World War II (WWII) Battlefront: The Pacific Campaign Part II: The Gilbert Islands (November 1943), Burma: The Forgotten Front (Spring, 1943), Battle in Palau, Liberation of the Philippines (In Color)

Description

IN COLOR! The Gilbert Islands (November, 1943) In November 1943. a group of islands in the Pacific would become the scene of some of the most brutal combat of World War II. The Japanese would fight furiously, almost to the very last man. On the tiny atoll of Tarawa, the Japanese cut down landing marines with vicious precision. Military blunders by American commanders add to the losses in taking the Island of Tarawa. Through sheer numbers. Americans finally take hold and firebomb the final Japanese resistance. Burma: The Forgotten Front (Spring, 1943) As Japan makes its final push to the borders of India through the jungles of Burma. British forces finally take the offensive. The Japanese battle unbearable heat. monsoon rains, jungle starvation and disease to keep their grip on Burma. In May 1945. two modern fighting forces meet in the fabled city of Mandalay where the Japanese occupation is finally ended. Battle in Palau (Summer, 1944) Bloody nose ridge is fought on a tiny island in the Palau group. Thousands of Japanese die trying to defend one of their major airfields. The U.S. marines wage a bitter fight to finally gain control of the Island so General MacArthur can use it to launch his invasion of the Philippines. Liberation of the Philippines In 1944, General Douglas MacArthur returns to the Philippines with a strong American force that lands and forces the Japanese back to Manila. A fierce battle rages for days in the Capitol City as Japanese troops fight to the death. The resulting death toll reaches nearly 150,000.