The brutal fighting between US Marines and Japanese infantry on the island of Guadalcanal came to typify the island-hopping ground war in the Pacific during World War II. Focusing on the battle of Tenaru, the Henderson Field attack, and the Matanikau counteroffensive, this study offers a unique exploration of the differing tactics and equipment used by the two combatants, as well as how the challenges of fighting in the inhospitable tropical jungles impacted on troops on the ground.

The opposing sides -- The battle of Tenaru -- THe Henderson Field attack -- The Matanikau counteroffensive -- Analysis.