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On Desperate Ground: A Gripping Account of World War II's Pivotal Pacific Battle

Blake Kennedy

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A Fierce Battle Scene From The Battle Of The Tenaru, With Marines Engaging In Intense Combat. Summary Of Hampton Sides S On Desperate Ground

Hampton Sides' "On Desperate Ground" is a gripping and immersive account of the Battle of the Tenaru, a pivotal clash in the Pacific Theater of World War II. The battle, fought on August 21, 1942, marked the first major ground offensive by the Allies against the Japanese Empire. Sides masterfully weaves together the personal stories of the Marines who fought in the battle, providing a vivid firsthand account of the horrors and heroism of war.

Summary of Hampton Sides's On Desperate Ground

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1427 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	51 pages

The Setting: Guadalcanal

The Battle of the Tenaru took place on the island of Guadalcanal, a strategic outpost in the Solomon Islands. The island had been captured by the Japanese in early 1942, and the Allies were determined to retake it. In August 1942, the 1st Marine Division, under the command of General Alexander Vandegrift, landed on Guadalcanal. The Marines quickly established a beachhead, but they were soon met with fierce resistance from the Japanese.

The Battle

On August 21, 1942, the Japanese launched a massive counterattack against the Marines. The attack was led by the Japanese 28th Regiment, a veteran unit that had fought in the Battle of Saipan. The Japanese outnumbered the Marines two to one, and they were armed with superior weapons. The battle raged for hours, and the Marines fought tooth and nail to hold their ground.

Heroism and Sacrifice

Despite the overwhelming odds, the Marines fought with incredible bravery and determination. Sides chronicles the individual acts of heroism that helped turn the tide of battle. One Marine, Lieutenant Colonel Merritt Edson, rallied his men and led a charge against the Japanese, driving them back from the beachhead. Another Marine, Private First Class John Basilone, single-handedly manned a machine gun, mowing down scores of Japanese soldiers. Basilone was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions.

Victory and Aftermath

After several hours of intense fighting, the Marines finally repelled the Japanese counterattack. The Battle of the Tenaru was a major victory for the Allies, and it marked a turning point in the Pacific War. The Marines had proven that they could defeat the Japanese in a ground battle, and their victory helped to boost morale across the country.

A Jubilant Marine Celebrates The Victory At The Battle Of The Tenaru. Summary Of Hampton Sides S On Desperate Ground

Hampton Sides' "On Desperate Ground" is a powerful and moving account of the Battle of the Tenaru. Sides brings the battle to life through the firsthand accounts of the Marines who fought in it. The book is a testament to the courage and sacrifice of those who served in World War II, and it is a must-read for anyone interested in military history or the Pacific War.