Fall 1944
Makassar latest terrible battle in the East
Large invasion force assaulted the well defended island of Celebes at two points. The assault on Kendari went easily but the southern port town of makassar was a tough campaign that lasted several weeks against a determined opponent.
Japan loses 1-2, US loses 1-2 and two CVEs
An additional assault landed Australians on Kupang in Timor, and US troops took Biak.
Mopping Up operations in the Pacific cleared Japanese forces from the Ellice, Gilbert and Marshall islands. An unfortunate surprise occurred when a Japanese submarine torpedoed USS Alaska while she was providing shore bombardment to support the invasion of Eniwetok.
It is believed the submarine was used to supply the garrison on Eniwetok before stumbling across the American Heavy Cruiser