Compass Points - Merry Christmas!
Celebrating the Holiday Season
On this Christmas Day, Compass Points is saying the traditional prayer for peace on earth, goodwill to men. Until that day arrives, however, Compass Points will also continue to pray for every Marine across the globe, standing a post for freedom.
During the Christmas season in 1942, Marines were just completing their victory at Guadalcanal. Months before, in spring of 1942 the Japanese had expanded their advances in the Pacific as far south as the Solomon Islands. The Solomons were just off the coast of Australia and the Japanese had to be rooted out. The Marines were hastily sent in to do the job. Once begun, the bloody campaign continued until early in 1943 when the remaining Japanese were evacuated under cover of darkness.
Colonel Joseph H. Alexander wrote about the importance of Guadalcanal in his book, The Battle History of the U.S. Marines.
The American victory at Guadalcanal, dangerously risked and dearly bought, was more a turning point in the Pacific War than even Midway.
At Midway, the Japanese could blame the fates for their carriers being caught while rearming the air groups. But at Guadalcanal, in a half-year campaign the best of the Empire’s veteran soldiers, sailors, and aviators had been fought to a standstill and eventually overwhelmed by the inexperienced American forces.
For the United States, and its corps of Marines the victory affirmed some bright truths. The Japanese were tough but not invincible. And the Marines had shown they had something priceless to offer this war: not just amphibious expertise and fierce esprit, but also a certain distinctive valor which could transcend deprivation and be passed on, like a flaming torch from veterans to rookies.
Nice touch on Christmas Day.
"BZ" and continue the great work you do!
Semper Fidelis! Merry Christmas, to all!