Bøger om Stillehavet

On vuosi 1898 ja Tyynellämerellä vettä halkoo valtamerialus SS Maori, joka kantaa kyydissään matkustajia ja heidän unelmiaan. Mutta sitten iskee myrsky, joka upottaa loistavan laivan. Katastrofista selviää vain kaksi matkustajaa – hienostoneiti Margery ja toisen luokan matkustaja George. Kun he ajautuvat autiolle saarelle ja yrittävät selvitä onnettomuudesta, on kaksikon kohdattava niin erimielisyytensä ja luokkaeronsa kuin välillään väreilevät tunteensa.Haaksirikko on vauhdikas seikkailuromaani uppoavalta laivalta pelastumisen jälkeisestä eloonjäämiskamppailusta.Robert Cromie (1856–1907) oli pohjoisirlantilainen toimittaja ja kirjailija, joka tunnetaan erityisesti scifi-romaaneistaan.

This book examines the security dynamics of the Indian Ocean and the Western Pacific, concentrating upon an analysis and evaluation of the air power capabilities of the various powers active in the two regions.

Rare first-hand account of USS Atlanta's war--including the battles of Midway, Eastern Solomons, Santa Cruz and Guadalcanal, where the ship was sunk.

The story of how Bernhard Sindberg single-handedly saved thousands of civilians during the Japanese orgy of violence in the Chinese capital in late 1937 and early 1938.

From New York Times bestselling author Dan Hampton comes the gripping, untold story of a secret mission set during the darkest days of the Second World War.After the devastating Pearl Harbor attacks in the spring of 1942, the United States was determined to show the world that the Axis was not invincible. Their bold plan? Bomb Tokyo. On April 18, 1942, sixteen B-25s, known as the Doolittle Raiders, hit targets across Japan before escaping to China.The eighth plane, however, did not return with the rest of the raiders.Instead, Plane 8's pilots, Captain Edward "Ski" York and Lieutenant Bob Emmens, did not attack Tokyo, but headed across Japan to the Soviet Union, supposedly due to low fuel. Yet, this bomber was the only plane on the mission with maps of the Soviet Union aboard. And why did Plane 8's flight plans, recently discovered in the Japanese Imperial Archives, show them nowhere near their target? The facts have long indicated that bombing Tokyo was merely a cover for Plane 8's real mission, but what was their secret objective? No one, aside from the two pilots and whomever sent them on this mission, truly knew why they were there, nor has the reason ever been revealed.Until now.In Vanishing Act, for the first time, retired fighter pilot Dan Hampton definitively solves the final mystery of the Doolittle Raid, including never-before-published documents and photographs in exclusive collaboration with Japanese researchers and the Raiders' descendants.

Fully illustrated, this book assesses the US Marines and Japanese troops fighting in three bloody battles of World War II in the Pacific. In June 1944, the United States military launched an offensive against the Japanese forces holding the Mariana Islands and Palau. The US Marine Corps played a vital role in this campaign alongside Army and Navy forces, while their Japanese opponents mounted a desperate defense of their conquests amid the harsh island terrain. This book assesses both sides' doctrine, tactics, weapons, and battlefield effectiveness in three battles of this stage of the Pacific War. Landing on Saipan on June 15, the Marines established a beachhead as the Japanese defenders strove to fight to the last man. On July 21, US Marine Corps and Army forces landed on Guam. Only on August 10 was Guam declared secure by the Americans, and even then resistance continued. US forces landed on Tinian on July 24 and wrested the island from its conquerors. Alongside Army troops, the US Marine Corps also targeted the island of Peleliu. Predicted to last four days, the US assault on Peleliu lasted more than two months as the defenders inflicted appalling US casualties. Featuring all-new artwork and mapping alongside archive photographs, this study assesses the tactics and technology employed by the Marines and their Japanese opponents in these bloody battles, as the Pacific War moved toward its grim climax.

An illustrated account of the little-known operations of the Imperial Japanese Naval Air Force's flying boat units during World War 2.

An award-winning US Marine Corps armor historian's account of the role of US and Japanese tanks on Iwo Jima. The battle of Iwo Jima is iconic and known for its brutality: this was the only battle in which the number of US casualties outnumbered those of the Japanese. But as is often the case with the Pacific campaigns, the tank action on the island has generally been overshadowed by that of infantry. The tank, however, played an important role as a support weapon - especially on the US side - despite the rough terrain and unconventional enemy tactics. Using unpublished official records and veterans' accounts, award-winning USMC armor specialist Romain Cansière sheds new light on Japanese and USMC armored operations on the island. This book offers new information on the battle in a complete, concise, and accessible format, and its illustrations include unpublished photographs from private collections and meticulously researched new color profiles, highlighting the tanks' modifications and their diverse camouflage and markings.

The first book to examine the battleship-led 1941 Pacific Fleet as it was intended to fight. Packed with illustrations, this study explains how the US Navy saw the approaching war unfolding.

"The true story of Japan's surrender in World War II and how it nearly didn't happen! In the final days of World War II, Japan lay in ruins and the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki had been obliterated. A tense drama unfolds in Tokyo as Japan teeters on the edge of Armageddon. Japan's Longest Day tells the true story of the day immediately before the surrender, as a group of fanatical army officers attempt to prevent the Emperor from surrendering--an act of high treason which will inevitably result in Japan's total annihilation. This dramatic story recounts events that most people outside Japan are completely unaware of: The fierce disagreement between the army and the Japanese government as Emperor Hirohito prepares to announce the nation's unconditional surrender to the Allies, Attempts by War Minister Korechika Anami to change the Emperor's mind. Treasonous actions by a fanatical group of officers who vow to fight on, even if it means the death of every single Japanese citizen. The shocking plot to overthrow the government as Anami faces a fateful choice between loyalty to the cause and loyalty to the Emperor. Japan's Longest Day is beautifully told by award-winning manga artist Yukinobu Hoshino, who brings to life the story of Japan's most fateful day in elegant graphic novel form."--Publisher.

Never before has the USAAF Fifth Air Force Mustang and its colorful markings been illustrated with such breadth, accuracy and detail.The Pacific Profiles series presents the most accurate WWII profiles of Allied and Japanese aircraft which served throughout the South and Southwest Pacific theaters. This Volume 12 covers the P-51 and F-6 Mustang series which served in New Guinea, the Philippines and then the Japanese islands, serving with a total of ten USAAF Fifth Air Force fighter and reconnaissance squadrons, and also with New Guinea's Combat Replacement Training Center. The book includes a final chapter of post-war transition markings for the three years until 1948.Most profiles are presented for the first time, alongside markings derivations, including squadron heraldry and codes. Until now there has been a paucity of markings material about Fifth Air Force Mustang units, especially the tactical reconnaissance and air commando squadrons. Each profile is supported by photos and/or documentation, along with a brief history of each aircraft. Wide-ranging primary reference material is cited including assignment data, squadron records, color photography, maintenance logs, diaries and factory specifications. A brief history of each unit and the rationale of its associated markings accompanies the text.The author is world-renowned for his expertise on the Pacific air war. Never before has the USAAF Fifth Air Force Mustang and its colorful markings been illustrated with such breadth, accuracy and detail.

"As are the photographs, the illustrations are a treasure trove for modelers. While the academic and technical research is the brain of this book, perhaps the most impressive part is the original color artwork that visually spotlights what the text imparts." -- AeroscaleThe ongoing Pacific Profiles series presents the most accurate WWII profiles of aircraft which served throughout Australia, New Guinea and the South Pacific. This Volume 11 covers the P-40 Warhawk series, which served with a dozen USAAF Fifth and Thirteenth Air Force fighter and reconnaissance squadrons, service units, combat replacement pools and other miscellaneous units.Most profiles are presented for the first time, alongside markings derivations, including squadron heraldry and codes. Frequent airframe reassignments between units resulted in wide-ranging and oft-changing unit markings and nose art. Until now there has been a paucity of material about several units, particularly those in the Thirteenth Air Force. This volume also rectifies past mistakes which continue to be perpetrated, especially those representing the early Australian theater.Wide ranging primary reference material is cited including official Australian assignment data, squadron records, color slides and movies, maintenance logs, diaries, wreck site inspections and factory specifications. A brief history of each unit and the rationale of its unit markings accompanies the text.The author is world-renowned for his expertise on the Pacific air war. Never before have USAAF Pacific P-40s and their colorful artwork been illustrated with such accuracy and detail.

Introducing: Axis Powers: Iron Fist And Rising Sun - A Captivating Book BundleDiscover the captivating story of the Axis Powers - Germany, Italy, and Japan - and their impact on World War II and the world at large. Axis Powers: Iron Fist And Rising Sun is a compelling book bundle that takes you on a captivating journey through the rise, fall, and aftermath of one of the most tumultuous periods in history.Book 1: Rise And Fall: The Axis Powers In World War IIStep into the heart of the conflict as you explore the major events, military strategies, and key figures that defined the Axis Powers' involvement in World War II. From their lightning-fast blitzkrieg tactics to the intense battles on multiple fronts, this book provides a comprehensive and engaging account of the Axis Powers' military might and the relentless determination of their opponents.Book 2: Fascism's Grip: The Axis Powers And TotalitarianismDive deep into the ideologies, policies, and practices that characterized the totalitarian regimes of Germany, Italy, and Japan. Explore the rise of fascism, the cults of personality surrounding leaders such as Hitler and Mussolini, and the impact of totalitarian rule on society, politics, and individual lives. Gain a profound understanding of the mechanisms of control and the far-reaching implications of these ideologies.Book 3: The Asian Theatre: Axis Powers In The PacificEmbark on an often-overlooked but crucial aspect of World War II - the Asian theater. Delve into the Japanese invasion of China, the island-hopping campaigns in the Pacific, and the strategic battles that shaped the course of the war in this region. Through gripping accounts of military strategies, personal stories, and the geopolitical significance of the Asian theater, this book sheds light on a critical chapter of history.Book 4: The Aftermath: Axis Powers And Post-War ReckoningWitness the profound impact of World War II on the Axis Powers and the complex aftermath that followed. From the Nuremberg Trials to the reconstruction efforts and the pursuit of justice, this book explores the post-war reckoning faced by the defeated nations. Gain insights into the challenges of rebuilding shattered societies, dismantling totalitarian systems, and pursuing a path of reconciliation in a post-war world. Why Choose Axis Powers: Iron Fist And Rising Sun?Comprehensive Coverage: This book bundle provides a comprehensive exploration of the Axis Powers, covering their rise, their military campaigns, their ideologies, and the aftermath of their defeat.Engaging Narratives: Immerse yourself in captivating storytelling as you journey through the significant events and key figures that shaped this pivotal period in history.Meticulous Research: Benefit from meticulously researched and well-documented accounts, ensuring the accuracy and depth of the historical information presented.Thought-Provoking Analysis: Gain a deeper understanding of the complexities and consequences of World War II, totalitarianism, and the lasting impact of the Axis Powers.Complete Bundle: Get all four books in one bundle, offering a comprehensive and well-rounded exploration of the Axis Powers and their historical significance.Axis Powers: Iron Fist And Rising Sun is an essential addition to any history enthusiast's collection. Whether you are a student, a history buff, or simply eager to delve into the captivating story of World War II, this book bundle offers a riveting journey through the rise, fall, and aftermath of the Axis Powers.Don't miss out on this opportunity to explore the Axis Powers' impact on history. Grab your copy of Axis Powers: Iron Fist And Rising Sun today and embark on an unforgettable historical adventure!

"This book is a triumph." -MJV LiteraryWhen Pearl Harbor was bombed on December 7, 1941, forcing the U.S. to enter WWII, MAC was 23 years old.He had graduated with honors from high school, served two years in the Merchant Marine, and had a year of college under his belt. During the summer he had graduated from DePaul University's preliminary army air course to become a pilot and graduated as their highest-ranking student. Joining the U.S. Army Air Forces, he was assigned to the newly formed 307th BG and trained to fly the brand-new B-24 Liberator. Like Lou Zamperini-of Unbroken-who was also in the 307th, Mac's plane was shot down in the ocean. It was his first combat mission from Guadalcanal. After a three-week odyssey, he and his surviving crew members were rescued, and he went on to fly 51 more combat missions from his base in the Solomon Islands. In 1943, the following year, he was brought back to the U.S. to be trained on the even newer B-29 Superfortress. This was the plane designed to carry the atomic bombs. He flew 30 missions in 1945 from Guam dropping incendiaries on Japan. The Japanese finally surrendered just as the wheels of the Superfortress touched down on Mac's 30th mission. The war was over.After the war, MAC served as director of air training for the 20th Air Force during the Korean War, as air attaché to French Indochina, at NATO prior to the Vietnam War, and as director of war plans for TAC during the Vietnam War. This is his story.

Concise account of the defeat of the Japanese in 1944 and 1945.

Indlæst af Keld Rysgaard Oversat af Else Schiøler 3 cd+bog, 3 timer og 2 min. Læsehastighed: Tilpasset 4.-5. skoleår

Da Ebbe Thomsen i 1913 fik hyre på et skib i indenrigsfart, havde han ingen anelse om, at det blev starten på et langt liv med en udenlandsk maritim karriere. Hans oplevelser ude i Stillehavet er beretningen om dæksdrengen fra Kolding, der som ung blev drevet af eventyrlyst, videbegær og ikke mindst af den kærlighed, han mødte på Samoa midt i Polynesien.Da han for første gang ankom til hovedstaden Apia, vidste han, at hans skæbne var beseglet. Det var her, han ville leve resten af sine dage.Ved første øjekast lignede det hele en naturperle i skønhed helt uden sidestykke. Det skulle dog snart vise sig, at der under overfladen lå stærke altødelæggende naturkræfter og lurede. Til søs uddannede Ebbe sig til matros, styrmand, telegrafist og navigatør. Hans ansættelse på amerikanske handelsskibe og flair for tal og handel berigede ham også med en maritim handelsuddannelse. 2. verdenskrig satte en brat stopper for en ellers lovende karriere i Polynesien. Skæbnen ville, at Ebbe ufrivilligt måtte foretage et stort karriereskift. Skiftet resulterede i, at han endte som politidirektør. Kærligheden til Polynesien og hans nye familie fjernede aldrig længslen hjem til Danmark. Savnet af hans danske familie fremgår af de mange års brevudveksling. De fleste af brevene hjem til familien blev af sikkerhedshensyn under 2. Verdenskrig gemt i et chartek. De blev først fundet i 1998 og er baggrunden for, at Ebbe Thomsens historie nu kan fortælles. Ebbe Thomsen er forfatterens grandonkel, og det var i et arvet møbel, at brevene dukkede op.

In the tradition of Band of Brothers, historian and former paratrooper James M. Fenelon offers a grunt’s-eye view of the 11th Airborne’s heroic campaign to liberate the Philippines in World War II. A soldier’s history at its best.

"Prima di entrare nella sua cabina, sostò un momento alla porta di Gladis. Non osò disturbare il sonno della ragazza e, data l’ora tarda, decise di andare a dormire. Vi riuscì solo quando la rossa luce dell’aurora sfiorava i bordi dell’oblò. Il pensiero di Ingvor lo tormentava...".Fletcher Weston non potrebbe essere una persona più diversa dall’amico Phil Joyner: se, da un lato, lui è un commediografo che ha rinunciato a ogni ambizione per rifugiarsi in campagna con l’amata moglie Mildred, Phil, al contrario, continua a perseguire il sogno di diventare capitano di una nave. Così, quando l’amico di una vita gli propone di accompagnarlo in un avventuroso viaggio alla volta di Hong Kong, Fletcher è un po’ titubante. Abbandonare Mildred, le sicurezze dell’Australia, per imbarcarsi su una misteriosa nave che batte bandiera svedese, comandata da un villoso vichingo e perdipiù gelosissimo dell’attraente moglie Ingvor? Beh, chissà, è probabile che ci sia da divertirsi!Francesco Cannarozzo, meglio noto come Franco Enna (1921-1990), è stato uno dei maggiori scrittori di fantascienza italiani, nonché un celebrato anticipatore del giallo contemporaneo. Nato a Castrogiovanni, trascorre la giovinezza a Enna – città in cui farà anche la conoscenza di Andrea Camilleri – per poi trasferirsi a Milano in cerca di fortuna. Impiegato come direttore dell’ufficio stampa dei periodici Mondadori, dal 1955 inizia a pubblicare i primi romanzi di fantascienza per la collana Urania. Essendo uno degli unici scrittori italiani attivi nel genere, diventa ben presto un punto di riferimento per tutti gli appassionati nostrani. L’invenzione del fortunato personaggio del commissario Sartori, poi, lo renderà anche un affermato giallista. Fra i suoi romanzi più noti si possono citare l’esordio "L’inferno confina con Dio" (1952), "Preludio alla tomba" (1955), "Panico al Polo" (1958) e "La bambola di gomma" (1971).

Mroczny thriller autora bestsellerów z listy New York Times!Są na świecie miejsca na pozór szczęśliwe, które od lat skrywają ponure tajemnice i ociekają krwią niewinnych ofiar…Alex Delaware wraz ze swoją partnerką Robin, korzystając z zaproszenia doktora Morelanda, wyrusza na zamieszkiwaną przez niego rajską wyspę Aruk. Para ma pomóc lekarzowi w uporządkowaniu dokumentacji medycznej i napisaniu książki, ale wkrótce okazuje się, że dziwny dr Moreland ma wobec Delaware’ego nie całkiem uczciwe zamiary. Wkrótce wychodzi na jaw, że pobliski atol na Pacyfiku był w 1954 roku miejscem strasznych w konsekwencjach testów bomby wodorowej. Jeśli lubisz thrillery z ciekawie poprowadzonym wątkiem medycznym i pasjonują cię zawiłe losy dawnych zbrodniarzy, lektura tej książki na pewno wywrze na tobie niezatarte wrażenie. Oto dziesiąty tom wstrząsającej serii o zagadkach kryminalnych Alexa Delaware’a, można go uznać za oddzielną historię lub czytać bez zachowania kolejności cyklu. THE WEB, Copyright © 1996 by Jonathan KellermanAlex DelawareSeria thrillerów psychologicznych, których głównym bohaterem jest znany, choć przebywający na wczesnej emeryturze psycholog dziecięcy Alex Delaware. Dr Delaware na prośbę przyjaciela detektywa Milo Sturgisa zostaje specjalnym konsultantem Departamentu Policji w Los Angeles i pomaga mu w rozwiązaniu najbardziej zawiłych spraw kryminalnych. Jonathan Kellerman (ur. 9 sierpnia 1949 w Nowym Jorku) - profesor psychologii i rozwoju człowieka, uznany autor sensacyjnych thrillerów psychologicznych. W wieku 24 lat uzyskał doktorat z psychologii dziecięcej, zadebiutował w 1985 r. powieścią ,,Kiedy pęka tama”, która stała się bestsellerem New York Timesa. Kellerman to laureat prestiżowych nagród literackich np. Edgara Allana Poe oraz Anthony Award; jego powieści przetłumaczono na 24 języki i sprzedano w 37 milionach egzemplarzy. Jest żonaty z autorką bestsellerowych powieści Faye Kellerman, z którą ma czworo dzieci.

Mission ISRM - I Shall Return, MacArthur, details the vital intelligence gathering and reporting operations of American and Filipino soldiers on the island of Mindoro during World War II. The mission's code-name, "ISRM," was derived from the famous slogan of General MacArthur, "I shall return," his promise to liberate the Philippines from the Japanese. The book was first published in 1961 as Bahala Na...Come what may: The Story of Mission ISRM, An Army-Navy Intelligence Mission in the Pacific. The objective of Mission ISRM was primarily to provide intelligence on enemy movements - on ground, sea and air - in and around Manila and the Manila Bay region. Members of the mission and their equipment were transported secretly by submarine to Mindoro, where they went about the dangerous task of establishing observation posts and radio transmission sites in enemy-held territory. Information was transmitted to allied headquarters in Australia, and would prove invaluable in planning for the coming invasion of Philippines by the allies. A secondary objective was the harassment of the enemy and sabotage of Japanese supply and communication lines. Included are a Foreword by Douglas MacArthur, a map, and 8 pages of photographs.

Seven minutes past midnight on March 10, 1945, nearly 300 American B-29s thundered into the skies over Tokyo. Their payloads of incendiaries ignited a firestorm that reached up to 2,800 degrees, liquefying asphalt and vaporising thousands; sixteen square miles of the city were flattened and more than 100,000 men, women, and children were killed. Black Snow is the story of this devastating operation, orchestrated by Major General Curtis LeMay, who famously remarked: "If we lose the war, we'll be tried as war criminals".James M. Scott reconstructs in granular detail that horrific night, and describes the development of the B-29, the capture of the Marianas for use as airfields, and the change in strategy from high-altitude daylight "precision" bombing to low-altitude nighttime incendiary bombing. Most importantly, the raid represented a significant moral shift for America, marking the first time commanders deliberately targeted civilians which helped pave the way for the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki five months later.Drawing on first-person interviews with American pilots and bombardiers and Japanese survivors, air force archives and oral histories never before published in English, Scott delivers a harrowing and gripping account, and his most important and compelling work to date.

Air War in the Pacific, originally published in 1949 as General Kenney Reports: A Personal History of the Pacific War, is a classic account of a combat commander in action. General George Churchill Kenney arrived in the Southwest Pacific theater in August 1942 to find that his command, if not in a shambles, was in dire straits. The theater commander, General Douglas MacArthur, had no confidence in his air element. Kenney quickly changed this situation. He organized and energized the Fifth Air Force, bringing in operational commanders like Whitehead and Wurtsmith who knew how to run combat air forces. He fixed the logistical swamp, making supply and maintenance supportive of air operations, and encouraging mavericks such as Pappy Gunn to make new and innovative weapons and to explore new tactics in airpower application.The result was a disaster for the Japanese. Kenney's airmen used air power- particularly heavily armed B-25 Mitchell bombers-to savage Japanese supply lines, destroying numerous ships and effectively isolating Japanese garrisons. The classic example of Kenney in action was the Battle of the Bismarck Sea, which marked the attainment of complete Allied air dominance and supremacy over Japanese naval forces operating around New Guinea. In short, Kenney was a brilliant, innovative airman, who drew on his own extensive flying experiences to inform his decision-making. Air War in the Pacific is a book that has withstood the test of time, and which remains as the definitive work on the Pacific air campaign in World War II. This new edition includes 13 pages of maps and photographs.

Ce n’est pas toujours chez l’ennemi que l’on trouve les pires adversaires. Il peut y avoir au sein d’un même camp des haines si tenaces qu’elles s’apparentent à la folie. Les frères James et Harry Ludlow, recueillis à bord d'un des vaisseaux de la reine après avoir été coulés vont se trouver à la merci d’un capitaine qui ne rêve que de les voir pendus, torturés ou jetés vivants en pleine mer glacée...Fin du 18e siècle : Harry Ludlow quitte son poste d'officier dans la Royal Navy pour devenir corsaire et sillonner les mers. Au cours de ses voyages, lui et ses compagnons se retrouvent sans cesse dans des situations périlleuses et des affaires criminelles à élucider. Cette série captivante satisfera non seulement les fans de romans maritimes historiques, mais aussi les lecteurs passionnés de romans policiers.David Donachie (né à Édimbourg en 1944), aussi connu sous le pseudonyme de Jack Ludlow, est un écrivain anglais. Avant de consacrer sa vie à la littérature, Donachie était vendeur et homme d'affaires. Passionné d'histoire, en particulier l'histoire navale, il s'inspire de ses recherches pour écrire ses romans mettant en scène des marins de la Royal Navy, décrivant avec une grande précision la vie à bord des navires.

‘Alonzo Fitz and Other Stories’ invites readers to deep dive into Twain’s wealth of knowledge and entertaining anecdotes concerning life, language, and love.With hidden gems such as ‘The Great Revolution in Pitcairn’, which imagines a society built on a deserted island, and ‘On The Decay of the Art of Lying’, which advocates for telling meaningful lies, Twain’s impressive collection offers something for every reader looking to discover the wit and charm of America’s greatest writer.Painting a captivating picture of 19th century America, this classic collection of short stories is perfect for Western lovers of Denzel Washington and Chris Pratt’s ‘The Magnificent Seven’.Mark Twain, pseudonym of Samuel Langhorne Clemens (1835-1910), was an American humorist, lecturer, journalist, and novelist. Celebrated today as the father of American literature, his work spans epic stories of boyhood such as ‘The Adventures of Tom Sawyer’ and ‘The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn’, as well as travel narratives, such as ‘The Innocents Abroad’, ‘Roughing It’, and ‘Life on the Mississippi’.A friend to presidents, artists, and royalty, he is remembered today as a popular public figure. Continuing his influence, Twain inspires Disney attractions, singer Tom Petty’s ‘Down South’ and was portrayed by Nathan Osgood in the 2018 comedy ‘Holmes and Watson’.

The full history of how the United States targeted and destroyed the Japanese capital from the air, in a ten-month long campaign by the US Army Air Force and the US Navy.In November 1944, the US Army Air Force launched a 111-plane B-29 strike against Tokyo, the first raid since the morale-boosting Doolittle Raid of 1942. From then until August 13, 1945, the United States would attack Tokyo 25 times, 20 from B-29s based in the Marianas and five from US Navy carrier task forces. The campaign included the single deadliest air raid in human history, when around 100,000 people were killed by the firestorm created by the Operation Meetinghouse raid of March 10, 1945. This book, the first to examine the full history of the United States' air campaign against the greatest target in Japan, looks at the USAAF's and US Navy's efforts to use air power to eliminate Tokyo's strategic value to the Empire. It considers how the campaign developed from daylight bombing to firebombing and anti-ship mining, and finally how the target was handed over to the US Navy, whose carrier-based bombers and fighter-bombers continued to strike Tokyo during July and August 1945.Using specially commissioned battlescenes, strategic maps and diagrams, this volume presents a detailed picture of how Tokyo was vanquished from the air.

Fully illustrated, this absorbing study explores the evolving sniping technology and tactics employed by both sides in Asia and the Pacific during 1941-45. During World War II, both the Japanese and their Allied opponents made widespread use of snipers armed with a variety of rifles, scopes and accessories and prepared by widely differing levels of training and tactical doctrine. The challenges of fighting in a variety of harsh environments, from the Pacific islands to the vast expanses of China, prompted improvisation and innovation on both sides in the ongoing war between snipers and their adversaries. Often operating at relatively close ranges in restrictive terrain, snipers made particularly ingenious use of camouflage and deception as the fighting spread across Asia and the Pacific in the wake of the Pearl Harbor attack, while troops tasked with countering enemy marksmen had to learn the hard way how best to defeat a seemingly invisible enemy. Small arms expert John Walter considers the strengths and limitations of the rifles, scopes and accessories deployed by Japanese snipers and their Allied counterparts, as well as their different approaches to sniping tactics and training. Specially commissioned artwork and carefully chosen photographs illustrate this enthralling study of the sniping war in Asia and the Pacific during World War II.

The forgotten story of the major naval operations conducted in the Philippines by the US and Japanese navies after Leyte Gulf up to the US invasion of Luzon in January 1945. The events that took place in the aftermath of the Battle of Leyte Gulf in October 1944 are often overlooked by military historians. An impressive array of naval operations continued in the Philippines up to January 1945, which included (on the Japanese side) the largest convoys to a contested island during the war, the first kamikaze campaign, and the second largest Imperial Japanese Navy surface operation during the last nine months of the conflict. On the American side, US forces were involved in efforts to cut off Leyte from enemy reinforcement, a massive amphibious invasion off Luzon, and large-scale operations by the Fast Carrier Task Force (TF 38).Expert naval historian Mark Stille throws new light on this often forgotten phase of the Pacific naval war. Among the actions covered are the battles for Ormoc Bay, the invasion of Mindoro, Japanese kamikaze attacks, and US Third Fleet's rampage through the South China Sea between January 10 and 20, 1945. Superb battlescene artworks bring the war at sea and in the air vividly to life, and maps and diagrams guide readers through a range of actions in clear, step-by-step detail.

Using diary entries, interviews and first-hand accounts, this vivid narrative brings to life the struggle in the air over the island of Guadalcanal between August 20 and November 15, 1942.The battle of Guadalcanal was the first offensive operation undertaken by the US and its allies in the Pacific War. The three months of air battles between August 20, 1942, when the first Marine air unit arrived on the island, and November 15, when the last enemy attempt to retake the island was defeated, were perhaps the most important of the Pacific War. "Cactus," the code name for the island, became a sinkhole for Japanese air and naval power, as they experienced losses that could never be made good. For 40 years, the late Eric Hammel interviewed more than 150 American participants in the air campaign at Guadalcanal, none of whom are still alive. These interviews are the most comprehensive first-person accounts of the battle assembled by any historian. More importantly, they involved the junior officers and enlisted men whose stories and memories were not part of the official history, and thus provide a unique insight. In The Cactus Air Force, Pacific War expert Thomas McKelvey Cleaver worked closely with Eric to build on his collection of diary entries, interviews and first-hand accounts to create a vivid narrative of the struggle in the air over the island of Guadalcanal between August 20 and November 15, 1942.