World War II bring-back souvenir from the famed Battle of Leyte in the Philippines. The battle of Leyte lasted from 17 October – 26 December 1944. It took place as part of the Pacific campaign of World War II and was the amphibious invasion of the island of Leyte by American forces and Filipino guerrillas under the command of General Douglas MacArthur, who fought against the Imperial Japanese Army in the Philippines led by General Tomoyuki Yamashita. The operation, codenamed King Two, launched the Philippines campaign of 1944–45 for the recapture and liberation of the entire Philippine Archipelago and to end almost three years of Japanese occupation. For the U.S., capturing the Philippines was a key strategic step in isolating Imperial Japan's military holdings in China and the Pacific theater. It was also a personal matter of pride for General MacArthur. This wonderful relic of that battle is a primitive bolo knife with a two piece wood sheath held together by thin strands of braided wicker. The knife handle is also wood and the deeply forged “bolo” blade measures 14 inches. The wood sheath is marked in four lines: “NATIVE” “PHILIPPINE BOLO KNIFE” LEYTE NOV. 1944” “TANAUAN, LEYTE” Odddly, the butt end of the handle is inked “Oct. 20, 1945” over “D-DAY” As the Japanese had surrendered by August 15, 1945, this “D-DAY” probably had a personal meaning for the soldier who liberated this fascinating knife. Perhaps it was the day he was sent home and mustered out of the service. The reverse of the sheath is unmarked and has a twine cord threaded through a carved wood keeper to hang from a belt or around one’s neck. The blade is deeply aged and uncleaned. Remarkably, the securing wicker wrappings are still mainly intact. Overall, an unusual World War II relic with a fascinating appearance and history. For a complete representation of condition and for additional images please call 800-686-4216. It is the buyer’s responsibility to view each image and preview the item to determine condition.