February 9th does not seem like an important day in our calendar. However, it is the day that one of the early, bloody campaigns of World War II came to a close. The Guadalcanal Campaign lasted from August 7, 1942 through February 9, 1943. It took place on an island called Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands. This island is the biggest i the Solomon Islands and was therefore strategically important to both the Americans and the Japanese. Americans landed on August 7th and a seven month-long fight ensued in which 7,100 Americans
and 31,000 Japanese died. Several aerial and water battles erupted as well around the island. The Americans lost 29 ships and 615 aircraft, while the Japanese lost 38 ships and between 683 and 880 aicraft. This battle was the second major offensive by Allied forces against Japan and a key strategic move. Japan had gone from offensive to defensive fighting at this point so this battle marked the starting point of Allied offensive operations against Japan that would help bring its downfall. Conclusively, February 9th is a special date to remember.
and 31,000 Japanese died. Several aerial and water battles erupted as well around the island. The Americans lost 29 ships and 615 aircraft, while the Japanese lost 38 ships and between 683 and 880 aicraft. This battle was the second major offensive by Allied forces against Japan and a key strategic move. Japan had gone from offensive to defensive fighting at this point so this battle marked the starting point of Allied offensive operations against Japan that would help bring its downfall. Conclusively, February 9th is a special date to remember. Blogger Note: Thanks to all our WWII veterans! For more information on Guadalcanal and the seven month battle waged there, check out the U.S. Army Center of Military History webpage http://www.history.army.mil/
The image included in this post is courtesy of the Library of Congress Photographic Collection
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