Midnight in the Pacific

Guadalcanal -- The World War II Battle That Turned the Tide of War

By: Joseph Wheelan

Narrated by: Kevin Stillwell

A sweeping narrative history - the first in over 20 years - of America's first major offensive of World War II, the brutal, no-quarter-given campaign to take Japanese-occupied Guadalcanal

From early August until mid-November of 1942, US Marines, sailors, and pilots struggled for dominance against an implacable enemy: Japanese soldiers, inculcated with the bushido tradition of death before dishonor, avatars of bayonet combat - close-up, personal, and gruesome. The glittering prize was Henderson Airfield. Japanese planners knew that if they neutralized the airfield, the battle was won. So did the Marines who stubbornly defended it.

The outcome of the long slugfest remained in doubt under the pressure of repeated Japanese air, land, and sea operations. And losses were heavy. At sea, in a half-dozen fiery combats, the US Navy fought the Imperial Japanese Navy to a draw, but at a cost of more than 4,500 sailors. More American sailors died in these battles off Guadalcanal than in all previous US wars, and each side lost 24 warships.

On land, more than 1,500 soldiers and Marines died, and the air war claimed more than 500 US planes. Japan's losses on the island were equally devastating - starving Japanese soldiers called it "the island of death." But when the attritional struggle ended, American Marines, sailors, and airmen had halted the Japanese juggernaut that for five years had whirled through Asia and the Pacific. Guadalcanal was America's first major ground victory against Japan and, most importantly, the Pacific War's turning point.

Published on the 75th anniversary of the battle and utilizing vivid accounts written by the combatants at Guadalcanal, along with Marine Corps and Army archives and oral histories, Midnight in the Pacific is both a sweeping narrative and a compelling drama of individual Marines, soldiers, and sailors caught in the crosshairs of history.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2017 Joseph Wheelan (P)2017 Hachette Audio

Good, but not great

This could have been one of the greats, but it needs fact-checking. There are enough factual errors that I caught to be irritating, but I did like the format.

Well written!

Excellent story and very enjoyable. The reader did an exceptional job and I looked forward the each chapter.

Yes

This was a great performance but I really don’t like audible forcing you to write a comment. I wanted to just give stars and be done with it

Learned a Great Deal

This book oozes a story of the first Marines on Guadalcanal. Many personal snippets presented with great energy and enthusiasm. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the book and learned a great deal from the read in an entertaining manner. I was able to picture the stories in my mind because it was so well done. The battle scenes at Bloody Ridge, Alligator Creek, and more.
The naval battles were brutal to read about...I found myself frustrated with the repeated mistakes of the U.S. Commanders. The introduction of General Halsey made me feel like cheering. Never boring.
Overall...I would call this a GREAT FIRST read about Guadalcanal. It will provide a terrific foundation. Great book...hope you will enjoy.

Cheers,

Holy shit

I have read 80+ww2 books but I think this is one of the best. all the little details from both sides. told in a impartial manner. love it. from the top again .

Exact in every detail

A thorough depiction of the beginning of the end of the Japanese Imperial government in WW2. The savagery and bravery of the the US forces is depicted in a critical yet accurate manner. The addition of the US Army and National Guard units completed this historic and epic battle. The US Navy eventually redeemed themselves with heroic battles as the campaign wore on. The combined arms of ground, air and naval units led to the ultimate victory.

Too touchable to forget

No matter which side were those soldiers, respect shall be paid respect for their dedication and sacrifice to their own country

Excellent

This was a complex and exciting story, clearly presented and read very well. Start here for the Pacific war.

slightly disappointed

this book was very well researched and gave view points from the Japanese perspective. it is mostly impartial which makes for a very accurate retelling.

I was disappointed that naval and air battles were described in great detail. some naval battles are told by the minute while the efforts of Marines and army soldiers were given short synopsis.

even the actions of two medal of honor winners takes up less space then a description of a boat slowly sinking and a detail explanation of which way it was listing and by how many degrees.

if you are looking for a book about the ground conflict of guadalcanal this is not the book. as an overall history of the battle for the Solomon Islands this is a great read.

The Epic Battle of Guadalcanal is Told Expertly

I must have read 7 different books on Guadalcanal & this a KEEPER for sure.