Today, on March 3, 1945 (Philippines):
After one month of fighting; the United States and members from the Commonwealth of the Philippines were victorious against the Japanese and Second Philippine Republic forces. This ended Japanese rule in the Philippines and re-established Manila as a Democracy in Asia.
“American lives were understandably far more valuable than historic landmarks.”
However, there was a great cost. American forces chose not to use infantry, but bombardment and artillery to defeat the Japanese. The old buildings, underground areas, Fort Santiago, and other areas within the city walls provided excellent cover.–as they were created from reinforced concrete.
On this day we remember the estimated 100,000 Filipinos, 16,000 Japanese forces, and 1,000 Americans that died as a result of this conflict.
Read more @ http://1.usa.gov/1cm6YZU (Chapter 16, p291)
(US Army Signal Corp photo)
Blue-eyed Ronin 
It’s just sad to think that after three years of being in one piece (Open City) the city had to crumble on the eve of peacetime
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If I remember correctly, the Americans blame the Japanese for using it as a stronghold, while the Japanese blame the Americans for just blowing it up.
In another article, the only other city that was more devastated, was Warsaw…(from a state that was liberated, not Axis/Allies)
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