| On August 7, 1942, the United States launched its first counteroffensive against the Japanese on Guadalcanal, a small island between Australia and New Guinea. The discovery of a Japanese airfield under construction advanced the American timetable for a ground assault. The conditions on Guadalcanal were abysmal. Heat, humidity, and disease took their toll on both sides. In February 1943, the Japanese withdrew, and Guadalcanal became a training ground for future amphibious assaults. |
