060 JAPANESE SOLDIER VS US SOLDIER: New Guinea 1942-44

1-972060

Examines and compares the Japanese forces and their US Army opponents, many of whom were National Guard units, 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).

New Guinea - the world's second-largest island - was administered partly by Australia and partly by the Dutch East Indies. The New Guinea campaign 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.