Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, the U.S. citizens were in strong support of the war. This is seen by the number of citizens entering the Navy. In 1944 a total 882,266 citizens enlisted to the Navy. The number of enlistees also was increased when the Selective Service act of 1940 was changed. The act was changed in December of 1941, this broadened the age span of draftees from 21 to 36, to 18 to 37. The number of enlistees was cut in half though in 1945 when a total of 465,793 citizens enlisted in the Navy. Support for the war in the US was still strong. However, because of the recent victories that the US had gained in the Pacific the need was not as great. General Douglas MacArthurs strategy of island hoping had had recent victories which made it easier for the US to gain land. Also in October, 1944 the Battle of Leyte Gulf the Japanese Navy was crippled by the US Navy. These recent advances caused a drop in the need for the number of draftees going of to war.