WW2 Pacific Military History

"An outstanding description of a brutal battle." – Reviewer A gripping insight into the war for New Guinea and the operation for Cape Gloucester. Determined to capture a pivotal island in their war against the Japanese, the US 1st Marine Division were faced with a challenging task – to land on the fortified peninsula of Cape Gloucester and capture its two vital airfields. Taking the peninsula and the island of New Britain would give them a vital stepping stone in their campaign to push the Japanese out of New Guinea and the Bismarck Sea. Struggling through difficult terrain and enemy ambushes, the Marines fought their way to the heart of the peninsula and captured the airfields. Offering a fascinating insight into the often-gruesome battles which marked the Pacific Theater, Operation Backhander presents a captivating account of the Allies' struggle against the Japanese army. A must-read for fans of WW2 pacific naval history books, this riveting book sheds light on the campaign to capture Cape Gloucester, giving a day-by-day look into the beach landings, the skirmishes, and the months-long operation to force the Japanese into retreat and take this pivotal stepping stone for themselves.

"Great book for Marines, former Marines and history buffs!" – Reviewer A powerful account of the Marine Raiders during World War II Marine Raiders were special operations forces established during the Pacific campaign to conduct amphibious light infantry warfare. "Edson's" Raiders of 1st Marine Raider Battalion and "Carlson's" Raiders of 2nd Marine Raider Battalion were the first US special operations forces to form and see combat during World War II. Despite the original intent for Raiders to serve in a special operations capacity, most combat operations saw the Raiders employed as conventional infantry. This, combined with the resentment within the rest of the Marine Corps that the Raiders were an "elite force within an elite force," led to the original Raider units being disbanded. This narrative recounts the story of the Marine Raiders in vivid, gritty detail. Explore the fascinating feats of strategy, planning, and bravery, handing the Allies what would eventually become a victory over the Pacific Theater and an end to Imperialist Japanese expansion.