The Pacific TheaterAfter Japan launched a surprise attack on the United States Naval base, Pearl Harbor, America entered World War II. However, unlike in the west, the battle in the Pacific was comprised primarily of American troops. The offensive effort of the United States to advance toward Japan through the Pacific is the stage of the Pacific Theater.
This push to Japan was described principally by its strategy of amphibious invasions and island hopping. By seizing critical airfields on Japanese held territory in the Pacific, the United States was able to advance on Japan while slowly crippling them through cut off supply lines. To achieve this feat, America needed to assure that the troops fighting the Japanese on these islands had camp sites, hospitals, and storage facilities to utilize as well as roads and airstrips. This feat required the skill of engineers. |
The 855th EngineersThe 855th Engineer Aviation Battalion was created January 1st, 1943. The 855th EAB (Engineer Aviation Battalion) consisted of African Americans and was one of the earliest African American units to be sent to serve in the Pacific Theater. The 855th EAB was one of fourteen African American Engineer Aviation Battalions to serve in the Pacific. Comprised of 811 officers and enlisted men, Robert H. Luckett was a Private First Class (PFC) in the unit.
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