The Battle of Bataan was a significant military engagement during World War II, taking place from January 7 to April 9, 1942, in the Philippines. It involved the forces of the United States and the Philippines defending against the advancing Japanese army. The battle was marked by fierce fighting and harsh conditions, ultimately leading to the surrender of American and Filipino troops. Following the battle, the captured soldiers were forced to march in the Bataan Death March, a grueling trek of about 65 miles to prison camps. This event highlighted the severe treatment of prisoners and became a symbol of the struggles faced during the war in the Pacific.