Combat· World War II
Point Cruz Offensive
Point Cruz was a spit of land west of the Matanikau where the Japanese had dug in to block any Marine advance along the coast.
After turning back the big enemy offensive in late October, the Marines moved out again to clear the ground west of the river and keep the enemy from massing for another attack. The drive aimed to surround and wipe out the Japanese pocket near the point. Marine battalions of the 5th Marines pushed forward against stiff resistance in the shore area while other troops moved inland against lighter opposition. Over several days the Marines worked to encircle the enemy, and the pocket just west of Point Cruz was destroyed. With another large Japanese reinforcement attempt looming, the Marines pulled most of their force back to guard the airfield, leaving a regiment to hold the gained ground.
Podcast episodes on World War II
Record no. 119