In November 1943, the US Navy launches an island hopping campaign through the central Pacific during the Pacific War. Marines face challenging situations that will teach important lessons but cost many lives, leading the Navy towards iconic assaults in places like Iwo Jima.
The story of the Battle of Wake Island highlights the intense fighting that occurred during the first Japanese Blitzkrieg period, with the Marines requesting reinforcements but ultimately being overrun by the Japanese.
During the battle of Tarawa, the marines managed to get a few tanks ashore, but they refused to roll over and crush the wounded and opted for infantry to destroy Japanese strong points by hand.
The Japanese strategy in World War II involved taking islands, forcing the allies to take them back, and winning through the ability of their people to suffer more. This strategy led to the death of 75% of Japanese soldiers due to disease and starvation, but also created a sense of admiration from their enemies for their determination and courage.
On April 7, 1942, the Marines landed on the South Solomon Island of Guadalcanal to begin a bloody and brutal six-month battle against Japan. Despite the initial appearance of a tropical paradise, the soldiers soon faced harsh realities grounded in jungle warfare and enemy ambushes.