Guadalcanal

[Firefly]

The US and its allies fought a brutal battle for about 6 months over these islands.

The naval battles were stupendous. The land battles were about the most brutal seen by the US marines in modern times.

Strangely enough the campaign ran almost concurrently with the Stalingrad campaign.

I personnaly see both to be the turning points in both theatres.

Interesting snippets include initial Japanese night superiotiry in naval battles and the tragic deaths of all the Sullivan brothers.

More here:

http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/events/wwii-pac/guadlcnl/guadlcnl.htm

[Hosenfield]

unfortunately, Guadalcanal isn't like Chosin, "THe fierced battle in the history of modern warfare" as claimed by Ironing man, so it isn't worth two cents.

[Sturmtruppen]

nice post firefly!.

btw,congratulations in your promotion to 2nd lieutnant! :)

[Firefly]

unfortunately, Guadalcanal isn't like Chosin, "THe fierced battle in the history of modern warfare" as claimed by Ironing man, so it isn't worth two cents.

Although I sympathise with your statement, please dont bring tis down to his level and try and comment on the events. I wasnt even thinking about him when I wrote that. I was merely reflecting on the John Tolland books.

[Firefly]

A trully heroic and intense battle on both sides.

This is one of my pet subjects of the Pacific War.

The alies were trully shocked when confronted by such things as Japanese night fighting capability and the notorious Long Lance Torpedo, one of the best in the world at the time and far surpassing what the allies had in their inventory.

http://www.combinedfleet.com/torps.htm

[Gutkowski]

Hi All
My Grandfather fought in Guadalcanal just wanted to show you guys some of his personal Items ,I have many Items my Grandfather brought back with him I would like to share with the group as well if you fellas dont mind .
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y67/gutkowski/DSCF04251.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y67/gutkowski/DSCF04281.jpg

wow! Great pics.

[Firefly]

Share away mate, thats why were here after all.

[Twitch1]

Wow! I threw all my Vietman-era uniforms away years ago.....

[Gutkowski]

Now I just need to find a Ike jacket ,not sure If my Grandfather was issued one .

[Cuts]

There's a leather Ike jacket here:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=6593288164

And a modern copy here:
http://www.marlowwhite.com/dress-uniforms/eisenhower-ike-jacket.html

If leather's your thing then try here:
http://www.silvermans.co.uk/Silver/docs/topframe.htm
But be prepared to part with your money as they're well known as a very expensive shop.

[Bladensburg]

Almost everything on the Marlow White site seems to be made of polyester - nasty. :shock:

I mean ready-tied bow ties for mess kit... :?

[Gutkowski]

Just picked up a few Ike Jackets, here are 2 .I have 4 more on the way :lol: :lol:

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y67/gutkowski/DSCF0788.jpg

[Firefly]

Were these actually worn in Guadalcanal?

[Gutkowski]

Were these actually worn in Guadalcanal?
Thats a good question Firefly,I just assumed that they did wear them :?

[Nickdfresh]

I once owned a US military "jungle-hammock" that was purported to be on Guadalcanal. It was given to me by a family friend who had had a grandfather that served in the USMC. I have no way to verify this, it's long gone. I do know it was produced in 1943, and smelled really, really musty.

I slept in it numerous times. But it was getting tattered, so I left it in the woods after camping out. I sort'a wish I'd kept it despite it's bad condition...

It was something similiar to this:

http://www.olive-drab.com/images/jungle_hammock_600.jpg