The Battle of Guadalcanal

Paper Summary:

This paper examines the tactics and outcome of the World War II Battle of Guadalcanal. In particular, the paper highlights the U.S. Marine's land operations during this protracted battle in the South Pacific. The paper also describes intelligence operations. The paper includes salient quotes and a chart about the order of battle figures.

From the Paper:

"Although it is still debatable whether there was enough close air support for the either the American or Japanese forces, the sheer number of air losses (615 for the Americans and 683 for the Japanese) proved that air campaigns were pivotal to the outcome of the battle. The Cactus Air Force in Guadalcanal kept the American forces protected from Japanese onslaught and Japanese commanders' reluctance at times to commit more forces proved fatal. The Marines, who bore the brunt of the battle, again proved their mettle especially in the Battle of Edson's Ridge and the utilization of marine raider battalions. Although naval and air support were available (at times the availability are debatable!), the truth is that the extraordinary leadership and the dedication of those who fought the campaign proved that training is actually a complement to the spirit and will of those are determined to meet the objectives - daunting as they may be at times."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Armstrong, Peter F. C. "The Battle of Guadalcanal: A 50-Year Retrospective." Marine Corps Gazette. (August 1992): 76-87.
• Condon-Rall, Mary Ellen. "The Guadalcanal Campaign." Infantry. (July-August 1993): 23-29.
• Hammel, Eric M. "Guadalcanal: 1st Battle of the Matanikau." Marine Corps Gazette. (August 1982): 48-54.
• Ross, Kelley L. A Guadalcanal Chronology and Order of Battle: 7 August 1942 - 6 March 1943. Available from Friesian.com. [Online] 2006. http://www.friesian.com/history/guadal.htm. Accessed 25 August 2006.
• Zimmerman, Phyllis A. "Braiding the Cord: The Role of Evans F. Carlson's 2d Marine Raider Battalion in Amphibious Warfare." Marine Corps Gazette. (November 1994): 91-95.

More papers on The Battle of Guadalcanal:

• Term Paper # 92422 : "The Struggle For Guadalcanal"
• Essay # 1493 : "The Guadalcanal Campaign in the Pacific War of World War II"
• Essay # 33275 : "Marine Corps Victories"

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