History
The 14th Infantry Division was a well-trained unit of the Imperial Japanese Army. It had been active long before World War II started, mostly serving in conflicts in Asia. The soldiers were experienced and ready for major combat operations when the war began to grow across the Pacific.
During the early part of World War II, the division was moved to the Philippines. The Philippines were a key location because the United States had bases there. The 14th Division took part in the push to take control of the islands from the American and Filipino forces.
As the war turned against Japan, the division faced great hardship. The Allied forces were able to cut off their supplies and trap them on the islands. By the end of the war, the unit had lost many men and could no longer fight effectively. It was officially disbanded when Japan surrendered to the Allies in 1945.

