Japanese invasion of Legazpi

Japanese invasion of Legazpi
Part of Philippines campaign (1941–1942), Pacific War
A map of Luzon Island showing Japanese landings and advances from 8 December 1941 to 8 January 1942
Date 12 December 1941 Location Legazpi, Philippines Result Japanese victory
Belligerents
Japan	United States  Philippines

The Japanese Invasion of Legazpi (Filipino: Paglusob ng mga Hapones sa Legazpi) on 12 December 1941 was one in a series of advance landings made by Imperial Japanese forces as first step in their invasion of the Philippines. The purpose was to obtain control of local air strips, which could be used as forward bases by fighter aircraft for operations in central Luzon. Control of Legazpi was an important point in the Japanese strategy, as it would also give them control of San Bernardino Strait, between the islands Luzon and Samar, which would prevent the Americans from bringing in reinforcements from the south. The first invasion was at Batan Island on 8 December 1941. This was followed by Vigan, Aparri, Legazpi, Davao, and Jolo Island over the next few days^[1]