The Japanese breakthrough across the Driniumor created a wide gap between the American forces along the river. Not realizing the strength of the opposition, the Americans launched attacks from the north and south designed to pinch off the breakthrough. At the same time, Japanese forces continue to attack, thinking that the Americans only needed to be mopped up.
Several conditions turned the battle into a blind punching match. Dense jungle blocked all vision more than a couple of feet, distorted sounds, blocked radio transmissions at night, and quickly rotted away phone lines. The ragged condition of the troops, especially the Japanese who donned captured American clothing, made identification difficult for observers in the air and on the ground. The commanding generals on both sides misunderstood what was actually happening on the ground and continued to give unrealistic orders.
Rescue of Troop C, 112th Cavalry New Guinea, 22 July 1944 A Battalions in Crisis Scenario
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