Between the time of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941 and the fighting on the north coast of Papua a year later, Australians were involved in a number of decisive battles that have become part of the folklore of Australian history. These were battles that helped shape their national identity and dramatically influenced the course of their history. Suddenly Australia’s focus moved from the war in Europe to a new, more pressing danger at home. Modern Australia faced for the first time the direct threat of invasion. These battles were commemorated by “The Australian” in a series of 50th anniversary special features. These features included important pieces of writing from Australia’s best journalists and military historians on the major battles during this period, including Pearl Harbor, the fall of Singapore, the Battle of the Coral Sea, Guadalcanal, the Battle of El Alamein, the Kokoda Track and Milne Bay. This selection contains thorough outlines of events, firsthand accounts and reminiscences, and analyses of the major political, military, strategic and historical issues.