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Hundreds of Marshallese natives, representing many atolls in these islands, staged an impressive ceremony on 4th of July, honoring American independence and their own recent freedom from the Japanese. [See "more images" below for complete caption]

On behalf of Solomon Islanders, Jacob Vouza of the Solomon Islandes Defence Force, and honorary Sergeant Major in the U.S. Marine Corps, presents a plaque of gratitude to the commander of U.S. forces on the island. [See "more images" below for complete caption]

An American Catholic priest, standing next to a makeshift altar set up on the bech to give a prayer service, presents a young Micronesian girl with a rosary.

ROSARY FOR EACH: Even as their ancestors treasured the amulets about their necks, the natives eagerly accept rosaries brought them by Father Weehan.

The first Christian service is held on Cape Gloucester since the Japanese imprisoned the resident missionary two years previously. [See "more images" below for complete caption]

Easter Services at Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, with Malaita Natives participating. [See "more images" below for complete caption]

Vangunu Island, New Georgia natives at Protestant Church services. [See "more images" below for complete caption]

The native-built chapel in an Allied cemetery is formally turned over to the Allied command at dedication ceremonies. "Island Encounters" photograph collection.

Members of the Solomon Islands Labour Corps and Allied servicemen dedicate a memorial chapel constructed by the laborers as a gift for the United States forces. [See "more images" below for complete caption]

MARINE MODEL. . .Bedecked, withh five-and-ten jewelry, grass skirt, walking-cane and with a nickel cigar in his mouth, this Marine artillery-man shows the natives of this South Pacific Island what a Hollywood native looks like. [See "more images" below for complete caption]

Dressed in native beads they received from the natives of (Mok Island) the crew traded cigarettes, razor blades, and odd bits of cloth for native handicraft and fruit. [See "more images" below for complete caption]

Along with photographs, servicemen also represented thier image of Islanders in paintings and drawings. [See "more images" below for complete caption]

WR Recruiting Poster

Island images of military outsiders were shaped by American films and magazines that flooded the Pacific during the war. [See "more images" below for complete caption]

The films which circulated in great numbers during the war introduced many Islanders to new and more graphic images of Western culture.[See "more images" below for complete caption]

P-6 Tupolie, A Samoan Marine poses with a fishing spear while Marine Corps Public Relations men take pictures. [See "more images" below for complete caption]

The war's new Islanders: Samoan marines pose with their rifles for American military photographers and movie makers. [See "more images" below for complete caption]

Part of unit of 23 Malaita men attached to 1st Fiji Guerrillas return from patrol in New Georgia, 1943. [See "more images" below for complete caption]

[Island Encounters 2-0100]

Billy Gina standing over man sighting rifle. [See "more images" below for complete caption]

Natives of New Georgia, who are members of the British Solomon Islands Defense Force in training at Segi Point, New Georgia

One of the first Chamorros to get a glimpe of his homeland since the Japanese occupied Guam is F.C. Mesa, STic [sic], USN, who flew as an observer in a dive-bombing attack on the island early in July. [See "more images" below for complete caption]

Troops in New Guinea

Heads high, these native troopers march as proudly as their white allies at Southwest Pacific base. [See "more images" below for complete caption]