012 - SIDEBAR The George Medal

In the summer of 1942, urgent intelligence reports revealed the construction of a Japanese airfield near Lunga Point on Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands. The imminent completion of this airfield posed a significant threat, potentially enabling a renewed Japanese offensive that could jeopardize the vital lifeline of American support to Australia and New Zealand. On July 23, 1942, the Joint Chiefs of Staff in Washington recognized the need to secure communication lines in the South Pacific and halt the Japanese advance. This pivotal decision led to Operation Watchtower, the daring campaign to seize Guadalcanal. - Summary by Henry I Shaw