|
|
||
|
||
|
|
Mount Austen The view from this hill is fantastic. You can easily see Henderson Airfield and a large part of Iron Bottom Sound, which is obviously why both American and Japanese troops wanted to control it. The memorial on Mount Austen says: MILITARY OPERATIONS In late November, 1942, Japanese troops were secretly engaged in building an incredibly strong defense perimeter in the area of MT. Austen. This strategic, 1,514 foot height served as an invaluable observation post. It commanded Henderson Field, Sealark Channel (nicknamed Iron Bottom Bay), and most landing beaches, using strong radio equipment, Japanese forces reported all allied activity in the air, on land, and at sea. Japanese army troops defending Mt. Austen prevented United States units from undertaking action west of the Matanikau River along the coast to Cape Esperance. They occupied the Mt. Austen with three understrength regiments, the 124th Infantry, 228 Infantry, and the 10 Mountain Artillery. Their defenses consisted of well camouflaged, remarkably built positions with interlacing protective lanes of fire. This Gifu stronghold, named after a prefecture in Honshu, was acknowledged as the strongest Japanese defensive position on Guadalcanal. Early in December, 1942, U.S. forces achieved air and sea superiority at Guadalcanal. Major General A.M. Patch, the Commanding General, American Infantry Division, ordered the 132rd Infantry Regiment to seize and control Mt. Austen. The Gifu had to be destroyed. The 3rd Battalion led the attack for Hill 31, the next day, 1st Battalion supported the assault at Hill 30. After two weeks of patrolling, probing and suffering heavy casualties, these battalions were held up awaiting arrival of the regiment's 2nd Battalion. During this time, Japanese land forces on Guadalcanal were slowly reduced in number. Japan's imperial staff decided that the battle for Guadalcanal was lost and planned a withdrawal for 14 January 1943, later changed to February. On 2 January 1943, the 2nd Battalion 132nd Infantry Regiment in single file silently penetrated Japanese territory from Hill 11 to the southwest. Using a wide enveloping movement, the battalion advanced toward the Gifu from the south and occupied Hill 27 to the complete surprise of the enemy Japanese soldiers angrily counteracted with six assaults but were repulsed each time. U.S. troops now contained the Gifu on the north, east and south. For 26 days, the 132nd Infantry had battled doggedly to overcome the Gifu stronghold. By 10 January 1943, when the regiment was relieved, it had lost 112 men killed, 288 wounded, 3 missing, and more than 450 debilitated by malaria. it was estimated between 400 and 500 Japanese troops were killed. The 132nd Infantry Regiment had established and then tightened an entrapment of the Gifu; now it remained for the 2D Battalion of the 35th Infantry Regiment to destroy the Gifu. 1991 GUADACANAL-SOLOMON ISLANDS WAR MEMORIAL FOUNDATION
|
 |
||
|
|
