The early Pacific battles bring heroism and hardship, success and failure… long before victory. In the aftermath of World War I, the vast Pacific Ocean became the setting for a struggle between imperialistic Japan and isolationist America. Japan, eager for resources it lacked, invaded Manchuria, and later China. The situation in the Far East set Japan on a collision course with the United States, a course that ultimately led to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Japan's success on December 7th began an unbroken tide of victory and conquest. For the next six months, the military forces of Imperial Japan swept virtually unchecked throughout the Pacific. However, in May of 1942, the tide began to turn at the Battle of the Coral Sea, before the pivotal American victory at Midway opened the way for the United States to strike back. The question was when and where. On August 7, 1942, Marines of the First Division went ashore on Guadalcanal, the opening move of what would become a six month struggle to wrest control of the lower Solomon Islands from the Japanese. Much of the American strategy for the war in the Pacific was derived from the experience on Guadalcanal. The story of these early Pacific battles is one of heroism and hardship, success and failure, and ultimately, final victory. Experience first hand these pivotal battles through the vivid images captured by the combat cameramen and as told by those who were there. Over 8 1/2 hours, contains combat veteran first person accounts.

Part 6 Guadalcanal Pt. 2

Cactus was the American code name for Guadalcanal and for the men who fought and died there, the name was eerily prophetic. The Marines most significant asset was an airstrip known as Henderson Field, little more than a wide spot in the road, but crucial to the defense of the island. The Japanese fully undestood its strategic value and sought to wrest control of the airfield through a series of famous attacks. Frustrated by their inability to dislodge the Americans, the Japanese launch a massive assault on the island in mid-November in an all or nothing effort. The pressure on the Japanese builds to the breaking point as they struggle to regain control over what they call “The Island of Death.” Contains Combat Veteran Interviews and footage from The National Archives.

Chapters included Reinforcement and Reassessment; Matanikau River Actions; The Battle of Cape Esperance; The Bombardment; The Battle for Henderson Field; The Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands; Actions at Point Cruz & Koli Point; The Naval Battle of Guadalcanal; The Second Naval Battle of Guadalcanal; The Final Push

Chapters included Japanese Paradox; Great Depression; China Incident; Drift to War; Last Days of Peace; Eleven Minutes of Terror; Battleship Row; Hell in the Harbor; Second Wave

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