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…

In November 1943, U.S. Marines fought a brutal series of battles on Bougainville, pushing to secure key high ground. One of the toughest fights was at “Grenade Hill,” where Marines faced relentless grenade attacks before the Japanese finally abandoned their position. By the end of November, the Marines had secured the high ground, breaking Japanese resistance and ensuring control over the…

By early November 1943, the Japanese launched a desperate counteroffensive to reclaim Bougainville. Their plan called for a large-scale infiltration behind Marine lines, followed by a full assault. The Marines’ quick response and overwhelming firepower shattered the enemy’s ambitions. Artillery and airstrikes devastated Japanese forces, while the Raiders and 9th Marines held the crucial Piva Roadblock against repeated…

This episode dives into the planning and execution of the amphibious assault at Cape Torokina. From complex logistical challenges to the intense combat on the beaches, we cover how Task Force 31 and IMAC coordinated this massive operation.

We also discuss the key engagements that followed the…

By late 1943, the Allies had turned the tide in the Pacific, but one significant stronghold still loomed. In Japan’s most critical South Pacific base, Rabaul served as a launch point for air and naval operations across New Guinea and the Solomons. Instead of a costly direct assault, Allied planners devised a strategy to neutralize Rabaul through isolation, cutting off its supply lines and rendering it ineffective. 

Bougainville became the next step in this plan…

By mid-1943, the Allies were advancing through the Solomons, pushing toward Rabao. After securing Guadalcanal and New Georgia, their next target was Vella Lavella. Unlike previous battles, the Japanese opted to withdraw rather than defend the island outright, but the fight was far from easy.

Marines, Seabees, and New Zealand forces faced…

By July 7, the Marines’ push toward Enogai had slowed to a crawl. Thick jungle, relentless enemy fire, and brutal terrain turned every step into a fight. Runners risked their lives to keep communication going, while corpsmen worked tirelessly to save the wounded.

When the Raiders captured a map of enemy defenses, Liversedge saw his chance. The 1st Raider Battalion launched a full-scale assault, smashing through machine-gun nests and mortar fire. By day’s end, Enogai was theirs, cutting off a key Japanese supply line.

But the cost was high, and the battle for New Georgia was far from over.By July 7, the Marines’ push toward Enogai had slowed to a crawl. Thick jungle, relentless enemy fire, and brutal terrain turned every step into a fight. Runners risked their lives to keep communication going, while corpsmen worked tirelessly to save the wounded.

When the Raiders captured a map of enemy defenses, Liversedge saw his chance. The 1st Raider Battalion launched a full-scale assault, smashing through machine-gun nests and mortar fire. By day’s end, Enogai was theirs, cutting off a key Japanese supply line.

But the cost was high, and the battle for New Georgia was far from over.

The Solomon Islands campaign was a turning point in the Pacific War, pushing the Marines to their limits in a relentless battle against both the Japanese and the unforgiving environment. This episode focuses on the critical role the Marines played in the grueling fight for New Georgia, where dense jungles, endless rain, and a determined enemy tested their resolve.

As part of Operation TOENAILS, the Marines spearheaded daring assaults, pivotal for advancing the strategically vital Munda airfield. Alongside Coastwatchers and local guides, the Marines relied on bravery, ingenuity, and sheer grit to overcome fortified enemy positions and treacherous terrain. These hard-fought victories shaped the outcome of the New Georgia campaign and set the stage for the eventual Allied push toward Japan.

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In the summer of 1943, the New Georgia campaign tested the grit and resilience of the Marine Corps. Tasked with securing the Solomon Islands, they battled relentless jungle terrain, torrential rains, and fierce Japanese defenses. From daring raids at Segi Point to artillery bombardments on Munda, Marines executed amphibious assaults and tank-infantry breakthroughs, securing strategic positions and leaving a lasting mark on the Pacific War and Marine Corps history.

This episode explores the pivotal Solomon Islands campaign during the Pacific War, highlighting the grueling battles in New Georgia. Amid relentless jungle terrain, torrential rains, and fierce Japanese resistance, the Marines displayed unmatched resolve. Operation TOENAILS marked the turning point, with daring assaults on critical locations like Munda Airfield and Rendova Island. Supported by Coastwatchers and local guides, the Marines overcame fortified positions to secure strategic victories. These hard-fought gains not only weakened Japan’s hold in the Pacific but also set the stage for future Allied advances toward Rabaul and beyond.

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Visit HistoryoftheMarineCorps.com to subscribe to our newsletter, explore episode notes and images, and see our references. Follow us on social media for updates and bonus content: Facebook and Twitter (@marinehistory) and Instagram (@historyofthemarines).

This episode is sponsored by Audible. Visit AudibleTrial.com/marinehistory for a free audiobook and a 30-day trial.

The US Army’s arrival brought reinforcements and a reorganization of American troops. New tactics, like flamethrowers and enhanced naval gunfire, were introduced, though terrain and enemy fortifications remained challenging. The 1st Marine Division, weakened by malaria and extended combat, was finally relieved and sent to Australia for some much-needed rest. We end the episode by…

This episode dives into the strategic reorganization of American forces during the Guadalcanal campaign. The 164th Infantry and 7th Marines, positioned in the East Sector, tackled the harsh terrain as they encircled the enemy. Company B of the 8th Marines in the West Sector was crucial in securing vital artillery positions.

Central to the operation's success was the 2nd Raider Battalion. Known for…

The episode will explore the intense engagements, including the Matanikau Phase, where American forces repelled Japanese attacks with strategic positioning and artillery. We'll discuss the heroic acts of individuals like John Basilone, who earned the Medal of Honor, and the leadership shifts that marked a turning point in the battle…

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…

Continuing from last week, we focus on Vandergrift and his Marines as they struggle with insufficient supplies and limited intelligence. This episode sets the stage for the Battle of the Tenaru, detailing the Marines' defensive tactics and hurdles while taking an in-depth look at the fight…

This episode shifts focus from Yoke's journey toward Tulagi to Task Group X-Ray's approach to Beach Red on Guadalcanal, marking the first land offensive by American forces in WWII. The Marines, much like in Tulagi, were confronted with a stark difference between the intelligence they possessed and the actual situation on Guadalcanal. Their reliance on old sailing charts and the varied and often inaccurate accounts from ex-residents led to an essential shift in their strategy. The episode wraps up by

This episode follows the approach of Transport Group Yoke towards Tulagi. The initial bombardments by supporting aircraft and naval vessels set the stage for the Marines' landing. Once ashore, we'll discuss the challenging terrain of Tulagi and the tactical advances of the 1st Marine Raider Battalion and 2/5, as …

The Solomon Islands campaign during World War II was a pivotal moment in the Pacific Theater, marking the first major Allied offensive against the Japanese forces. This eight-part series will focus on a series of land and naval battles in the lower Solomons that were crucial in turning the tide of war…

Amid the potential of the US entering WWII, American Samoa emerged as a linchpin in the Pacific defense strategy. With tensions rising and rumors of a Japanese attack swirling, the Marines swiftly fortified the island, constructing defenses, coastal emplacements, and antiaircraft positions. To bolster their forces…

During World War II, Iceland gained strategic significance due to its proximity to Europe and North America. When Germany invaded Denmark in April 1940, Britain realized the importance of preventing a…

In this episode, we finish up our series on the history of desegregation in the Marines. We begin with a few stories about the Korean War, the continuing issue with the stewards MOS, racial tensions in…

In this episode, we explore the journey of the Montford Point Marines during WWII. After training, they prepared to join their brothers in arms in the Pacific. We delve into the organization of the 51st and 52nd battalions, some milestones, their involvement in the war, and a few heroic…

Montford Point was established in 1942, and this is the perfect time to take a break from the Pacific and focus the next few episodes on the history of desegregation in the Marine Corps.

Marines at Montford Point overcame substantial hurdles to serve in the Corps. They were enlisting in a branch that …

The Battle of Bataan and Corregidor comes to an end during this episode. This episode discusses the island surrender, some heroic stories from Marines on Corregidor, and statistics about the battle…

Japanese forces occupied most of Luzon, and US/Philippine forces withdrew south to establish a defensive line. 72 officers and 1173 enlisted from more than 50 organizations joined the 4th Marines. This made them one of the most diverse Marine units ever to have existed. Despite the additional reinforcements, many newcomers to the 4th were…

This episode continues our discussion in the Philippines. Most of the 4th Marines were positioned on Corregidor, a small, tadpole-shaped island in the mouth of Manila Bay. Japan's domination of air and sea cut off food and supplies to the peninsula's defenders. By April 1942, many troops had lost as much as a third…