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Conquest of
Corregidor: May 5- 6, 1942
The last American outpost in the Philippines was the island of
Corregidor. It was intensively bombarded and ultimately a Japanese force
established a beachhead and quickly
eliminated the remaining opposition. General Wainright surrendered on
May 6th. Japanese expectations of a fifty day campaign in the
Philippines turned into be a bloody six month effort. |
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Battle of the
Coral Sea: May 3-7, 1942
Japanese successes in their initial expansion led to plans to extend
their intended defensive perimeter. Port Moresby was targeted for
invasion and naval forces were concentrated for this objective. American
code-breaking capabilities allowed US Admiral Nimitz to deploy a
blocking force which engaged the Japanese in an inconclusive battle that
led to the abandonment of this invasion. |
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Approach to
Midway: May 25 - June 3, 1942
Japanese recognition of the strategic importance of the US installations
on Midway island led to the assembly of a large naval for force for the
purpose of capturing the island. American intelligence again uncovered
the plans for the pending assault and allowed the US Pacific Fleet to
prepare for it. |
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Battle of
Midway: June 4-5, 1942
Japanese Admiral Yamamoto did not anticipate meeting significant American
naval forces at Midway. A number of tactical errors ensued. A series of
air strikes and counter strikes resulted in the sinking of the Japanese
carriers Akagi, Kaga, Soryu and Hiryu and for
the loss of the American carrier Yorktown. It was a decisive
Japanese naval defeat.
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Battle of
Guadalcanal: August 7, 1942 - February 9, 1943
Marines landed on Guadalcanal unopposed and quickly seized the Japanese
built airfield. Several Japanese counterattacks were repulsed and a
lengthy buildup, by both sides, ensued. A final Japanese attack in
September failed. American armed forces went on the offensive in January.
About 13,000 Japanese troops were secretly evacuated between February
6th and 9th, 1943. |
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Battle of Savo
Island: August 8-9, 1942
After providing support for the landings on Guadalcanal, US carriers
were withdrawn from the immediate vicinity, leaving cruisers and
transports. A Japanese cruiser squadron slipped past Savo Island on the
night of August 8-9th and sunk four American cruisers and escaped
unharmed. |
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Battle of the
Eastern Solomans: August 23, 1942
Both the Americans and Japanese sent powerful carrier forces into the
Eastern Solomans to support of their efforts to supply their troops on
Guadalcanal. Scouting efforts proved successful for both sides and air
strikes were launched. However, neither side achieved any decisive
results. |
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