What is sad is that even in the middle of WWII, the Navy/Mc was out to exalt themselves at the expense of the other services and the men. They wanted to ignore the thousands of American prisoners starving to death and being tortured by the Japanese and land at Formosa (Taiwan) because it was in their area of responsibility.
Fortunately General MacArthur reminded the President, FDR that this was dishonorable and un-American as well as leaving a huge land mass strongpoint which the Japanese could launch strikes against our supply lines. We would strike next at the Philipines, and return as we promised the world and the dying men from Bataan, many of which were Navy/Mc personnel.
Lightning assaults and rapid inland movements to include parachute assaults to take corregidor and rescue Los Banos prison camp were the hallmark of the campaign. Later on, bitter street fighting retook the capital city using tank/infantry teams. A lesson we need to remember today when fighting in urban areas.
