Guadalcanal campaign
Guadalcanal, British Solomon Islands
What happened
U.S. Marines under General Alexander Vandegrift, with naval commanders Robert Ghormley and later William Halsey, fought Japanese forces led by Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto and General Harukichi Hyakutake. Japan was building an airfield on Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands that could threaten Allied supply routes to Australia, so in August 1942 U.S. Marines landed and captured it, naming it Henderson Field. For six months Japanese forces tried to take it back, bringing in troops at night by destroyer, while great naval battles were fought in the waters around the island. Disease and hunger hit both sides, and in February 1943 Japan withdrew its last troops.
Why it matters
Result: Allied victory. Leaders: Chester W. Nimitz / Robert L. Ghormley against Isoroku Yamamoto / Chūichi Nagumo. Why it matters: It was the first major Allied land offensive against Japan. After Guadalcanal, the Allies held the initiative in the Pacific War.
What came next
So many ships were sunk in the waters between Guadalcanal and Savo Island that the area became known as Ironbottom Sound.
Did you know?
Solomon Islander scouts and coastwatchers warned the Marines of Japanese attacks; one scout, Jacob Vouza, escaped after being captured and later received the Silver Star and a knighthood.
Timeline
- 7 August 1942U.S. Marines land on Guadalcanal.
- 21 August 1942Jacob Vouza warns the Marines before the attack at the Tenaru.
- Late 1942Major naval battles are fought around the island.
- 9 February 1943Japan completes its evacuation and the campaign ends.