SECRETINFORMATION BULLETIN NO. 22BATTLE EXPERIENCE
BATTLE FOR LEYTE GULF
(A) BATTLE OF SURIGAO STRAIT (B) BATTLE OFF SAMAR (C) BATTLE OFF CAPE ENGANO
(EAST OF LUZON)23-27 OCTOBER 1944
CAUTION
THIS BULLETIN AND THE INFORMATION CONTAINED
HEREIN MUST NOT FALL INTO THE HANDS OF THE ENEMY
UNITED STATES FLEET
HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF
UNITED STATES FLEET
HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF
NAVY DEPARTMENT
WASHINGTON 25, D.C.1 March 1945
SECRETThese bulletins on "Battle Experience" are issued for the general information of officers.
They are planned to promulgate reliable information concerning actual war experience. Any adverse comment made, is not intended to reflect criticism on any individual but to assist officers in appreciating the best line of action in many circumstances.
It is inevitable that there would be considerable delay if complete analysis were made before issue to the Fleet. Comments that are made in these bulletins represent those expressions of opinion from responsible sources that were available at the time the particular operation under discussion was completed.
Studies are continuing to the end that divergent views may be reconciled and complete analysis made.
Encounters with the enemy discussed in these bulletins, are generally presented in their chronological order. it will be apparent that "lessons learned" during the earlier part of the war were put to good advantage in subsequent engagements.
Air combat actions, antisubmarine experiences, submarine patrol experiences, amphibious operations and technical gunnery experiences are not specifically covered in this bulletin.
Material contained in these bulletins was drawn largely from war diaries, and battle reports of various commanders and ships.
These bulletins are
SECRETand shall be safeguarded in accordance with the provisions of Article 76, U.S. Navy Regulations, 1920. They should be widely circulated among commissioned personnel.When no longer required they shall be destroyed by burning. No report of destruction need be submitted.
Transmission by registered Guard Mail or U.S. registered mail is authorized in accordance with Article 76 (15) (e) and (f), U.S. Navy Regulations.
C.M. COOKE, Jr.,
Chief of Staff.
CHAPTER 78
TABLE OF CONTENTS
List of Effective Pages
Page Promulgating Letter I Table of Contents III, IV, V inclusive List of Effective Pages VI Chapter 78 1 to 45 inclusive Photographic Section I Ia to Id inclusive Photographic Section II IIa to IIf inclusive Photographic Section III IIIa to IIIj inclusive Photographic Section IV IVa to IVd inclusive Photographic Section V Va to Vf inclusive Photographic Section VI VIa to VInn inclusive Photographic Section VII VIIa to VIIIt inclusive Photographic Section VIII VIIIa to VIIIn inclusive Chapter 78 47 to 125 inclusive Blank pages: II, 46, Ib, IIb, IIf, IIIb, IVb, IVd, Vb, Vf, VIb, VInn, VIIb VIIt, VIIIb.