What were some of the horrors faced by soldiers on Guadalcanal?

Death could wear many faces on Guadalcanal. A man could be weakened by tropical disease and malnutrition just as easily as being killed by enemy fire. Following the Navy’s disastrous August defeat at Savo Island, the Marines’ supplies, or at least the vast majority of them, were pulled away from the island.

How many ships were lost in the battle of Guadalcanal?

United States Marines rest in the field during the Guadalcanal campaign. William F. Halsey Jr. 29 ships lost including 2 fleet carriers, 6 cruisers, and 14 destroyers. 38 ships lost including 1 light carrier, 2 battleships, 3 heavy cruisers, and 13 destroyers.

What did the Japanese lose at Guadalcanal?

Two of the carriers lost in the Pacific were lost during the Guadalcanal campaign. The Imperial Japanese Navy sunk 10 aircraft carriers and escort carriers over the course of the war. One, the USS Wasp, was sunk near Guadalcanal on September 15, 1942 by a Japanese sub. The sinking of the Wasp was captured on film.

How many died on Guadalcanal?

Outcome and casualties The Japanese lost a total of 24,000 men killed in the Battle of Guadalcanal, while the Americans sustained 1,600 killed, 4,200 wounded, and several thousand dead from malaria and other tropical diseases.

Did the US Army fight on Guadalcanal?

To make this first Allied offensive in the Pacific more effective, the Americans mounted a separate attack from a different direction to form a giant pincers in the Southwest Pacific. This decision brought American forces into the Solomon Islands and U.S. Army troops onto the island of Guadalcanal.

What carrier was sunk at Guadalcanal?

While supporting the forces on Guadalcanal on September 15, 1942, USS Wasp (CV-7) was torpedoed by Japanese submarine, I-19, later scuttled by USS Lansdowne (DD-456). Also damaged by I-19 were USS O’Brien (DD-415) and USS North Carolina (BB-55).

What aircraft carriers were lost at Guadalcanal?

The five Sullivan brothers onboard Juneau (CL-52) at the time of her commissioning ceremonies at the New York Navy Yard, 14 February 1942. All were lost with the ship following the 13 November 1942 Naval Battle of Guadalcanal. The brothers are (from left to right): Joseph, Francis, Albert, Madison, and George Sullivan.

Who was the most decorated Marine in history?

Chesty Puller
Let’s take a moment to discuss Chesty Puller: the most decorated Marine in United States history. Chesty Puller is the only Marine to ever win the Navy Cross five times. During his 37 year career, Chesty was overseas for all but a decade, partaking in some of the most famous wars of all time.