In early 1945, the Pacific theatre of World War II was seeing significant developments, with Allied forces planning major offensives to liberate occupied territories from Japanese control. Among the most pressing issues were the internment camps where prisoners, including American civilians, were held under harsh conditions. The Los Baños internment camp, located near Manila in the Philippines, housed 2,147 captives who faced the threat of execution as Japanese forces retreated. To address this dire situation, the United States' 11th Airborne Division planned a daring rescue operation.

On the morning of February 23, 1945, the 11th Airborne Division, in coordination with Filipino guerrilla fighters, carried out an aerial assault to liberate the camp. The operation commenced with parachute drops just before dawn, allowing troops to secure the perimeter rapidly. Guerrilla forces played a crucial role, providing local intelligence and support. The 11th Airborne successfully overcame Japanese defenders and reached the prisoners, ensuring their safety. In addition to liberating the captives, the operation highlighted the strategic cooperation between American forces and local Filipino fighters.

The successful rescue operation not only freed the prisoners but also demonstrated the effectiveness of airborne assaults in warfare. This mission showed how well-planned operations could yield testiment to the ingenuity and bravery of military forces in desperate situations, earning commendations from military leaders. In the wake of the liberation, the stories of the freed internments brought attention to the experiences of civilian internees during the war, leading to broader discussions about the treatment of prisoners in conflicts.