[Iris7]

The important thing here is that the New Guinea campaign was happening at the same time as Guadalcanal. Japanese reports (from after the war) made it very clear that the Japanese could not discern the Allied center of gravity, that is, the Japanese could not decide whether Guadalcanal or New Guinea was the most important problem that they faced.

The Japanese kept changing their minds on where to concentrate, shifting forces from one to the other, frittering away time they could not afford, and wasting troops on piecemeal attacks.

The little evidence I have indicates that MacArthur is responsible for this Japanese dilemma. The extreme hazard and suffering our people (very definately including the Australians!!!!!) faced, the disease, hopelessness, and death, the improper equipment, terrible supply, lack of artillery, and the very extraordinarily hard working and tough Japanese infantry, had to be dealt with by National Guard troops - the 32nd was a Guard outfit from right around where I am now! Farmboys who had joined the Guard to make a little money for their families.

Make no mistake, the New Guinea - Guadalcanal campaign was neccessary. The war could easily have been lost there and then. MacArthur was in one of his brilliant phases, and did exactly what needed doing. The lads paid the price, Marine, Army, and Australian. And don't forget the Navy. As many Navy were killed during this campaign as Infantry. Actually, likely more.

The result of this right fist and left fist, Guadalcanal and New Guinea, was Japanese confusion and defeat. Those men saved us.

Knew two old 32nd Division boys, gone now, who were right in the thick of it, beginning to end. I tell the truth, they were tough and brave men.

[SAMWolf]

Evening Iris7.

Some times it's really hard to figure out why major campaigns or battles were fought in places that seemed to hold no significance. IMHO it just comes down to "That's where the emnemy is" at times.

[snippy_about_it]

Thanks Iris7. So many mistakes but hopefully lessons learned. These guys were put through hell, God Bless them.