1. Battle of Midway (June 4-7, 1942):
- In what is often considered the turning point in the Pacific War, the U.S. Navy decisively defeated the Japanese Imperial Navy near the Midway Atoll.
- The battle saw an innovative American strategy employing carrier-based airpower and intelligence-based intercepts to neutralize the powerful Japanese "Combined Fleet."
2. Guadalcanal Campaign (August 1942 - February 1943):
- This intense ground, air, and naval campaign over the island of Guadalcanal marked a critical shift in the Allies' favor.
- The protracted battles wore down the Japanese military and secured Allied control over significant airbases in the Solomon Islands.
3. Battle of the Philippine Sea (June 19-20, 1944):
- Often called the "Great Marianas Turkey Shoot," this battle saw the near-total destruction of Japanese naval airpower and the loss of experienced pilots.
- The U.S. Navy's dominance led to the isolation and eventual recapture of the Philippines from Japan.
4. Battle of Iwo Jima (February 19 - March 26, 1945):
- The strategically located island of Iwo Jima was fiercely defended by Japanese troops, resulting in a costly invasion effort by U.S. Marines.
- Despite heavy casualties, the U.S. victory provided invaluable bases for airstrikes against mainland Japanese before invading the main islands.
5. Battle of Okinawa (April 1 - June 22, 1945):
- The final large-scale battle of World War II in the Pacific, Okinawa witnessed fierce fighting and heavy casualties on both sides.
- The intense campaign further demoralized and depleted Japanese forces and demonstrated their dwindling power.
6. Submarine and Guerrilla Warfare:
- While the battles mentioned above made headlines, the Pacific theater was also characterized by significant submarine and guerrilla warfare.
- Allied submarines effectively cut off Japanese supply lines, while guerrilla campaigns such as those led by Filipino forces contributed to the erosion of Japanese control in various territories.