The Battle of Villa Verde Trail was a campaign by the United States Army and Filipino guerrillas in the Philippines during World War II in 1945 to force its way across the Caraballo Mountains from the Central Luzon plain to the Cagayan Valley. Somewhat to the surprise of the Americans, the Japanese had constructed strong defenses along the narrow and winding Villa Verde Trail, 27 mi (43 km) in length. The campaign began on 21 February 1945 and concluded with the success of the Americans on 31 May 1945. The U.S.'s 32nd Infantry Division, called the Red Arrow Division, carried out the campaign with assistance from Filipino guerrillas.

William Hanson Gill was a highly decorated officer in the United States Army during World War II. Originally a civil engineer, Gill has entered the army in 1912 and served with infantry units throughout his career. He rose to the general's rank during World War II and commanded 32nd Infantry Division in the South Pacific Theater until the end of War.