M. Hamlin Cannon's Leyte: The Return to the Philippines is the official U.S. Army history of one of World War II's most pivotal campaigns. Published in the 1950s as part of the 'Green Book' series, it provides a detailed, ground-level look at the planning and execution of General MacArthur's promised return.

The Story

The book chronicles the American invasion of Leyte island in October 1944. It starts with the strategic decision to bypass other targets and strike at the heart of the Japanese-held Philippines. Cannon walks us through the complex amphibious landings, the fierce fighting in the island's jungles and rice paddies, and the critical airfield battles. While the ground war is the focus, he also sets the stage for the enormous naval battle happening just offshore, where the Japanese fleet made its final major attempt to turn the tide.

Why You Should Read It

What makes this book stand out is its clarity. Cannon avoids getting lost in pure strategy. He uses maps and soldier accounts to show what it was actually like—the mud, the monsoon rains, the confusion of combat. You get a real sense of the scale of the operation and the human effort behind it. It’s a reminder that history is made by countless individual actions, not just by generals moving flags on a map.

Final Verdict

This is a perfect pick for anyone who wants to move beyond the big-picture overviews of WWII. It’s for the reader who asks, 'But how did they actually *do* that?' While it’s a serious historical work, it’s written accessibly. If you enjoy military history, or have a special interest in the Pacific theater, this is an essential and surprisingly engaging deep dive into a campaign that shaped the end of the war.