Battle of the Tenaru - a/k/a Alligator Creek

Solomon Islands / Guadalcanal / Honiara /
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Site of the first major ground engagement between USMC and IJA forces during the Guadalcanal campaign. Called Battle of Tenaru River in official accounts, though the actual Tenaru lies further east. Waterway actually known locally as Alligator Creek. Night of August 20-21 1942, 2d Bn, 1st Marines on west bank of creek were attacked by IJA forces known as Ichiki's 1st Echelon, approaching from the east. Fighting lasted throughout the night and into the next morning. The Marines, reinforced by 1st Bn, 1st Marines, destroyed much of Ichiki's command.
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Coordinates:   9°25'39"S   160°4'5"E
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This article was last modified 18 years ago