation of Manila, 1945, panel discussion #3

The Journey to Peace continues with the study of the liberation of Manila, January - March 1945.

Landing on Luzon provided stark confirmation of the brutality which civilians and non-combatants endured during several years of occupation. The war seemed to turn especially brutal and dark in 1945. Manila suffered mightily.

Special guest Panelist is Mr Steve Sombrero, Hawaiian businessman, Hawaii Okinawa United Association (HOUA) honoree, and Chairman Emeritus Japan American Society of Hawaii. Steve is the son of Ernie Sombrero, Philippine Guerilla and Congressional Gold Medal recipient.

Philippine Guerilla forces fought the Japanese courageously for three years providing intelligence to facilitate allied forces.

Colonel (Retired) John Hansen, adjunct Professor of Political Science, and Journey to Peace event coordinator joined Moderator, Karen Knudsen and our returning Panelists Ambassador Jim Moriarty and U.S. Navy Captain (Retired) Carl O. Schuster.

The Panel focused on the following issues and characteristics of the Battle for Leyte:

Preludes to Darkness. Chinese cities and codes of the warrior.

Why invade of Luzon?

Liberation of military and civilian prisoners. What is revealed?

Combat operations in Manila. What is revealed about brutality?

How are allied plans effected by these revelations?