Robert Estrada
WWII - E125 - Hell in the Jungle: The Fight for ...

By July 7, the Marines’ push toward Enogai had slowed to a crawl. Thick jungle, relentless enemy fire, and brutal terrain turned every step into a fight. Runners risked their lives to keep communication going, while corpsmen worked tirelessly to save the wounded.

When the Raiders captured a map of enemy defenses, Liversedge saw his chance. The 1st Raider Battalion launched a full-scale assault, smashing through machine-gun nests and mortar fire. By day’s end, Enogai was theirs, cutting off a key Japanese supply line.

But the cost was high, and the battle for New Georgia was far from over.By July 7, the Marines’ push toward Enogai had slowed to a crawl. Thick jungle, relentless enemy fire, and brutal terrain turned every step into a fight. Runners risked their lives to keep communication going, while corpsmen worked tirelessly to save the wounded.

When the Raiders captured a map of enemy defenses, Liversedge saw his chance. The 1st Raider Battalion launched a full-scale assault, smashing through machine-gun nests and mortar fire. By day’s end, Enogai was theirs, cutting off a key Japanese supply line.

But the cost was high, and the battle for New Georgia was far from over.

WWII - E125 - Hell in the Jungle: The Fight for Enogai
WWII
Robert Estrada
World War II: Defense of the Philippines - Part ...

A coordinated raid targeted US installations in the Philippines shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Japan's invasion caused US forces to withdraw and led to indefensible brutalities, such as the infamous Bataan Death March. Part 1 of this series looks…

World War II: Defense of the Philippines - Part 1
WWII
Robert Estrada
World War II: Attack in the Pacific - Guam 1941

The attack on Guam came only a few hours after the attack on Pearl Harbor. The island's defending force was significantly undergunned against the 5,500 troops from Japan's South Seas Detachment. We spend a little time talking about the amusing way Guam came into US possession, attempts to…

World War II: Attack in the Pacific - Guam 1941
WWII
Robert Estrada
World War II: Attack in the Pacific - Part 2: ...

This episode continues our discussion on the Battle of Wake. After Japan’s initial attack, all hands on the island prepared for a second raid. We’ll discuss Japan’s first attempt at an amphibious landing, Japanese air raids in the days following, and end with Wake’s surrender…

World War II: Attack in the Pacific - Part 2: Battle of Wake Island
WWII
Robert Estrada
World War II: Attack in the Pacific - Part 1

This episode digs into the attacks on Midway and Wake.

World War II: Attack in the Pacific - Part 1

WWII

WWII - E125 - Hell in the Jungle: The Fight for Enogai

WWII - E125 - Hell in the Jungle: The Fight for Enogai

By July 7, the Marines’ push toward Enogai had slowed to a crawl. Thick jungle, relentless enemy fire, and brutal terrain turned every step into a fight. Runners risked their lives to keep communication going, while corpsmen worked tirelessly to save the wounded.

When the Raiders captured a map of enemy defenses, Liversedge saw his chance. The 1st Raider Battalion launched a full-scale assault, smashing through machine-gun nests and mortar fire. By day’s end, Enogai was theirs, cutting off a key Japanese supply line.

But the cost was high, and the battle for New Georgia was far from over.By July 7, the Marines’ push toward Enogai had slowed to a crawl. Thick jungle, relentless enemy fire, and brutal terrain turned every step into a fight. Runners risked their lives to keep communication going, while corpsmen worked tirelessly to save the wounded.

When the Raiders captured a map of enemy defenses, Liversedge saw his chance. The 1st Raider Battalion launched a full-scale assault, smashing through machine-gun nests and mortar fire. By day’s end, Enogai was theirs, cutting off a key Japanese supply line.

But the cost was high, and the battle for New Georgia was far from over.

WWII - E124 -Steel in the Jungle: Marines and Tanks in the Push Toward Munda

WWII - E124 -Steel in the Jungle: Marines and Tanks in the Push Toward Munda

The Solomon Islands campaign was a turning point in the Pacific War, pushing the Marines to their limits in a relentless battle against both the Japanese and the unforgiving environment. This episode focuses on the critical role the Marines played in the grueling fight for New Georgia, where dense jungles, endless rain, and a determined enemy tested their resolve.

As part of Operation TOENAILS, the Marines spearheaded daring assaults, pivotal for advancing the strategically vital Munda airfield. Alongside Coastwatchers and local guides, the Marines relied on bravery, ingenuity, and sheer grit to overcome fortified enemy positions and treacherous terrain. These hard-fought victories shaped the outcome of the New Georgia campaign and set the stage for the eventual Allied push toward Japan.

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Visit HistoryoftheMarineCorps.com to subscribe to our newsletter, explore episode notes and images, and see our references. Follow us on social media for updates and bonus content: Facebook and Twitter (@marinehistory) and Instagram (@historyofthemarines).

This episode is sponsored by Audible. Visit AudibleTrial.com/marinehistory for a free audiobook and a 30-day trial.

WWII - E123: Paving the Way to Munda Airfield

WWII - E123: Paving the Way to Munda Airfield

In the summer of 1943, the New Georgia campaign tested the grit and resilience of the Marine Corps. Tasked with securing the Solomon Islands, they battled relentless jungle terrain, torrential rains, and fierce Japanese defenses. From daring raids at Segi Point to artillery bombardments on Munda, Marines executed amphibious assaults and tank-infantry breakthroughs, securing strategic positions and leaving a lasting mark on the Pacific War and Marine Corps history.

WWII - E122: Operation Toenails and the Battle for New Georgia

WWII - E122: Operation Toenails and the Battle for New Georgia

This episode explores the pivotal Solomon Islands campaign during the Pacific War, highlighting the grueling battles in New Georgia. Amid relentless jungle terrain, torrential rains, and fierce Japanese resistance, the Marines displayed unmatched resolve. Operation TOENAILS marked the turning point, with daring assaults on critical locations like Munda Airfield and Rendova Island. Supported by Coastwatchers and local guides, the Marines overcame fortified positions to secure strategic victories. These hard-fought gains not only weakened Japan’s hold in the Pacific but also set the stage for future Allied advances toward Rabaul and beyond.

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Visit HistoryoftheMarineCorps.com to subscribe to our newsletter, explore episode notes and images, and see our references. Follow us on social media for updates and bonus content: Facebook and Twitter (@marinehistory) and Instagram (@historyofthemarines).

This episode is sponsored by Audible. Visit AudibleTrial.com/marinehistory for a free audiobook and a 30-day trial.

Guadalcanal and Tulagi - Part 8

Guadalcanal and Tulagi - Part 8

The US Army’s arrival brought reinforcements and a reorganization of American troops. New tactics, like flamethrowers and enhanced naval gunfire, were introduced, though terrain and enemy fortifications remained challenging. The 1st Marine Division, weakened by malaria and extended combat, was finally relieved and sent to Australia for some much-needed rest. We end the episode by…

Guadalcanal and Tulagi - Part 7

Guadalcanal and Tulagi - Part 7

This episode dives into the strategic reorganization of American forces during the Guadalcanal campaign. The 164th Infantry and 7th Marines, positioned in the East Sector, tackled the harsh terrain as they encircled the enemy. Company B of the 8th Marines in the West Sector was crucial in securing vital artillery positions.

Central to the operation's success was the 2nd Raider Battalion. Known for…

Guadalcanal and Tulagi - Part 3

Guadalcanal and Tulagi - Part 3

This episode shifts focus from Yoke's journey toward Tulagi to Task Group X-Ray's approach to Beach Red on Guadalcanal, marking the first land offensive by American forces in WWII. The Marines, much like in Tulagi, were confronted with a stark difference between the intelligence they possessed and the actual situation on Guadalcanal. Their reliance on old sailing charts and the varied and often inaccurate accounts from ex-residents led to an essential shift in their strategy. The episode wraps up by