Japanese Paratroopers on Leyte: Operations TE-GO and WA-GO

By John Pezzola

After the United States military occupied eastern Leyte, Philippines, in October 1944, the Imperial Japanese Army considered it essential to drive the U.S. forces off the island. The Japanese 14th Army Headquarters, led by General Tomoyuki Yamashita, ordered a counterattack. The counterattacks would come both in the form of a land invasion and an airborne element. The paratroopers would be tasked with capturing several key airfields. The focus will be on three separate airborne operations on Leyte, as well as the equipment and tactics utilized by the Japanese airborne forces. [1]

Holding the Philippines was vital for Japan for several reasons. It served as a significant sea route and gateway to Southeast Asia, leading to the resource-rich Dutch East Indies. Control of oil supplies in the Dutch East Indies and French Indochina was crucial, and the Philippines provided a strategic location to secure these resources. Furthermore, by maintaining control over the Philippines, Japan sought to undermine American morale and prestige and to enable further military operations by establishing critical bases. [2]

Following the landing of U.S. Army forces in eastern Leyte, Japan formulated a plan to evict American military forces from the island. By October 25, 1944, the Imperial Japanese Army’s (IJA) 14th Army, under General Yamashita, had devised a plan for a counterattack involving a combined land and airborne operation. The airborne drop, designated as Operation TE, aimed to seize several airfields, including Buri, Bayung, and San Pablo. Meanwhile, the ground offensive, Operation WA, would be conducted by the 35th Army, along with elements of the 26th and 16th Infantry Divisions, from the hills to the west. [3]

The parachute operation would be carried out by the Japanese Army’s 2nd Raiding Brigade, which included the 3rd Raiding Regiment (3rd Parachute Regiment), commanded by Major Tsuneharu Shirai, and was supported by the 4th Raiding Regiment (4th Parachute Regiment), led by Major Chisaku Saida. On October 30, 1944, at Sasebo, Japan, the 3rd Raiding Regiment was preparing to deploy aboard the Junyo, a Japanese Hiyo-class aircraft carrier that was heading for Manila and finally arrived on November 11, 1944. On the same day, the Headquarters element of the 2nd Raiding Brigade arrived in Luzon, Philippines. By early December 1944, the entire 2nd Raiding Regiment had arrived and assembled at Clark on Luzon. The transports for the parachute detachments remained on the island of Formosa (now Taiwan) to conceal their presence and to avoid allied airstrikes. [4]

The 2nd Raiding Brigade, also known as the Takachiho Paratroopers, was an airborne unit of the Imperial Japanese Army Air Service (IJAAS). Before the Second World War, the Imperial Japanese Army began to explore the formation of an airborne unit to conduct operations behind enemy lines and capture islands. Inspired by the success of the German airborne troops, known as the Fallschrimjäger, the Japanese increased their paratrooper numbers throughout 1940 and 1941.[5]

In addition to the Imperial Japanese Army Paratroopers, the Imperial Navy also maintained its own contingent of paratroopers, which were part of the Special Naval Landing Force. The 2nd Raiding Brigade was established in 1941 as part of the Teishin Shudan (Raiding Group) and was trained in Takachiho, Miyazaki, located on the island of Kyushu. [6] The brigade was organized into the 1st and 2nd regiments, each comprising approximately 700 personnel. Beyond the parachute infantry, the brigade included various support elements such as logistics, medical units, and pilots. The headquarters component featured a flying brigade, a reconnaissance brigade, a machine cannon unit, two glider infantry regiments, an engineer unit, and a raiding signal unit, totaling approximately 5,575 officers and men. The paratroopers, like their American counterparts, carried reserve parachutes. [7]

Equipment of the Japanese Paratroops

Army paratroopers wore dark green, two-piece cotton canvas jumpsuits reinforced with numerous cargo pockets designed to hold rations, first aid supplies, and signal gear. The Naval Special Landing Force paratroopers also utilized similar garments. They were issued the Type 90 infantry helmet, which featured a shortened brim and a specially developed chin strap. Additionally, they could wear a padded canvas jump helmet.[8]

In terms of parachutes, the Japanese Army used both the Type 1 and Type 3 backpack chutes, while the naval forces opted for a chute that resembled the German model. Paratroopers were equipped with specialized jump daggers, primarily used for cutting away parachute shrouds once they landed. Regarding weaponry, the paratroopers were armed with a modified take-down version of the Type 99 bolt-action infantry rifle.[9] This rifle's barrel and receiver could be separated using interrupted threads and a locking wedge, allowing it to fit into a leg or chest bag. Additionally, although issued in limited quantities, the Type 100 submachine gun, which featured a folding stock specifically designed for airborne forces, was also available. The Type 14 and Type 94 Nambu 9mm pistols were standard-issue, and there was a variety of support weapons, including machine guns, light mortars, bicycles parachuted in supply canisters, and hand grenades.[10]

Operation TE-GO and WA-GO: The Airborne Assault

Operation Te-Go was the official Japanese Army paratrooper assault aimed at targeting U.S. airfields in eastern Leyte. This operation was a combined arms effort, where the airborne unit would deploy in coordination with the Japanese Army land force, codenamed WA, which was tasked with conducting an infiltration through western Leyte.[11] Initially scheduled for December 5, 1944, the operation was delayed until the evening of the following day. At around 6:30 a.m. on December 6, 1944, the Japanese Army’s 16th Division launched its attack. Unfortunately, the airborne drop was delayed. It wasn't until late in the afternoon that Major Tsuneharu Shira and four hundred and nine paratroopers were loaded onto Ki-57 Topsy and Ki-49 Helen transport aircraft at Del Carmen and Angeles South Airfields on Luzon.[12]

A journalist and cameraman from Nippon News documented the entire operation, capturing moments from mission planning and preparations to the takeoff of the aircraft carrying the paratroopers. The transports maneuvered to the southeast, making their way over Bacolod Airfield on Negros Island, where they rendezvoused with fighter planes and light bombers. The aircraft then turned eastward as they headed towards Leyte. It was around 6:00 p.m., and the weather was clear when the Japanese transports approached eastern Leyte from the west. The light bombers circled above as they began their diversionary maneuvers and started to drop their payloads, while the fighters continued to provide cover for the transports.[13]

On the day of the operation, the weather was mostly clear, and there were two flights of transports that moved in a slow “V” formation at an altitude of 700 feet as they flew over San Pablo Airfield and Buri Airfield as well. Paratroopers began to exit the aircraft as they were over their designated targets. The first detachment parachuted over the Divisional Headquarters, while the majority found themselves scattered and even entangled amongst the trees.[14] Some were unfortunate as they found themselves jumping with failed parachutes and falling to their deaths. However, there were around 300 paratroopers from the Katori Shimpei Force who reached the ground and began their assault. Americans like Henry J. Muller Jr. stated...

“At first it sounded like a swarm of bees in the distance. Then it became clear. No one could mistake the drone for a formation of troop carrier aircraft. Someone shouted, “Transports!” “Japs!” “Paratrooper!” The division staff dashed out of the mess tent, looking skyward. By now, a dozen parachutes had opened above us, and everyone began firing at them. I even emptied two clips from my .45 at the nearest parachutist.” [15]

On December 7, 1944, Japanese paratroopers launched a surprise attack on American forces, landing amidst a large number of non-combatants. Unfortunately for the attackers, there was considerable confusion among the paratroopers themselves. Many were killed before they could establish effective fighting positions. During this chaos, the Japanese engaged in combat with the members of the 127th Engineers, the Headquarters Battery of the Divisional Artillery, and a Signal Company. Some paratroopers managed to cause damage to the airfields by destroying aircraft, igniting a supply dump, and damaging parts of the camp.[16]

To counter the Japanese parachute assault, the U.S. Army's 674th Parachute Field Artillery Battalion was rapidly deployed to the airstrip. They were ordered to leave their field guns at Bito Beach and instead operate as infantry. Colonel Hosak led his infantrymen from the 647th Artillery Battalion and arrived at dawn on December 7, just as the Japanese paratroopers were launching their attack. The troops formed a perimeter around the airstrip and put up strong resistance against the engineers. The 647th made their way across the airstrip and took positions in a coconut grove about seven hundred yards north of the airstrip, where they began to dig in for the night. [17]

The following day, December 8, 1944, Colonel Hilderbrand and the 1st Battalion of the 187th arrived to assist in clearing the airfield. However, the Japanese assault was largely disorganized and began to fall apart. Meanwhile, the Japanese ground operation, codenamed WA-Go, commenced on December 6, 1944, at 6:30 a.m. Elements of the Japanese 16th Infantry Division advanced out of the hills from the west and crossed the road linking Burauen to Dagami in a north-to-south direction. The division aimed to attack the western part of Buri Airfield in coordination with the airborne assault. The 44th Station Hospital was defended by elements of the 187th Glider Infantry under the command of Lieutenant John G. Hurster, who had about forty men with him, mostly cooks, drivers, and supply personnel. Despite their limited force, Hurster successfully prevented the Japanese from breaching their perimeter.[18] The next morning, patrols were sent into the rice paddies to eliminate any remaining Japanese paratroopers. On the evening of December 7, 1944, elements of the Japanese 16th Division launched an attack but were repulsed, suffering heavy losses. A subsequent attack came from a swamp to the northwest of Buri Airfield on the same day, which inflicted significant casualties on American troops stationed there. [19]

A reinforced element of the 1st Battalion of the 187th encountered part of the Japanese force that had attacked earlier and engaged them at Brauen Heights, inflicting heavy casualties in return. The 187th then turned its attention to the northern edge of Buri Airfield to remove the Japanese forces positioned there. The 1st Battalion was responsible for clearing Burauen Airfield, while the 2nd Battalion of the 187th came in to relieve parts of the division to the north of Anonang, effectively containing enemy concentrations. [20] A decision was made to cut the Japanese supply route west of Mahonag at Anas, which was a deserted village. This move would sever the Japanese forces advancing from the mountains from their crucial supply line. By the evening of the 26th, American artillery, along with mortars, targeted the Japanese supply line. By December 27, 1944, the Second Battalion of the 187th stormed what was called Purple Heart Hill and held it. [21]

The remaining Japanese troops fled to the north and west. However, those who decided to move to the north ran into the elements of the 1st Battalion of the 187th. Upon reaching the Purple Heart Hill area, a gruesome sight was bestowed upon the members of the 187th Glider Infantry. Two hundred and thirty-eight Japanese bodies were discovered. Body parts littered the ground and even hung from the trees above. It was apparent that the ground portion of the operation had met with failure. Both the airborne and ground assaults met with failure and had to be aborted. In essence, the operation met with disaster despite there being some initial gains.[22]

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Notes

1. [1]. https://pacificwrecks.com/airfield/philippines/san_pablo/12-06-44/index.html. Retrieved on 11/13/25.
2. [2]. Chun, Clayton. Leyte 1944: Return to the Philippines. London: Osprey Publishing, 2015. p. 5 - 8. Paratrooper Kamikazes - Leyte, 1944. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2O5giMK7L9Y. Retrieved: November 13, 2025. Salecker, Gene Eric. Blossoming Silk Against the Rising Sun: U.S. and Japanese Paratroopers at War in the Pacific in WWII. Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania: Stackpole Books, 2010. P. 22 - 24.
3. [3]. Prefer, Nathan N. (2012). Leyte, 1944: The Soldiers' Battle. Havertown, PA: Casemate Publishers. 2012, p.7, 10 - 11. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dt2SXhgI-uY: Japanese Paratroop Operations in WWII - Manado, Palembang. Koepang, Leyte, Burauen and Okinawa. Retrieved: 6/6/26.
4. [4]. Chun, Clayton. Leyte 1944: Return to the Philippines. London: Osprey Publishing, 2015. p. 5 - 8. Paratrooper Kamakazies - Leyte, 1944. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2O5giMK7L9Y. Retrieved: November 13, 2025. Profile of a Japanese Parachute Contingent: The 2nd Raiding Brigade Takachiho Paratroopers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dt2SXhgI-uY: Japanese Paratroop Operations in WWII - Manado, Palembang. Koepang, Leyte, Burauen and Okinawa. Retrieved: 6/6/26.
5. [5]. Rottman, G. and Takizawa, A. Japanese Paratroop Forces of World War II. London: Osprey Publishing, 2006. p. 6-7. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dt2SXhgI-uY: Japanese Paratroop Operations in WWII - Manado, Palembang. Koepang, Leyte, Burauen and Okinawa. Retrieved: 6/6/26.
6. [6]. Rottman, G. and Takizawa, A. Japanese Paratroop Forces of World War II. London: Osprey Publishing, 2006. p. 6-7. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dt2SXhgI-uY: Japanese Paratroop Operations in WWII - Manado, Palembang. Koepang, Leyte, Burauen and Okinawa. Retrieved: 6/6/26.
7. [7]. Rottman, G. and Takizawa, A. Japanese Paratroop Forces of World War II. London: Osprey Publishing, 2006. p. 6-7.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dt2SXhgI-uY: Japanese Paratroop Operations in WWII - Manado, Palembang. Koepang, Leyte, Burauen and Okinawa. Retrieved: 6/6/26.
8. [8]. Rottman, G. and Takizawa, A. Japanese Paratroop Forces of World War II. London: Osprey Publishing, 2006. p. 6-7.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dt2SXhgI-uY: Japanese Paratroop Operations in WWII - Manado, Palembang. Koepang, Leyte, Burauen and Okinawa. Retrieved: 6/6/26.
9. [9]. Rottman, G. and Takizawa, A. Japanese Paratroop Forces of World War II. London: Osprey Publishing, 2006. p. 6-7.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dt2SXhgI-uY: Japanese Paratroop Operations in WWII - Manado, Palembang. Koepang, Leyte, Burauen and Okinawa. Retrieved: 6/6/26.
10. [10]. Rottman, G. and Takizawa, A. Japanese Paratroop Forces of World War II. London: Osprey Publishing, 2006. p. 6-7.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dt2SXhgI-uY: Japanese Paratroop Operations in WWII - Manado, Palembang. Koepang, Leyte, Burauen and Okinawa. Retrieved: 6/6/26.
11. [11]. Odrowski, James R. The Battle of Buffalo Wallow: The Japanese Attack on the 44th General Hospital in World War II - Leyte, Philippines December 1944. Lenexa, Kansas: Seven Cedars Press, 2020. p. 87 - 90.)(https://pacificwrecks.com/airfield/philippines/san_pablo/12-06-44/index.html. Retrieved on 11/13/25.
12. [12]. https://pacificwrecks.com/airfield/philippines/san_pablo/12-06-44/index.html. Retrieved on 11/13/25.
13. [13]. https://pacificwrecks.com/airfield/philippines/san_pablo/12-06-44/index.html. Retrieved on 11/13/25.
14. [14]. https://pacificwrecks.com/airfield/philippines/san_pablo/12-06-44/index.html. Retrieved on 11/13/25.
15. [15]. https://pacificwrecks.com/airfield/philippines/san_pablo/12-06-44/index.html. Retrieved on 11/13/25. Chun, Clayton. Leyte 1944: Return to the Philippines. London: Osprey Publishing, 2022. p. 78 - 83.
16. [16]. Odrowski, James R. The Battle of Buffalo Wallow: The Japanese Attack on the 44th General Hospital in World War II - Leyte, Philippines December 1944. Lenexa, Kansas: Seven Cedars Press, 2020. p. 87 - 90.
17. [17]. Odrowski, James R. The Battle of Buffalo Wallow: The Japanese Attack on the 44th General Hospital in World War II - Leyte, Philippines December 1944. Lenexa, Kansas: Seven Cedars Press, 2020. p. 87 - 90. Chun, Clayton. Leyte 1944: Return to the Philippines. London: Osprey Publishing, 2022. p. 78 - 83.
18. [18]. Odrowski, James R. The Battle of Buffalo Wallow: The Japanese Attack on the 44th General Hospital in World War II - Leyte, Philippines December 1944. Lenexa, Kansas: Seven Cedars Press, 2020. p. 87 - 90. (https://pacificwrecks.com/airfield/philippines/san_pablo/12-06-44/index.html. Retrieved on 11/13/25. Chun, Clayton. Leyte 1944: Return to the Philippines. London: Osprey Publishing, 2022. p. 78 - 83.
19. [19]. https://pacificwrecks.com/airfield/philippines/san_pablo/12-06-44/index.html. Retrieved on 11/13/25.
20. [20]. https://pacificwrecks.com/airfield/philippines/san_pablo/12-06-44/index.html. Retrieved on 11/13/25.
21. [21]. Chun, Clayton. Leyte 1944: Return to the Philippines. London: Osprey Publishing, 2022. p. 78 - 83.
22. [22]. https://pacificwrecks.com/airfield/philippines/san_pablo/12-06-44/index.html. Retrieved on 11/13/25.

© 2026 John Pezzola

John Pezzola is a veteran of the United States Army. He currently teaches 7th-grade U.S. History and is an Assistant Professor of Military History at American Military University.

* Views expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily represent those of MilitaryHistoryOnline.com.