Battle at the Overland Trail by Jason Abady. In the Pacific Theater of the Second World War, Guadalcanal Island was of pivotal importance for both Japan and the United States to prosecute the war in their favor. On the island, control of Henderson Airfield and access to it were paramount. One could argue that the entire course of World War II in the Pacific was focused on one critical strategy: the island, the airfield and all trail access that led to it. Quickly thrown into battle, both sides endured six months of extremely bitter fighting in what would be the longest campaign for a single piece of territory in U.S. military history. On the night of September 13, 1942, a single line of Marines prevented the Japanese Kuma Battalion from seizing the prized Henderson Airfield Battle at the Overland Trail documents this one night of critical combat on what would come to be known as the Island of Death. It includes many letters, diary excerpts and photos never before released to the public. Hardback with dust jacket. $35.00 retail. |
