What event marked a significant military strategy executed by Marines in the Pacific theater?

The Island Hopping Campaign was a pivotal military strategy employed by the U.S. Marines during World War II in the Pacific theater. This strategy involved selectively attacking and capturing specific islands while bypassing others that were heavily fortified. The goal was to establish a network of airfields and supply bases capable of supporting subsequent operations, ultimately leading towards Japan.

This method allowed U.S. forces to conserve resources, avoid unnecessary losses, and maintain the element of surprise against the enemy. It significantly contributed to the rapid advance towards Japan and was instrumental in shifting the balance of power in favor of the Allies. The success of the Island Hopping Campaign can be seen in key battles that resulted from this strategy, exemplifying its effectiveness in achieving military objectives in a vast and challenging theater of operations like the Pacific.

In contrast, the other events listed are important battles or campaigns but do not reflect the specific strategic approach employed by the Marines in the Pacific. For example, the Invasion of Normandy pertains to the European theater and the Allied efforts to establish a foothold in France. The Battle of Midway was a decisive naval battle but is not classified as a strategy similar to island hopping. The Battle of the Bulge was a major German offensive during the winter of 194