D767.H85 2006
940.53’52 dc22
2006014728
First Printed 1952—CMH Pub 12-1
For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office
Internet: bookstore.gpo.gov Phone: toll free (866) 512-1800; DC area (202) 512-1800
Fax: (202) 512-2250 Mail: Stop IDCC, Washington, DC 20402-0001
ISBN 0-16-076546-3
Foreword
To the Second Edition
This collection of 500-plus pictures dramatically enhances the written record of World War II in the Pacific Theater. The images freeze in place the soldiers, the weapons, the operations, the geography, and the tenor of the moment. Maj. Gen. Orlando Ward’s foreword to the first edition (see next page) describes this visual dimension as essential to fully understanding military history. The War Against Japan was one of the first volumes in the United States Army in World War II series, and it has stood the test of time. The book has also served as a useful resource for anyone seeking to illustrate this stage of the war.
Although this second edition keeps all the original photographs, captions, and short narrative historical introductions in each section, the Center of Military History has taken several steps to improve the appearance, currency, and utility of the book. New prints of all existing photographs ensure their clarity, replacing the old printing negatives with greatly improved examples. The Center staff also removed outdated references and developed an appendix that provides more detailed information on sources and photograph cataloging numbers. I hope this information will further assist those involved in research or seeking to obtain their own prints.
In visually documenting the World War II experience, this volume has proven to be an invaluable collection. By publishing this upgraded edition, the Center hopes to revive and expand the book’s effectiveness in promoting an awareness of the determination, courage, and sacrifices of the American soldier in World War II.