Guadalcanal
August 1942
In August 1942, the U.S. launched a surprise attack on the Japanese airbase under construction in the Solomon Islands. Both sides had heavy casualties, but the Japanese had many more forcing them to withdraw by February 1943.
On June 8, 1942 the Japanese had taken over the Guadalcanal. The U.S. wanted to obtain the airbase in the Solomon Islands because it would allows them to have better communications with Australia and give them more power with their air force in the Pacific. The goal of the Allies was to take over Henderson Field. The fight between Japan and the Allies consisted of many months of fighting and many air, sea, and land battles.
Above an image of Henderson Field.
Above an image of Henderson Field.
The Events of the Guadalcanal Campaign include:
Battle of Savo Island (August 9, 1942) Miscellaneous Engagements (August 9- September 15, 1942) Battle of the Ridge / The First Battle for Henderson Field (September 12-13, 1942) Battle of Matanikau (September 23- October 9, 1942) Battle of Cape Esperance ( October 11-12, 1942) "The Bombardment" (October 14, 1942) Acctacks on Transports (October 15-16, 1942) The Second Battle for Henderson Field (October 15-26 1942) The First Naval Battle of Guadalcanal (November 13, 1942) Air Attacks on Japanese Shipping (November 14, 1942) The Second Naval Battle of Guadalcanal (November 14-15, 1942) Battle of Tassafaronga (November 30, 1942) Conclusion at Guadalcanal (February 7, 1943) |
"[With Malaria] You ran a fever of 106 degrees. And you still had to try to stay, and stay with your position. You had dengue fever, which is even worse than malaria. Men that were scratched with coral became infected with a rundown condition. It was a war of attrition, mostly, for the Marines”
- Vincent Kramer
Major of the 5th Defense Battalion, U.S. Marines
At the end of the battle on February 9, 1943, Japan had lost two thirds of its army that was committed to the island while both sides lost heavily with damage to many ships. The U.S. Army lost 2,000 soldiers from the 60,000 that were sent to the Island.