WW2 Chapter 40 - Capture of Dagami

AP Report, Oct. 30: “Forward units of the 7th division entered Dagami, after battling through fierce Japanese resistance. Leif Erickson, Associated Press war correspondent, said battling yesterday was a mile south of the town where the Japanese had a system of pillboxes.”

The Japanese had established an elaborate system of defenses to the south of the village of Dagami. As the American troops made their way through rice paddies, the enemy delivered intense rifle, machine gun, and mortar fire on the advancing troops.

By November 1, the 7th Division was finally able to capture Dagami. Most of the unit was then dedicated to further securing the area around Dagami and Burauen from the remaining enemy fighters.

By that time, the 7th had accomplished their initial objective of securing the southern portion of Leyte Valley along with its vital network of roads and airfields. Their next objective was to be the recapture of Ormoc Valley on the western side of the island, where the Japanese had concentrated the bulk of their remaining forces.