"This is an authorized facsimile made from a microfilm copy of the original book." Microfilmed 1973. Originally published as a book by Historical Branch, G-3 Division, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps in 1958.

Part I.Introduction to the Marine Corps -- Origins of the mission -- Evolution of the modern amphibious warfare, 1920-1941 -- Development of landing craft -- Marine occupation of Iceland -- The Marine Corps on the eve of war -- Part II. War comes -- Prewar situation in the Pacific -- Japan strikes -- The Southern Lifeline -- Part III. The defense of Wake -- Wake in the shadow of war -- The enemy strikes -- Wake under siege -- The fall of Wake -- Conclusion -- Part IV. Marines in the Philippines -- China and Luzon -- Bataan prelude -- The siege and capture of Corregidor -- Part V. Decision at Midway -- Setting the stage: early Naval operations -- Japanese plans: toward Midway and the North Pacific -- Midway girds for battle -- Midway versus the Japanese, 4-5 June 1942 -- Battle of the Carrier Planes, 4 June 1942 -- Part VI. The turning point: Guadalcanal -- Background and preparations -- Guadalcanal, 7-9 August 1942 -- Tulagi and Gavutu-Tanambogo -- The Battle of the Tenaru -- The Battle of the Ridge -- Action along the Matanikau -- Japanese counteroffensive -- Critical November -- Final period, 9 December 1942-9 February 1943.