The US Navy's 1944 Philippines raids were the first time naval aircraft had challenged and beaten a land-based air force. With artwork and rare photos, this is the first book to study them.

INTRODUCTION
- Japan's shrinking defensive barrier
- Choosing the best route to Japan
CHRONOLOGY
ATTACKER'S CAPABILITIES
- The Fast Carrier Task Force
- Commanders
- Aircraft
- Targets and tactics
- Carriers and air groups
DEFENDER'S CAPABILITIES
- The Japanese in the Philippines
- Air units and commanders
- Aircraft and weapons
- Targets and tactics
- Air crews
CAMPAIGN OBJECTIVES
- First steps in the Philippines
- American plans and objectives
-Japanese plans and objectives
THE CAMPAIGN
- The carriers move in
- Preliminary actions, August 28 to September 8, 1944
- The strikes on Mindanao, September 9-10, 1944
- The strikes on the Visayas, September 12-14, 1944
- The strikes on Luzon, September 21-22, 1944
- The second strike on the Visayas, September 24, 1944
ANALYSIS AND CONCLUSION
FURTHER READING
INDEX