79th Division (Imperial Japanese Army)

The 79th Division (第79師団, Dai-nanajūkyū Shidan) was an infantry division of the Imperial Japanese Army. Its call sign was the Mighty Division (雄師団, Yū shidan).

The 79th Division was formed on February 28, 1942, in Hiroshima, as a type B (medium-sized) division. Its manpower was drawn primarily from the Hiroshima area. The division was initially assigned to the Western District Army and charged with maintaining order and coastal defense.

In September 1943, the 79th Division was transferred to Luzon in the Philippines under the command of the 14th Area Army. They were tasked with defending northern Luzon against a potential Allied invasion.

Throughout 1944 and 1945, the 79th Division engaged in fierce fighting against advancing American forces in the mountains of northern Luzon. The division suffered heavy casualties and was gradually pushed back. Key battles involving the 79th Division included engagements in the vicinity of Baguio and the surrounding areas.

The 79th Division was essentially destroyed in combat by the end of World War II. Surviving members of the division surrendered to Allied forces following Japan's surrender in August 1945. The commander at the surrender was Lieutenant General Torao Ishiyama.