Following the initial engagement with the Ichiki Force, the Marines braced for more severe Japanese attacks along with ongoing air raids and bombardments. Despite limited resources, the Cactus Air Force, comprising Marine, Navy, and Army Air Force units, demonstrated remarkable resilience and efficiency.
This episode explores the harsh realities at Henderson Field, from crude refueling methods to the vulnerability of the airfield to weather and enemy actions. Despite these challenges, significant progress was made in infrastructure and defense capabilities, enhancing the airfield's functionality and resilience.
We also dive into a few battles and introduce the one and only Chesty Puller as he leads his Marines against Japanese forces.
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References
Chapin, J. C. (1997). Top of the Ladder: Marine Operations in the Northern Solomons. United States: Marine Corps Historical Center.
Hough, F. O., Crown, J. A. (1952). The Campaign on New Britain. United States: Historical Division, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps.
Melson, C. D. (1993). Up the Slot: Marines in the Central Solomons. United States: History and Museums Division, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps.
Mersky, P. B. (1993). Time of the Aces: Marine Pilots in the Solomons, 1942-1944. United States: History and Museums Division, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps.
The Onslow County News and Views. (1944, June 2). "Fighting Father of the Year" Tells How He Disobeyed Orders to Fight Japs. The Onslow County News and Views, p. 1.
Rentz, J. N. (1948). Bougainville and the Northern Solomons. United States: Historical Sect., Division of Public Information, Headquarters, Marine Corps.
Rentz, J. N. (1952). Marines in the Central Solomons. United States: Historical Branch, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps.
Shaw, H. I., Kane, D. T. (2013). Isolation of Rabaul: History of U. S. Marine Corps Operations in World War II, Volume II. United States: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.
Shaw, H. I. (1996). First Offensive: The Marine Campaign for Guadalcanal. (n.p.): DIANE Publishing Company.
Tampa Bay Times. (1944, May 30). Marine Maj. Fred Conderman of Bern, N.C., is named "fighting father of the year" by the National Father's Day committee. Tampa Bay Times, p. 1.
Zimmerman, J. L. (1949). The Guadalcanal Campaign. United States: Historic Division, Headquarters, U. S. Marine Corps.