SOLOMON BLUES  November 1st 1944 -  

After the fall of Guadalcanal, the Allies began a series of operations to
clear out the rest of the Solomon Island chain. Operation "Cherry Blossom"
was to secure the island of Bougainville. Assigned to this mission was the 
3rd Marine Division. Their objectives was to capture the airfield and the 
naval yard. Defending the island were the Japanese of the 23rd Infantry 
Regiment. The Allies hoped it would be an easy landing as they had complete 
control of sea and air. But the men of the 23rd contained the U.S. marines 
for 6 days before withdrawing to the interior of the island.
