Island hopping was a U.S. military strategy in the Pacific during World War II, forces selectively attacked key islands while passing others to advance Japan. This approach lowered casualties and resource use. Article Video
Wake Island
A small Pacific island, was the site of a large battle in December 1941 when Japanese forces attacked shortly after Pearl Harbor. Despite a defense by U.S. Marines and civilians, the island fell to Japan, remaining under occupation until the end of World War II. Article Video
Los Alamos, NM
Los Alamos is best known for the site of the top-secret Manhattan Project, where scientists developed the first atomic bombs during World War II. Today, it is a center for scientific research at Los Alamos National Laboratory and is a historic, technological hub in the United States.
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Battle of Bataan
This battle was fought by the United States and common wealth of the Philippines. During this battle many troups suffered from disease, hunger, wounds and death.
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Battle of the Coral Sea
Fight between the U.S. and Japan, this marked the first time aircraft carriers engaged without direct ship-to-ship combat. Although both sides suffered heavy losses, the battle stopped Japan’s advance toward Australia and set the stage for the U.S. victory at Midway. Article Video
Battle of Midway
The Battle of Midway was crucial to American Victory. The U.S Navy intercepted the Japanese invading fleet heading to the Midway Islands.
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Guadalcanal
First major Allied offensive in the Pacific, where U.S. forces fought to secure the island from Japanese control. The hard-fought victory halted Japan’s expansion, and turned the war to favor of the Allies. Article Video
Battle of Tarawa
In this battle Marines faced fierce Japanese resistance on the heavily fortified atoll. Despite suffering much hurt, the U.S. secured the island, marking a crucial step in the Pacific island-hopping campaign against Japan. Article Video
Leyte Gulf
The largest naval battle of World War II, where U.S. and Allied forces defeated the Japanese navy in a fight near the Philippines. This battle stopped Japan’s naval power, and paved the way for the liberation of the Philippines. Article Video
Manila
The capital of the Philippines, was a major battleground during World War II, suffering heavy destruction during the battle. After brutal urban combat between U.S. and Japanese forces, the city was liberated, but at the cost of over 100,000 civilian lives. Article Video
Battle of Iwo Jima
Marines fought to capture the island from strong Japanese forces. The intense combat resulted in high casualties on both sides and was symbolized by the iconic flag-raising on Mount Suribachi. Article Video
Battle of Okinawa
U.S. forces fought to take over the island from Japan in a brutal fight. Marked by heavy resistance, kamikaze attacks, and high civilian casualties, the battle played a key role in the decision to use atomic bombs to end the war. Article Video
Hiroshima
The United States dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima Japan, killing tens of thousands instantly and devastating the city. This marked the first use of nuclear weapons in warfare and contributed to Japan's surrender, ending World War II. Article Video
Nagasaki
Nagasaki was the second city targeted by an atomic bomb on August 9, 1945. This lead to massive destruction and loss of life, it contributed to Japan’s surrender in World War II. Article Video
Tokyo Bay
There was plan of Japanses surrender, marking the end not just to World War 2 but the Japanese military. This took place aboard the USS Missouri.
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