This edition represents a thoroughly written history of Marines' military campaigns in Europe, Africa and the Pacific during the Second World War. Marines played a central role in the Pacific War, along with the U.S. Army. The battles of Guadalcanal, Bougainville, Tarawa, Guam, Tinian, Cape Gloucester, Saipan, Peleliu, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa saw fierce fighting between Marines and the Imperial Japanese Army. By the end of the war, the Corps expanded from two brigades to six divisions, five air wings and supporting troops, totaling about 485,000 Marines. In addition, 20 defense battalions and a parachute battalion were raised. Nearly 87,000 Marines were casualties during World War II, and 82 were awarded the Medal of Honor.
Contents:
Origin of the Marine Corps
The Marine Corps on the Eve of War
Marines Defending American Soil
Pearl Harbor
Battle of Wake Island
Marines Campaign in Europe and Africa
Europe and North Africa
Defense of Iceland
Marines Campaign in the Pacific Rim
Defense of the Philippines
Solomon Islands Campaign
Guadalcanal Campaign
Marshall Islands Campaign
Battle of Tarawa
Battle of Cape Gloucester
Battle of Saipan
Battle of Guam
Battle of Peleliu
Battle of Tinian
Liberation of the Philippines
Marines Campaign in Japan
Battle of Iwo Jima
Battle of Okinawa
Occupation of Japan