⚔️📍 Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands1942
Battle of Guadalcanal Begins — U.S. Takes the Offensive
U.S. Marines landed on Guadalcanal in the first American offensive operation of WWII, surprising Japanese forces building an airfield. The campaign would become a brutal six-month struggle for the island and surrounding waters.
Guadalcanal was the turning point in the Pacific War; after six months of fighting, Japan was permanently on the defensive and the strategic initiative had shifted to the United States.
Outcome
American victory after 6 months; Pacific War turns
Casualties
38,000