BATTLE // 1942–1943
Guadalcanal
Solomon Islands · -9.428, 160.055
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Overview
The Guadalcanal campaign, also known as the Battle of Guadalcanal and codenamed Operation Watchtower by the United States, was an Allied offensive against forces of the Empire of Japan in the Solomon Islands during the Pacific Theater of World War II. It was fought between 7 August 1942 and 9 February 1943, and involved major land and naval battles on and surrounding the island of Guadalcanal. It was the first major Allied land offensive against Japan during the war.
Overview adapted from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Significance
First sustained Allied offensive in the Pacific
Result
Allied victory
Forces & casualties
Troop strength
- United States60,000medium
- Japan36,200medium
United States fielded a 1.7 : 1 numerical advantage
Casualties
- United States7,100medium12% loss rate
- Japan19,200medium53% loss rate
Commanders (19)
Japan
Gunichi Mikawavice admiral
Harukichi Hyakutakegeneral
Hiroaki Abeadmiral
Hitoshi Imamuraarmy general
Isoroku Yamamotoadmiral
Jinichi Kusakavice admiral
Nishizo Tsukaharaadmiral
Nobutake Kondōadmiral
Raizō Tanakavice admiral
Shōji Nishimuravice admiral
Takeo Kuritaadmiral
United States
Alexander A. Vandegriftgeneral
Alexander M. Patchgeneral
Frank Jack Fletcheradmiral
Merritt A. Edsonmajor general
Richmond K. Turneradmiral
Robert L. Ghormleyvice admiral
William F. Halsey Jr.fleet admiral
William H. Rupertusgeneral
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Related
6 sibling battles · 6 factions