What happened on the island of Guadalcanal?
Explore Museum digital assets to learn more about the six-month fight to take the island of Guadalcanal, a vital step in defeating the Japanese in the Pacific theater. On August 7, 1942, America mounted its first major amphibious landing of World War II at Guadalcanal, using innovative landing craft built by Higgins Industries in New Orleans.
What was the Guadalcanal Campaign in WW2?
Guadalcanal Campaign. The Guadalcanal Campaign was fought between August 7, 1942, and February 9, 1943, in the Pacific theatre of World War II. This campaign, which was a decisive and strategically important campaign of World War II, was fought on the ground, at sea, and in the air between Allied forces against Imperial Japanese forces.
Where does the word Guadalcanal come from?
The name comes from the village of Guadalcanal, in the province of Seville, in Andalusia, Spain, birthplace of Pedro de Ortega Valencia, a member of Mendaña’s expedition. During 1942–43, it was the scene of the Guadalcanal Campaign and saw bitter fighting between Japanese and US troops.
Why did Turner pull out of Guadalcanal?
Fletcher pulled back from the Solomon Islands area with his carrier task forces the evening of 8 August. As a result of the loss of carrier-based air cover, Turner pulled back his ships from Guadalcanal, even though less than half of the supplies and heavy equipment needed by the troops ashore had been unloaded.
What was it like to serve on Guadalcanal?
For the infantryman, the campaign on Guadalcanal was synonymous with misery. The Americans who had the misfortune to serve on the island, particularly from August through October 1942, were denied the very basics of living as we know it. Those ashore faced a constant day-to-day battle of life and death.
What is the best book about the Battle of Guadalcanal?
Museum Senior Director of Research and History Keith Huxen examines a classic of war literature, Guadalcanal Diary by Richard Tregaskis. Museum Historian Seth Paridon delves into the Museum’s Digital Collections for firsthand accounts of life on Guadalcanal during the battle.
Where to stay in Guadalcanal Island?
Popular cheap hotels in Guadalcanal Island include Heritage Park Hotel Honiara, King Solomon Hotel, and Sanalae Apartments. See the full list: Cheap Hotels in Guadalcanal Island.