"In the summer of 1942, while leaders in Washington discussed Pacific War strategy, word arrived that the Japanese had begun construction of an airfield near Lunga Point on Guadalcanal. Fearing establishment of the base might presage a thrust southeastward that would sever the line of communications between the United States and Australia, the Joint Chiefs of Staff authorized Operation Watchtower, the seizure of Guadalcanal and Tulagi by the First Marine Division."

Introduction /James C. Bradford -- 1. Getting Ready -- 2. Joining Up -- 3. Shipping Out -- 4. Making a Landing -- 5. Meeting the Enemy -- 6. Fighting the Enemy -- 7. Patrolling -- 8. Our Turn -- 9. Winding Down -- 10. Recuperating -- 11. Teaching -- 12. Thereafter -- App. A. Hyakutake Meets the Marines -- App. B. Pacific Fleet Chain of Command.