In early April 1942, the Japanese Imperial Army commenced a determined assault on U.S. and Filipino troops on the Bataan Peninsula. This attack was part of a broader campaign aimed at conquering the Philippines following Japan's surprise attack on Pearl Harbor and subsequent military successes in the Pacific Theater. The Bataan Peninsula, located on the main island of Luzon, represented a crucial American defensive position against the advancing Japanese forces. The combined American and Filipino troops were already reeling from months of relentless attacks and dwindling supplies, having been forced to retreat to the peninsula in January 1942.

Under the command of General Douglas MacArthur initially, the defense was later governed by Major General Edward P. King Jr. The battle saw brutal conditions, with defenders suffering from malnutrition, disease, and fatigue. Despite these hardships, troops put up a staunch resistance as the Japanese launched a multi-pronged offense designed to encircle and annihilate the defenders. The assault included heavy artillery bombardments and infantry charges, showcasing the determination of the Imperial forces. Over several days, as the situation on Bataan became increasingly desperate, thousands of soldiers continued to fight valiantly.

As the Japanese pressed their offensive into April, the inevitability of a massive defeat loomed. By April 9, 1942, American and Filipino troops would ultimately surrender, leading to the infamous Bataan Death March, where thousands of troops were forced to march to prison camps under brutal conditions. The Battle of Bataan became emblematic of the fierce resistance against Japanese expansion in the Pacific and illustrated the immense sacrifices made by the U.S. and Filipino armies in their defense of the Philippines.