Fortress Rabaul: the battle for the Southwest Pacific, January 1942-April 1943

Description

"Chronicles the dramatic events that contributed to Rabaul's increasing notoriety, detailing the island's transformation into the ultimate twentieth-century fortification ... Drawing upon an extensive array of Japanese and Allied sources, Gamble fills in the historical background behind Rabaul's crucial role during the first year and a half of the Pacific war, from the Japanese invasion through the shooting down of Adm. Isoroku Yamamoto on April 18, 1943, a turning point in Japan's offensive operations"--Jacket.;Volcanoes, God, and coconuts -- 24 Squadron -- Gladiators -- Desperate hours -- The fall of Rabaul -- Counterattack -- Stronghold -- Task force -- Medal of Honor : Edward "Butch" O'Hare -- Carmichael's raid -- Yanks down under -- The last outpost -- New Guinea interlude -- Wild eagles -- MO : the offensive blunted -- Guests of the Emperor -- Fading glory -- MacArthur's new airman -- Medal of Honor : Harl Pease, Jr. -- The personification of evil -- Momentum -- New identities -- Heavy bomber blues -- Medal of Honor : Kenneth N. Walker -- Blood in the water -- Operation I-Go : Yamamoto's last offensive -- Death of a warrior god -- Epilogue. Volcanoes, God, and coconuts -- 24 Squadron -- Gladiators -- Desperate hours -- The fall of Rabaul -- Counterattack -- Stronghold -- Task force -- Medal of Honor : Edward "Butch" O'Hare -- Carmichael's raid -- Yanks down under -- The last outpost -- New Guinea interlude -- Wild eagles -- MO : the offensive blunted -- Guests of the Emperor -- Fading glory -- MacArthur's new airman -- Medal of Honor : Harl Pease, Jr. -- The personification of evil -- Momentum -- New identities -- Heavy bomber blues -- Medal of Honor : Kenneth N. Walker -- Blood in the water -- Operation I-Go : Yamamoto's last offensive -- Death of a warrior god -- Epilogue.