The Battle of Leyte was a significant World War II conflict that took place from October 20 to December 31, 1944, in the waters surrounding the island of Leyte in the Philippines. It marked the first major Allied invasion of the Philippines, aimed at liberating the islands from Japanese occupation. The battle involved large naval forces and was one of the largest naval engagements in history. The battle consisted of several key operations, including the Leyte Gulf engagement, where the United States Navy faced off against the Imperial Japanese Navy. The successful Allied campaign led to the recapture of the Philippines and was a crucial step in the broader strategy to defeat Japan in the Pacific Theater.