Oka’s Final Gambit

On October 19th, 1,200 men of the 124th Infantry, led by Colonel Oka, crossed the Matanikau River near Mount Austen to outflank the Marines defending the mouth of the Matanikau River. The Marines spotted the crossing column, but were not …

1942-10-25

Guad12

On October 19th, 1,200 men of the 124th Infantry, led by Colonel Oka, crossed the Matanikau River near Mount Austen to outflank the Marines defending the mouth of the Matanikau River. The Marines spotted the crossing column, but were not able to attack them with planes before the Japanese disappeared into the jungle. Since Colonel Nomasu’s failed diversionary attack at the mouth of the Matanikau River on the 23rd, the western perimeter has been quiet. The Marines know Oka’s men are out there though and that they will be attacking the western perimeter from the south. The 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, commanded by Colonel Herman Hanneken, has been positioned on a ridge just south of the coastal road that leads to Henderson Field, leaving Puller’s 1st Battalion, 7th Marines alone to defend against Maruyama’s unexpected attack near Edson’s Ridge. On the evening of the 25th, Oka’s men emerge from the jungle and begin attacking the Marines. Hanneken has no artillery support, since all artillery is supporting Puller south of Henderson Field as he defends against the second night of Maruyama’s attack!

Guadalcanal

The Battle for Henderson Field, also known as the Battle of Guadalcanal or Battle of Lunga Point by the Japanese, took place from 23 to 26 October 1942 on and around Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands. The battle was a land, sea, and air battle of the Pacific campaign of World War II and was fought between the Imperial Japanese Army and Navy and Allied forces, mainly U.S. Marine and Army. The battle was the last of three major land offensives conducted by the Japanese during the Guadalcanal campaign.

Wikipedia: Battle for Henderson Field

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