World War II The War in the Pacific

Japanese Conquests Singapore - British Philippines - American Malaysia - British Indochina - French Burma – British East Indies - Dutch

Bataan Death March 1942 30,000 American soldiers and 30,000 Philippino soldiers forced to march 60 miles in 10 days without food. Those who could not walk were killed by the Japanese.

Douglas MacArthur Commander of Allied forces in the Pacific. Forced out of the Philippines Supported “Island Hopping” Strategy in the Pacific. Recaptured the Philippines In charge of the formal surrender of Tokyo, Remained in Japan to command the occupation forces there & oversee rebuilding of the country.

Chester W. Nimitz Commander in chief of the Pacific Fleet. Defeated the Japanese navy in the Battle of the Coral Sea, the Battle of Midway, and in the Solomon Islands. Attacked the Mariana Islands defeated the Japanese Fleet in the Battle of the Philippine Sea. Born in Fredericksburg, Texas

TURNING POINTS 1942 – PACIFIC – Battle of Midway The U.S. Navy decisively defeated the Imperial Japanese Navy, inflicting irreparable damage on the Japanese fleet. The Japanese lost 4 aircraft carriers, 248 aircraft and 3,057 men killed.

Flying Tigers Navajo Code Talkers American pilots who volunteered to serve in the Chinese Air Force before U.S. entered the war Later transferred to the United States after Pearl Harbor Played a vital role in the air war in China and Burma Navajo Code Talkers Used to transmit messages in the Pacific Theater Based on the Navajo language Navajo words frequently substituted for military terms Code never broken The bravery and valor of many African American soldiers and sailors during World War II were frequently overlooked, such as the case of Doris “Dorie” Miller, who distinguished himself during Pearl Harbor. Miller was serving as a cook onboard the USS West Virginia when the Japanese attacked on December 7, 1941. When the alarm sounded, Miller immediately reported to his battle station but found it destroyed by a torpedo. Instead, Miller was ordered to help carry wounded sailors to aid stations. Seeing West Virginia Captain Mervyn Bennion wounded on the deck, Miller personally carried him to safety. Captain Bennion refused medical treatment and insisted on continuing his command; he bled to death during the attack. Miller then fired a 50-caliber machine gun (which he wasn’t trained to use) at attacking Japanese planes. When the Japanese finally sank the West Virginia, Miller and other sailors abandoned ship. The navy awarded other sailors medals for valor but initially overlooked Miller, although he eventually received the Navy Cross (the navy’s third-highest honor). Captain Bennion posthumously received the Medal of Honor. The Pittsburgh Courier frequently called for Miller to be allowed stateside to participate in war-bond tours. The navy awarded no African American the Medal of Honor during World War II. Only in 1997 did seven African Americans receive the medal, six posthumously. Miller continued his service as a mess cook. In 1943, a Japanese torpedo hit his ship during the invasion of the Gilbert Islands, sinking it in minutes. More than 200 sailors managed to escape; Miller did was not one of them. Code Talkers Henry Bake and George Kirk send messages in the Pacific Theater, 1943 8

The Pacific 1942-43 – Guadalcanal 1943 – Tarawa 1944-45 – The Philippines 1945 – Iwo Jima Okinawa