Japanese Soldier vs US Soldier: New Guinea 1942-44

The New Guinea campaign of World War II pits US Army National Guardsmen against Japanese soldiers in a challenging and hostile setting, with both sides facing arduous conditions and savage fighting. The study assesses and compares the combat doctrine, weaponry, tactics, logistics, leadership, and communications of the Japanese forces and their US Army opponents, with particular attention paid to three important battles.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 80 pages
Publication date: 28 October 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

This captivating study presents a riveting confrontation between US Army National Guardsmen and Japanese soldiers in the unforgiving terrain of the New Guinea campaign during World War II. As Japanese forces launched their attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941, New Guinea, the world's second-largest island, was under the joint administration of Australia and the Dutch East Indies. The ensuing New Guinea campaign (January 1942–August 1945) witnessed a bold invasion by Japanese forces, swiftly capturing the vital port of Rabaul and posing a grave threat to Port Moresby. In response, US forces joined the defenders, bolstering their numbers. The campaign's exceptional challenges, coupled with the brutal nature of the fighting, made it one of the most arduous conflicts of World War II for both sides. In this study, we delve into a comprehensive assessment and comparison of the Japanese forces and their US Army opponents, with a particular focus on their combat doctrines, weaponry, tactics, logistics, leadership, and communications within the demanding landscape of New Guinea. We examine the pivotal roles played by US Army National Guard units and their Japanese adversaries in three crucial battles: Buna-Gona (November 1942–January 1943), Biak Island (May–August 1944), and the Driniumor River (July–August 1944).

Weight: 264g
Dimension: 184 x 248 x 7 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472844163