west to the Lunga River and began to wade north up the streambed itself. When the depth and current became too much, the general crawled out of the water onto the east bank near dawn. There he issued orders for his fragmented command to reassemble for a new effort the night of the 13th. The muddy, wet, and mad general’s exasperation was intense; he reported that “because of the devilish jungle, the brigade was scattered all over and completely beyond control. In my whole life I have never felt so helpless.” (Zimmerman pg.114) His mood did not improve during the day when American bombing and shelling smashed his communications equipment.Dor Brown 12Up to this point, the Japanese High Command still believed that the airfield was going to be taken and a unit of zero fighters was held on standby waiting to land at the airfield as soon as confirmation of the victory had been received. On September 15th, Kawaguchi’s battle report reached the 17th Army’s High Command with the admission that the attack had been a costly failure. This news created severe shock and incredulity. Emperor Hirohito was informed of the defeat. Imperial General Headquarters made a crucial decision. It was clear that at this remote island a decisive battle would have to be fought, therefore decisive forces would have to be committed.The Imperial Headquarters, the Combined Fleet, and the Japanese 17th Army meshed a plan that recognized that Guadalcanal could be the pivotal battle of the war and that a total commitment must be made. The Japanese set everything in motion for a major offensive.Although the defeat of Kawaguchi was considered a great victory for the Americans, it was costly and the Marines were in desperate need of supplies and reinforcements. Accordingly, Admiral Turner landed the 7th Marines at Guadalcanal but at the loss of the U.S. aircraft carrier Wasp, torpedoed while supporting the landing operation. The same ...
