Maps of the Asia/Pacific Theatre
1942-43
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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After providing support for the landings on Guadalcanal, US carriers were withdrawn from the immediate vicinity, leaving cruisers and transports.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.
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.