On February 19, 1942, when the Japanese Empire first attacked Darwin, Australia, killing 200 people, the necessity to keep shipping lanes open between the U.S. and our ally, Australia, became critical. This battle to maintain control of the South West Pacific waterways would spread across many islands and years.
In 1942 the Japanese swiftly moved down the Island of New Guinea seeking control of strategic areas. Port Moresby, a short distance from the tip of Australia, became a major target. Along the way, the enemy forces set up several coastal bases such as Lae and Salamaua. [Read more…] about Battle of the Bismarck Sea