Contains 90 photos and 18 maps and charts. “In the grand strategy of the Pacific War, the Central Solomons operation constituted only a short step in the overall advance on Japan. But in the neutralization of Rabaul, Japan’s key holding in her "Southeastern Area," this campaign played a vital role. By early 1943 the Central Solomons area might be described as an amphibious no man’s land lying between Rabaul and the new Allied citadel of Guadalcanal, across which the two antagonists exchanged air and naval blows. The Japanese, by increasing the strength of their garrisons in New Georgia, had already begun their effort to control this strategic area. The Allied campaign that followed was designed to drive them out and establish a forward base from which Rabaul could be brought under constant assault. It is a source of extreme pride to me that those Marines who participated in the Central Solomons operations acquitted themselves with such distinction. Despite the most adverse weather, terrain and climate, the enemy was driven out and the mission finally accomplished. Growing out of this campaign was an extremely significant sense of mutual admiration between the Army, Navy and Marine troops involved.-LEMUEL C. SHEPHERD, JR. GENERAL, U. S. MARINE CORPS COMMANDANT OF THE MARINE CORPS”

Marines in World War II Commemorative Series. Recounts the Marine Operations in the Central Solomons during World War II.

From the halls of Montezuma to the shores of Tripoli, and more recently from the jungles of Vietnam to the killing fields of Iraq, America's "soldiers of the sea" have fought their country's battles with famed valor, skill, and perseverance in the face of long odds. But where did the U.S. Marines earn their reputation as being the "first to fight?" It was on the South Pacific Island of Guadalcanal. There, on August 7, 1942, the 1st Marine Division stormed ashore to begin one of the most difficult and brutal campaigns of military history, and an unbroken string of victories staged across the Pacific.

Contains 51 photos and 28 maps and charts. The fight to remove the barriers protecting the main base of the Japanese in New Guinea at Rabaul, was characterized by brutal jungle fighting attritional warfare of the worst sort and required every bit of toughness from the Marines that landed there. “BOUGAINVILLE AND THE NORTHERN SOLOMONS is a narrative not only of Marines against the Japanese, but of Marines against the jungle. In all the past history of the Corps, whether it be Nicaragua, Haiti, or Guadalcanal, it is improbable that Marine units ever faced and defeated such an implacable combination of terrain and hostile opposition. In this struggle, as always, superior training, discipline, determination and unquestioning will to win on the part of individual Marines were the crucial factors. Indeed, those same factors may be said to constitute common denominators of victory under any circumstances, whether jungle or atoll, on the ground or in the air. -C. B. CATES, GENERAL, U. S. MARINE CORPS, COMMANDANT OF THE MARINE CORPS”

United States Marines in World War II' is a meticulously curated anthology that presents a comprehensive and multifaceted look at the pivotal role the U.S. Marines played during one of the most significant periods in world history. The collection spans a wide range of literary styles, from firsthand accounts and rigorous historical analyses to deeply personal narratives, offering readers a holistic view of the Marines experiences. These works, rich in diversity and historical significance, shed light on the bravery, strategies, and daily realities faced by the Marines, providing unparalleled insights into the broader scope of the wars impact on individuals, communities, and the trajectory of global conflict. The authors and editors, each a distinguished historian or veteran with profound ties to the Marine Corps Historical Center, bring a wealth of knowledge and personal experience to the anthology. Their collective backgrounds encompass a broad spectrum of expertise in military history, strategy, and the human aspect of warfare, aligning with and enriching the central theme of the Marines' integral role in World War II. The anthology, thus, stands as a testament to the complex interplay of historical, cultural, and personal narratives that define the Marines' legacy. This anthology is not merely a historical record but an invitation to understand the depth and breadth of the United States Marines experience in World War II. It is an essential read for anyone interested in military history, offering an intricate exploration of the strategies, hardships, and human spirit that characterized the Marines' contribution to the war effort. Through its collective approach, the book fosters a dialogue between the diverse voices and perspectives of its contributors, enriching the readers comprehension of the war and the indomitable spirit of those who served. 'United States Marines in World War II' offers an unparalleled opportunity to dive deep into the stories of courage, sacrifice, and resilience that shaped a critical chapter of world history.