The Drive on Munda Point was a key phase of the New Georgia campaign aimed at seizing a strategically vital Japanese airfield in the Solomon Islands.
Key Facts
- Start date
- 2 July 1943
- End date
- 17 July 1943
- Duration
- 15 days days
- U.S. units engaged
- Elements of three U.S. Army regiments
- Objective
- Japanese airfield at Munda Point, New Georgia
- Landing site
- Zanana, New Georgia (from Rendova)
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The United States sought to capture the Japanese-held airfield at Munda Point on New Georgia as a primary objective of the broader New Georgia campaign. Control of the airfield would extend Allied air power up the Solomon Islands chain toward Rabaul, making it a strategic priority in the Pacific theater.
Beginning 2 July 1943, U.S. Army forces landed near Zanana and advanced westward along the Munda trail toward the airfield. The offensive was slowed by dense jungle terrain and determined Japanese resistance, with elements of three regiments making only gradual progress over two weeks before a reorganization of U.S. forces was ordered.
The slow advance forced a reorganization of U.S. forces in preparation for a larger corps-level offensive. Before that assault could be mounted, Japanese forces launched a counterattack on 17 July 1943, further complicating American efforts to seize the Munda airfield and prolonging the New Georgia campaign.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Side B
1 belligerent