Biak Coral Cliffs 4

Biak Coral Cliffs 4

Cliffs

"The Cliff - coral - that extended for miles along the south coast of Biak in which the Japanise had many gun emplacements" From "Darkroom Soldier": "Invading Biak. On May 27-31, 1944, American forces landed on beaches between Mokmer Village and Bosnek. Advancing along this coastal road between the beach and steep coral cliffs, they soon confronted hostile fire. Unknown to the Allies and Gen MacArthur, the island was occupied by over 12,000 Japanese heavily fortified in rock faces, caves, and pockets. Opening this coastal road, passing the Parai Defile, and defeating intense and unexpected resistance took the Allies two difficult months, and resulted in '474 killed, 2,443 wounded, and 7,234 non-battle casualties...' [the latter] resulting 'from malaria, hepatitis, scrub typhus, dengue fever, psychoneurosis, and other afflictions." ("Darkroom Soldier" caption authored by George Venn)

Hill, Fred

1944

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2010.1.340