Japanese Soldier vs US Soldier

New Guinea 1942–44

Japanese Soldier vs US Soldier cover

Description

This absorbing study pits US Army National Guardsmen against Japanese soldiers in the uniquely hostile setting of the New Guinea campaign in World War II.

When Japanese forces attacked Pearl Harbor in December 1941, New Guinea – the world's second-largest island – was administered partly by Australia and partly by the Dutch East Indies. The New Guinea campaign (January 1942–August 1945) saw Japanese forces invade the island, rapidly capturing the key port of Rabaul and threatening Port Moresby, while US forces joined the defenders in increasing numbers. The uniquely demanding environment, and the savage nature of the fighting, meant that the campaign was among the most arduous of World War II for both sides. In this study, the Japanese forces and their US Army opponents, many of whom were National Guard units, are assessed and compared, with particular attention paid to combat doctrine, weaponry, tactics, logistics, leadership, and communications in the challenging setting of New Guinea. The role of US Army National Guard units and their Japanese opponents in three important battles are examined, namely Buna–Gona (November 1942–January 1943), Biak Island (May–August 1944) and the Driniumor River (July–August 1944).

Table of Contents

Introduction
The Opposing Sides
Buna, November 18, 1942-January 3, 1943
Biak Island, May 27-July 20, 1944
The Driniumor River, July 10-August 4, 1944
Analysis
Aftermath
Bibliography
Index

Product details

Published Oct 28 2021
Format Ebook (Epub)
Edition 1st
Extent 80
ISBN 9781472844170
Imprint Osprey Publishing
Series Combat
Short code CBT 60
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

About the contributors

Author

Gregg Adams

Gregg Adams earned a doctorate in physics in 1983…

Illustrator

Steve Noon

Steve Noon was born in Kent, UK, and attended art…

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