"The Guadalcanal Campaign began in August 1942 with Operation Watchtower. This first Allied offensive in the Pacific, undertaken before U.S. forces were fully prepared, thwarted an impending Japanese operation and initiated a six-month struggle to control the island and its surroundings. Desperate fighting occurred in the jungles of Guadalcanal, in the skies above it, and on-as well as below-the seas around it. Possession of the island's airfield allowed the U.S. garrison to dominate the skies during the day. Unable to keep pace with the increasing number of U.S. supplies and reinforcements, the Japanese abandoned the island. This volume recounts those battles, the heroic actions that led to victory, and the Allied triumph at Guadalcanal"-- Provided by publisher.

Ships, tactics, and technology --The campaign's first weeks -- The Battle of Cape Esperance -- Breaking the stalemate -- Friday the 13th -- Aftermath -- Battleship duel.