Which statement about the Battle of Leyte Gulf is NOT true?

• A. It occurred during October 1944
• B. Third Fleet supported General MacArthur's invasion
• C. It involved a major carrier battle
• D. It marked the end of the Pacific War

Answer: (B)

The Battle of Leyte Gulf tested how air power and surface forces coordinate to support a large-scale amphibious campaign. The invasion of Leyte was carried out by the Seventh Fleet’s amphibious groups under the overall command accompanying MacArthur’s return to the Philippines. While the Third Fleet did provide carrier-based air power in the theater, its primary role during Leyte Gulf was to contest and strike at Japanese carrier forces rather than to directly support the amphibious assault itself. In other words, the Third Fleet’s actions were crucial to the carrier battles that unfolded, but the landing and immediate onshore support came from other forces, not the Third Fleet. The operation did occur in October 1944, it did involve a major carrier battle, and it did not mark the end of the Pacific War.