Guadalcanal, a Japanese occupied island in the Solomon Island chain in the South Pacific was invaded by a major US Marine force on August 7, 1942. The bloody and protracted struggle for this steamy, malaria-ridden, rain-sodden island lasted for nearly 6 months resulting in over 6000 casualties to include 1752 battle deaths. The battle was the first real test of land strength between Japan and the USA. Seven major naval battles were also fought around the island. Guadalcanal is now seen as a major turning point in the Pacific war from which Japan never recovered. Come and hear why the battle was so vicious and why it had to be won.
