Manila, Philippines. (February 28, 2025): It became known as the “Stalingrad of Asia” and was the single worst urban battle ever fought by American forces. In this photo by Navy Chief Petty Officer Shannon M. Smith, American and Filipino veterans salute alongside military and civilian leaders during an event marking the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Manila. The month-long battle to liberate the city from the Japanese resulted in the death of at least 100,000 civilians and the complete devastation of this culturally important city.

The irony is much the death and destruction could have been avoided had a single Japanese commander followed orders.

After three years of Japanese occupation, Manila was largely untouched due to its rich cultural heritage dating to the Spanish colonial era. The city was famous for its ornate churches, treasured art, and mid-century architecture. Recognizing this, the commander in chief of the Japanese Army in the Philippines ordered his forces to withdraw and not attempt to defend the city.

But one commander, from a naval unit, ignored these orders and chose to fight to the death. Fortifications were organized among the centuries old buildings as U.S. forces landed on Luzon on January 9, 1945. Once the city was surrounded, General MacArthur imposed sharp limits on the use of aerial bombing. The General wanted to protect priceless monuments, but had to quickly abandon them once the intensity of the Japanese resistance became clear. Before they were defeated, the Japanese committed horrific atrocities against Filipino civilians, massacring thousands. In the end, the battle to save Manila cost over six thousand U.S. casualties and nearly a quarter million Filipino civilians. It is estimated that sixteen thousand Japanese were killed in action.

For Filipino veterans, the Battle for Manila and all of its horrors will never be forgotten.