mini f
a
c
t
:
The U.S
“
The [Marines’] landing ... was
America’s fi rst amphibious
. Na
vy suf
assault of the war.
”
f
e
r
ed it
s w
o
r
s
t def
e
at e
v
er at S
alv
o Island Aug. 8 and 9
,
1942.
In June 1942, American forces learned the
Japanese were building an airfi eld from which they
planned on striking U.S. convoys to Australia. Guadal-
canal had to be taken — quickly. The 1st Marine Divi-
sion’s landing on Red Beach Aug. 7, following heavy
naval preparatory fi re, was America’s fi rst amphibious
assault of the war. The attack went almost unopposed.
The Japanese, who thought the Americans were not
ready to launch a Pacifi c campaign, were taken by
surprise. By sundown Aug. 8, the Marines had taken
control of the airfi eld and a great amount of Japanese
Red Beach today (above) looks much the same supplies. It appeared the Japanese had fl ed in panic.
as it did during World War II. (top) The 1st Ma- But the enemy counterattack already was under way.
rine Division lands on Red Beach Aug. 7, 1942,
achieving complete tactical surprise.
PHOTOS/:I MABAOGEVSE:, TMKATJK. DALE ROBINSON, USMC-RET.; TOP, U.S. NATIONAL ARCHIVES J A N U A R Y 2 0 0 7 M I L I T A R Y O F F I C E R 4 7
Apr_guadalcanal.indd 47 3/11/09 4:13:18 PM
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