In October 1944, the Japanese high command assembled a fleet of seven battleships, six aircraft carriers, nineteen light and heavy cruisers, and a host of destroyers. They split their forces into four commands and set out to surprise and annihilate the American naval forces at Leyte Gulf. How a would-be American defeat turned slowly but inexorably into a full-fledged Japanese disaster is the subject of this work. -- From the book jacket.

The first striking force -- The Seventh Fleet -- The northern force -- The Third Fleet -- The third force -- The landings -- The first threat -- Halsey’s decision -- Attack! -- Battle of the Sibuyan Sea -- The northern force -- Discovery and decision -- In Leyte Gulf -- The Battle of Surigao Strait : Part I -- The Battle of Surigao Strait : Part II -- The Battle of San Bernardino Strait : Part I -- The Battle of San Bernardino Strait : Part II -- The Battle of San Bernardino Strait : Part III --The lost chance -- The battle off Cape Engano -- Mopping up from Leyte.