Second of a trilogy focusing on the war in the Pacific (first of the trilogy is discussed here). As with the first - readable, interesting, full of information I didn't know. Looking forward to #3.
Guadalcanal (August 1942, ends early February 1943) - lengthy, interesting discussion - challenges, risk, inexperience, relative shortage of equipment - seeking to minimize risk of loss, esp of carriers at this stage.
Submarines - tales of the Wahoo. Submarines were really important - especially as technology and tactics rapidly improved.
Wondering how carriers would function in 2022? Presumably better attack and defense systems but to what balance?
Tarawa (November 1943) - bloody assault via beach landing, painful lessons; precursor to Normandy.
Improving radar, more effective bombing runs; though not against bunker-type preparation.
Inter-service rivalries - preceded Joint Chiefs - reminds of 9/11, just add one more layer! Challenging for U.S., worse in Japan.
As move through 1943 and into 1944 - incredible improvement by the U.S. in so many elements. Better tactics - improved accuracy by fighters and bombers. Incredible increase in manpower and equipment - including carriers and other huge ships. Submarine efficacy. Steep learning curve, impressive. Better airplanes - once-feared Zeroes now so weak.
Japanese limited in manpower - especially experienced, even decently-trained, fighter pilots. Limited in fuel - wanted to fight near Borneo oilfields. Losing equipment that can't be replaced.
Big fights on Saipan and Guam (June -August 1944), but eventual success - lots of casualties even if some benefit from lessons learned on Tarawa. And accompanying naval/air battles pretty much finished off Japan in those areas. Now within striking distance of the home islands.
Rather amazing - and the author emphasizes - that the huge Saipan operation (starting June 15, 1944) far west in the Pacific is happening within days, literally, of the Normandy invasion - the US did both!
Starts to sound like the war in Europe at this same stage - the war is over for all practical purposes in terms of identifying the victor; losing side hangs on hoping that winning side will get tired and negotiate (perhaps after losing side manages a lucky victory or two).
American performance - including production from the home front - just incredible.
Not just the battles - author continues to give information about the key personalities, leaders.
Japanese soldiers with no-surrender ethos - suicidal.
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