Unidentified U.S. Navy photographer

FINAL BARRAGE AGAINST MANILA

February 23, 1945

The final barrage against Manila, February 23, 1945, paved the way for liberation of the capital of the Philippines. A heavy column and pall of smoke from fires set by shells obliterate most of the city, while in contrast, brilliant sunlight splashes the relatively peaceful setting of burned and blasted-out buildings along the quay in the foreground.