Crusade in the Pacific examines the effort to retake the Philippines. After the initial Japanese invasion, the U.S. army is forced to surrender at Corregidor. After two years of occupation, the United States returns to retake the islands. They first attack the island of Leyte and secure the beachhead. Japanese naval forces attempt a counter-attack, but they are defeated in the battle of Leyte Gulf. The Allies secure Leyte before moving on to Mindoro and main island Luzon. On Luzon, the Americans are greeted as liberators. Eventually, they take the capital of Manila.