Quezon dies in New York, of tuberculosis. MacArthur redeems promise to return after victorious Battle of Leyte Gulf, considered the greatest naval battle in world history. 1945 February 3. MacArthur forces enter Manila and battle Japanese forces in street fighting that rages for three weeks. The Philippines becomes founding member of the United Nations.
Japan surrenders to the United States, ending war in Pacific.
General Tomoyuki Yamashita comes down from his mountain in the Cordilleras and signs document of surrender of Japanese forces in the Philippines. 1946 February 26. Yamashita is hanged in Los Ba os, Laguna, for war crimes. Manuel A. Roxas becomes first president of 3rd Philippine Republic. Philippine independence from United States is proclaimed.