Registration now closed

The Battle of the Philippine Sea (Adults)

REGISTRATION RECOMMENDED

Learn about the June 19-20, 1944, Battle of the Philippine Sea, the biggest aircraft carrier battle in history.

In 1944, the still-powerful Imperial Japanese Navy sought one final "decisive battle," an ultimate encounter that would, once and for all, destroy the ever-expanding U.S. Navy in the Pacific, thus crowning the war – it was hoped - with Japanese victory. That opportunity arose with the June 15, 1944, U.S. invasion of Saipan in the Mariana Islands, only 1500 air miles from the Japanese Home Islands. With most of the U.S. fleet supporting that invasion, the stage was set for the most significant aircraft carrier battle in history: the Battle of the Philippine Sea.

Greig R. Siedor is a retired lawyer with a lifelong interest in military history, especially World War II. He has lectured at the Berkshire Osher Lifelong Learning Institute in western Massachusetts and the Taconic Learning Center in northwest Connecticut before moving to the Geneva area in 2021. Most recently, Mr. Siedor has made a series of presentations with the Waubonsee Community College Lifelong Learning Institute on Deception in War, focusing on World War II.

By attending one of the Library programs, you consent to be photographed or recorded. These images and recordings may be used for promotional materials such as the Library's website, social media, and newsletters. Please inform a staff member if you do not wish to be photographed or recorded.

Upcoming events