Early Pacific Raids 1942: The American Carriers Strike Back

During World War II, three small US task forces conducted unexpected raids across the Japanese defensive perimeter in the Central and South Pacific from February 1 to March 10, 1942. Vice Admiral Bill Halsey led the US Pacific Fleet carriers on their first raid, inspiring the mythical "Haul Ass With Halsey" club. These raids were a defining moment in the Pacific War and are documented in this illustrated book.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 22 June 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Amidst the devastating Japanese attacks of December 1941, the Allies found themselves on the defensive across the Pacific. Despite being stripped of their battleships and outnumbered 10:3 in carriers, the US Navy commander-in-chief, Admiral Ernest J. King, decided to launch a swift counterattack to keep the Japanese forces off-balance. On February 1, 1942, Vice Admiral Bill Halsey led the US Pacific Fleet carriers on their first raid, employing high-speed hit-and-run tactics to strike at the Japanese. This bold move inspired the American participants to form the legendary "Haul Ass With Halsey" club.

The last of the 1942 US carrier raids in March 1942 would mark a significant turning point in the Pacific War, paving the way for a new phase of high-seas battles between the opposing fleets. This meticulously illustrated book presents the story of this lesser-known but crucial World War II naval campaign for the first time in a single volume. The captivating illustrations, including maps and color artworks, vividly bring to life the US air and naval raids on Japanese bases in the Marshall and Gilbert Islands, Rabaul, Wake Island, Marcus Island, and Lae and Salamaua in northern New Guinea.

The raids, conducted between February 1 and March 10, 1942, involved three small US task forces that launched unexpected operations across the Japanese defensive perimeter in the Central and South Pacific. These operations were designed to disrupt Japanese supply lines, weaken their naval forces, and inflict damage on their infrastructure. The US carriers, equipped with powerful aircraft and supported by land-based forces, played a crucial role in these raids.

One of the most notable raids was conducted by Vice Admiral Halsey's Task Force 16, which included the USS Enterprise, USS Yorktown, and USS Hornet. On February 24, 1942, this task force launched a surprise attack on the Japanese base at Rabaul, located in New Britain. The raid was successful, with the US carriers inflicting significant damage on the Japanese fleet and destroying several aircraft carriers and battleships.

Another significant raid was conducted by Task Force 7, led by Rear Admiral Raymond Spruance. On March 6, 1942, this task force attacked the Japanese base at Wake Island, located in the Pacific Ocean. The Japanese defenders put up a fierce resistance, but the US carriers managed to secure the island, paving the way for the subsequent landings on Guadalcanal and the Solomon Islands.

The raids also had a significant impact on the Japanese morale and contributed to the overall Allied victory in the Pacific War. They demonstrated the US Navy's ability to strike at the Japanese empire despite being outnumbered and outgunned. The raids also showcased the bravery and skill of the American servicemen and women who participated in them.

In conclusion, the 1942 US carrier raids in the Central and South Pacific were a fascinating and crucial chapter in World War II. These operations, led by Vice Admiral Halsey and Rear Admiral Spruance, demonstrated the US Navy's determination to strike back at the Japanese empire and contributed to the Allied victory in the Pacific. The raids showcased the bravery and skill of the American servicemen and women and provided a valuable lesson in the importance of strategic planning and coordination in modern warfare.

Weight: 310g
Dimension: 186 x 248 x 9 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472854872