Hello everyone, and thank you once again for listening to the saga of World War II,

Akassas Belly project. In this episode, we finally start the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps' drive

through the Central Pacific. The Southwest Pacific isn't quite wrapped yet, and we will return to

it before long, and we won't really stay in the Central Pacific for very long either, before setting

our sights elsewhere.

But consider this a teaser almost for what is coming in 1944.

I also want to touch on some terminology I'll be using regarding defensive works in this

episode.

Whether it's pillbox, blockhouse, or bunker, I'm describing defensive works made of concrete

or logs made to house

men, machine guns, and ammunition, and I use the terms more or less interchangeably. As always,

if you have questions, comments, or corrections, you can contact me at Cassusbelly guy at gmail.com.

You can also visit the website at Cassusbellypodcast.com slash World War II with the number two.

I always appreciate feedback from listeners.

Anyway, let's begin episode 44, the first atoll.

I have been astonished that Japan should in a single day have plunged into war against the United States and the British Empire.

What kind of a people do they think we are?

Is it possible they do not realize that we shall never cease to persevere against them

until they have been taught a lesson which they

and the world will never forget. In November, 1943, as the battle for Bougainville raged and MacArthur and Halsey continued to ram their way up the Solomon's towards Rabao,

Nimitz was preparing to begin his career to finding drive through the Central Pacific.

Rather than skirting the Pacific Rim in a series of major land

...