Bougainville 23rd Infantry Division (United States)
the division next moved fiji islands, beginning 5 march 1943, assume defense of main island of viti levu , engage in extensive training.
during period 25 december 1943 12 january 1944 americal division landed on bougainville, relieving 3rd marine division. given task (alongside 37th infantry division , marine defense battalion) of holding , extending right half of established perimeter.
warned intelligence, met massive , sustained japanese counter-attack, began on 7 march 1944. despite ample warning , thorough defensive preparations, battle degenerated bitter, close-quarters infantry affair, artillery restricted need avoid friendly troops , tanks unable reach scene. 37th , americal divisions stood firm, , 25 march, japanese forced retreat. last japanese ground offensive in south pacific.
the division went on offensive in march 1944, driving japanese east of mavavia river, 7–9 april 1944, , seizing numerous strategic hill bases during remainder of month. training , long-range patrol activity continued until 30 november 1944 when division relieved.
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