In 1944, during the Battle for Leyte Gulf, the Japanese tried to crush the Pacific fleet again.  As a desperate effort to win the war, the Japanese introduced a very terrifying new weapon during this battle, the KAMIKAZE (suicide pilot).  These kamikazes would crash planes filled with explosives onto Allied warships.  Many of these Japanese aircraft were shot down before reaching their target but when others hit they caused great damage.  This battle for Leyte Gulf was the greatest naval battle fought in history.  This battle lasted 4 days and it was a major victory for the United States.