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Naval History and Heritage Command

National Museum of the U.S. Navy

New Georgia Campaign:  June 30-October 7, 1943

(Codename:  Operation Toenails)

Task Force 31, the amphibious force led by Rear Admiral Richmond K. Turner, USN, landed at various points on New Georgia on June 30, 1943, beginning a campaign that lasted until the Japanese evacuated Vella Lavella on October 7.   The initial landing points were Viru, Wickham Anchorage, Segi Point, Onaiavisi, and Rendova, which proved vital for the capture of the airfield at Munda Point on August 5.   The significant naval battles during this campaign were Kula Gulf, KolombangaraVella Gulf, and Vella LaVella.  In these engagements, the Japanese continued to display their successful night-fighting skills. 

Image:  80-G-42630:  Aerial of Munda Point, Solomon Islands, site of the Japanese airport which fell to U.S. Forces on August 5, 1943.  Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.