Start of the Battle of Guadalcanal

Historical Overview

With amphibious landings by U.S. Marines on the Solomon Islands of Guadalcanal, Tulagi, and Gavutu, Allied forces launched their first major land offensive against the Empire of Japan. The primary strategic and operational objective of Operation Watchtower was to seize a strategic airfield under construction by the Japanese, which threatened Allied shipping routes between the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. The surprise assault initiated a brutal, six-month campaign of attrition across land, sea, and air. The ultimate Allied victory marked the definitive psychological and strategic turning point of the Pacific War.