In December, Marines fought one of their toughest battles on Bougainville—securing Hellzapoppin Ridge. This heavily fortified enemy stronghold loomed over Marine lines, threatening the expanding perimeter. For over a week, the fight raged in the thick jungle, where Marines faced relentless enemy fire and near-impenetrable defenses. Artillery barrages, airstrikes, and unyielding infantry assaults eventually broke the Japanese hold, but the cost was high.
By Christmas Eve, the ridge was finally in Marine hands, marking their last major battle on Bougainville. With the perimeter secured, the Army took over, and the Marines withdrew, their mission complete. Their hard-fought victory had cemented the success of the Bougainville campaign and set the stage for the next phase of the Pacific War.
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