The Battle of Guadalcanal

Today, Feb. 9th, is the anniversary day of the victory

in the Battle of Guadalcanal. The battle was

fought 63 years ago. It was a long and hard fight. I

didn't think that the battle should be forgotten or the

men who fought it.

The Battle of Guadalcanal was one of the most important

battles of World War II, although quite small in comparison

to others. The assault on the Japanese-occupied island of

Guadalcanal by the Allied navies and 16,000 United States

troops on 7 August 1942, was the first offensive by US land

forces in the Pacific Campaign. Additional amphibious attacks

simultaneously assaulted the islands of Florida, Tulagi,

Gavutu and Tanambogo.

More information.

Battle of Guadalcanal
Part of World War II, Pacific War
U.S. Marines rest in the field on Guadalcanal, circa August-December 1942
Date: August 7, 1942 - February 9, 1943 Location: Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands Result: Allied victory Casus belli: {{{casus}}} Territory changes: {{{territory}}}
Combatants
United States, New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, Tonga, Solomon Islands	Japan
Commanders
Frank Fletcher (tactical commander) Alexander Vandegrift (ground force commander)	Hyakutake Haruyoshi (ground forces) Gunichi Mikawa (naval forces)
Strength
29,000 (November 12)	30,000 (November 12)
Casualties
1,492 killed, 4,500 wounded	15,000 KIA, 9,000 died from malaria