The Solomons Campaigns, 1942-1943: From Guadalcanal to Bougainville, Pacific War Turning Point (Amphibious Operations in the South Pacific in WWII)

On the morning of 7 August 1942, eight months to the day after the surprise Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the U.S. 1st Marine Division, under MGen Alexander A. Vandegrift, landed on the islands of Tulagi and Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands. This was the beginning of the bloody and brutal six month Battle for Guadalcanal.

Under one cover, military historian William L. McGee details all the campaigns fought in the Solomon Islands -- from Guadalcanal to Bougainville -- and sums up the valuable lessons learned.

As a Marine who landed on Guadalcanal on 7 August 1942,Bill McGee'sTHE SOLOMONS CAMPAIGNS,1942-1943 is the most comprehensive book I've read on the subject. It covers all the campaigns -- Southern, Central and Northern -- and brings back memories of those very dark days. Semper Fi.
- William J. Carroll, President, Guadalcanal Campaign Veterans

Enough gripping drama, heroism, and heartbreak in McGee's almost encyclopedic THE SOLOMONS CAMPAIGNS to supply Hollywood with material for a century.
- Marine Corps League Magazine

The result is a masterpiece.
- Leatherneck, Magazine of the Marines

Part I, The Southern Solomons - Covers the bloody six-month struggle for Guadalcanal. The relationship between ground fighting, naval warfare, and air combat is described in considerable detail as first one side and then the other gains the advantage. Seven major naval engagements are recounted, including America's severe defeat at Savo Island and decisive victory in the three-day naval battle of Guadalcanal -- another notable turning point.

Part II, The Central Solomons - Chronicles the amphibious operations in the New Georgia Islands group, including the five separate landings at Rendova, Segi Point, Viru Harbor, Wickham Anchorage, and Rice Anchorage, plus three more significant naval battles and the occupation of Vella Lavella.

Part III, The Northern Solomons - Recounts the seizure of the Treasuries, the Choiseul Diversion, and the Bougainville campaign, plus two more significant naval battles.

Lessons Learned - Summarizes the many valuable lessons learned duringthe Solomons campaigns,ranging from logistics support and force requirements to offshore toeholds and leapfrogging, most becoming doctrine in later Pacific campaigns.

688 pp, 310 b/wphotos, 44 maps, plus charts, notes, appendices, bibliography, and index.

OTHER TITLES IN THE SERIES:

Vol. I, THE AMPHIBIANS ARE COMING!Emergence of the 'Gator Navy and its Revolutionary Landing Craft

Vol. III, PACIFIC EXPRESS: The Critical Role of Military Logistics in World War II