S3 Series

S3 #123 I Have Returned (IHR)

Frame 1 Oct 20, 1944
Allied Briefing:

Gentlemen, it is time to end this damn war! We must sever Japan’s supply lines to the East Indies in order to attack Formosa (Thailand) and the east China Coast.
These areas will provide bases for an attack on the Japanese home islands.

Several in the American High Command have shown significant resistance to an invasion of the Philippines, instead advocating the bypassing of islands and attacking Formosa and the east China coast directly.
However, eager to make good on a promise he made after the Japanese invasion of the Philippines, “I shall return”, Gen Douglas MacAuthur has been pressing for the conquest of the entire Philippines.

It looks like MacAuthur’s persistence has prevailed.

In September, Admiral Marc Mitschner’s fast carrier task force began launching attacks against Japanese positions in the Philippines. During the bombing raids, Mitscher’s planes conducted photographic reconnaissance of the area around Leyte and Samar. The recon has revealed an unexpected weakness in the Japanese defense of the islands.

Joint Chiefs of Staff acting with the necessary haste have moved to capitalize on the situation.
The assault on Leyte is on.

MacArthur has been given overall command of the operation.
7th fleet commanded by Vice Adm. Kinkaid, will advance from the East. Our airmen will provide cover for the fleet and the landing craft.


Fleet Admiral “Bull” Halsey’s 3rd Fleet Task forces have given chase to enemy Carriers to the North leaving us to fend for ourselves.

A Japanese task force has been spotted steaming our way from the South West. We will need to dispense of these ships if they become a threat to the 7th Fleet.

Mission Objectives.
Support the landings by:
Defend our Fleet from air and sea attack.
Defend our landing craft.
Japanese air forces have pulled back but ground personnel and supplies remain at 17, 68 and 2.
Close SAF 17
Destroy Radar, hangers (4) ammo (2) Fuel (2) at MAF 68
Destroy Radar, Hangers (3) Fuel (3) ammo (4) at LAF 2

allied planning map