 Complete the following phrase:  Entering Philippine waters she protected transports in the assault landings at Dulag, Leyte, on 20 October 1944, firing to drive off Japanese air attacks as the unloading proceeded. On the eve of the epic Battle for Leyte Gulf, Badger guarded the retirement of empty transports to New Guinea, but returned to Leyte convoying reinforcements in mid-November. In December, she reported in Huon Gulf, New Guinea, for rehearsals of the 