This week in Pacific history

August 23rd- August 29th

USS Enterprise under attack during the Battle of the Solomons

During the Battle of the Solomons on August 24th, 1942, USS Enterprise (CV-6) is seen from another U.S. ship while under attack by Japanese dive bombers. An intense fire is burning in her starboard after five-inch gun gallery, the result of a bomb hit that ignited ready-service ammunition. Note anti-aircraft shell bursts over the carrier.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval History and Heritage Command

By Staff | Stars and Stripes August 23, 2020

August 24th, 1942 – World War II: First day of the Battle of the Eastern Solomons occurs and the Japanese aircraft carrier Ryūjō is sunk, and the US carrier USS Enterprise is heavily damaged.
August 25th, 1942 – World War II: Second and last day of the Battle of the Eastern Solomons occurs with neither side claiming outright victory, but the U.S. gains a strategic advantage.
August 27th, 1943 – World War II: Japanese forces evacuate New Georgia Island in the Western Province of the Solomon islands.
August 29th, 1950 – Korean War: British troops arrive in Korea to bolster U.S. troops.