Up The Slot- Marines in the Central Solomons

In December 1942, patrol flights launched from Henderson Field on Guadalcanal and U.S. fleet carriers encountered a significant threat the Japanese were diligently constructing a well-camouflaged airfield at Munda on New Georgias northern tip. This new airfield not only jeopardized the ongoing Allied efforts to secure Guadalcanal but also demanded urgent action. Reports from U.S. pilots indicated another airfield nearing completion on Kolombangara, just across the Kula Gulf from New Georgia. In response to these emerging dangers, Operation Toenails was meticulously planned, aiming to capture Munda and neutralize this strategic threat in the Central Solomons. - Summary by Charles D. Melson