WWII PACIFIC BATTLES

Japan’s 1941-1942 gains

Guam Wake Island Hong Kong The Philippines Thailand Malaya Singapore

The Philippines Mostly defeated by

early April 1942 Gen. MacArthur: “I

shall return” Bataan Death March –

forced march of remaining troops several miles without rest, many died or were killed

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPlfhVEw-7U

Battle of the Coral Sea

April 1942 Japan preparing

for attack on Australia and further control of Pacific

US lost more ships but

Japan advanced stopped

Doolittle Raid

April 18th, 1942 16 US bombers

attacked Tokyo Most crash-landed in

China Not much damage to

Japan; however, huge morale boost to US troops

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=laLYsAUu1-0

Midway

June 4-7, 1942 Major US victory Japan had planned

a trap but the US had broken their code

Major turning point http://

www.navy.mil/midway/mid_over.html

Battle of Guadalcanal

August 1942- Feb 1943

Started Allied Island Hopping strategy

Fought through dense jungle and swamp

https://youtu.be/M9o4oZVLXYU

Battle of Saipen

June 15 – July 9 1944 Large number of

Japanese civilians lived there

Suicide cliff – encouraged by emperor Hirohito

http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/world-war-ii-history/videos/battle-saipan

2nd Battle of Guam

July 21 – August 10 1944

Japanese holdouts: soldiers who went into hiding rather than surrender

One found in Guam in 1972

https://youtu.be/EpBy2WHEhkg

Battle of Peleliu

September – November 1944

Estimated: 4 days Actuality: 2 months Controversial:

questionably strategic value and high casualty rate

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mel9s2IXKHg (first 3 minutes)

Battle of Leyte Gulf

October 23-26 1944 Kamikaze – suicide

plane Taken to deprive

Japanese of oil Japan sent all

nearby vessels Essentially ended

the threat of the Japanese navy

Retaking the Philippines

Originally going to be skipped

MacArthur convinced Roosevelt to reclaim them

Large support from local Filipinos guaranteed Allied success

Battle of Iwo Jima

February 1945 – marines stormed the beaches

Extensive defensive fortifications despite almost guaranteed allied success

22,000 Japanese soldiers at start; 216 surrendered

Iwo Jima video

http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/battle-of-iwo-jima/videos

Battle of Okinawa

April to June 1945 Last major

engagement of the war

Planned to use as base for Japan invasion

http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/world-war-ii-history/videos/battle-okinawa

Review

Which battle was the turning point? Which battle had the iconic photo of the

American troops raising the flag? Which battle ended the threat of the

Japanese Navy? Which battle stopped the Japanese

advance towards Australia?