The liberation of Manila was a significant military operation during World War II, culminating in the defeat of Japanese forces in the Philippines. After enduring three years of occupation that began in 1942, Manila had suffered extensive damage, particularly in its urban areas. The campaign to reclaim the city began in early February 1945, following the successful landings of American forces on the island of Luzon. Combined with Filipino guerrilla units, the American troops launched an offensive to retake Manila, employing various tactics including direct assaults and aerial bombardments to dislodge entrenched Japanese forces. Key neighborhoods, including the historic Intramuros district, became battlegrounds as soldiers faced fierce resistance. Despite the harrowing conditions, the combined forces slowly advanced. The Battle of Manila lasted from February 3 to March 3, 1945, and it resulted in significant casualties and destruction. Estimates suggest that tens of thousands of civilians lost their lives during the intense fighting, and many structures, including homes, churches, and schools, were destroyed. The brutal nature of the urban combat marked this liberation as one of the most devastating conflicts in the Pacific theater of WWII. The victory not only symbolized the end of Japanese rule in the Philippines but also revitalized Filipino aspirations for national sovereignty and independence from colonial powers.