In December, Marines fought one of their toughest battles on Bougainville—securing Hellzapoppin Ridge. This heavily fortified enemy stronghold loomed over Marine lines, threatening the expanding perimeter. For over a week, the fight raged in the thick jungle, where Marines faced relentless enemy fire and near-impenetrable defenses. Artillery barrages, airstrikes, and unyielding infantry assaults eventually broke the Japanese hold, but the cost was high.
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