The US Marines in World War II

This edition represents a thoroughly written history of Marines' military campaigns in Europe, Africa and the Pacific during the Second World War. Marines played a central role in the Pacific War, along with the U.S. Army. The battles of Guadalcanal, Bougainville, Tarawa, Guam, Tinian, Cape Gloucester, Saipan, Peleliu, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa saw fierce fighting between Marines and the Imperial Japanese Army. By the end of the war, the Corps expanded from two brigades to six divisions, five air wings and supporting troops, totaling about 485,000 Marines. In addition, 20 defense battalions and a parachute battalion were raised. Nearly 87,000 Marines were casualties during World War II, and 82 were awarded the Medal of Honor.

Contents:

Origin of the Marine Corps

The Marine Corps on the Eve of War

Marines Defending American Soil

Pearl Harbor

Battle of Wake Island

Marines Campaign in Europe and Africa

Europe and North Africa

Defense of Iceland

Marines Campaign in the Pacific Rim

Defense of the Philippines

Solomon Islands Campaign

Guadalcanal Campaign

Marshall Islands Campaign

Battle of Tarawa

Battle of Cape Gloucester

Battle of Saipan

Battle of Guam

Battle of Peleliu

Battle of Tinian

Liberation of the Philippines

Marines Campaign in Japan

Battle of Iwo Jima

Battle of Okinawa

Occupation of Japan