WWII E120 Guadalcanal’s Turning Point: Carlson, Chesty, and the Fight for the West

History of the Marine Corps

Content provided by Robert Estrada. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Robert Estrada or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://staging.podcastplayer.com/legal.

1+ y ago 34:49

MP3•Episode home

Guadalcanal was a campaign defined by endurance. By November, the tide had shifted in favor of the Americans, but victory was far from certain. The plan was to encircle and eliminate the remaining Japanese forces, a strategy that seemed straightforward on paper but proved far more challenging to execute.

This episode covers the final push to trap the enemy—coordinated attacks from the 7th Marines, the 164th Infantry, and Carlson’s Raiders. As the Marines fought through the jungle, the Japanese slipped through gaps in the lines, turning what could have been a decisive blow into another grueling fight.

We’ll also look at the role of naval power in the campaign’s outcome, the challenges of coordinating Army and Marine units, and the growing pains of joint operations in the Pacific. This is the story of the final weeks before Guadalcanal was secured—and the men who paid the price to make it happen.

*************

Visit HistoryoftheMarineCorps.com to subscribe to our newsletter, explore episode notes and images, and see our references. Follow us on social media for updates and bonus content: Facebook and Twitter (@marinehistory) and Instagram (@historyofthemarines).

Visit AudibleTrial.com/marinehistory for a free audiobook and a 30-day trial.

144 episodes

#History #Robert Estrada #Americanhistory #Marinehistory #Militaryhistory #Semperfi #Semperfidelis #Unitedstatesmarinecorps #Usmc #Podcasting Education