National Museum of the U.S. Navy

Rendova Island Invasion:  June 30 - July 2, 1943

Landing on Rendova Island on June 30, 1943, were U.S. Army troops, 172nd Infantry, 43rd Division.   The amphibious operation occurred without opposition.  The island contains a 3,400 foot mountain, which provided an excellent observation post.   U.S. Navy Seabees assisted in the landing of supplies, which included 155-mm howitzers.  On July 2, the island came under attack by Japanese aircraft killing 59 men and wounding 77.   The island would later be utilized as a base for motor-torpedo boats.  

Image:  80-G-52573:  Rendova Island Invasion, June 30, 1943.   The first Americans ashore huddle behind tree trunks and any other cover they can find.  Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.