The Land Battle of Vella Lavella was fought between Allied and Japanese forces from 15 August to 6 October 1943.

After a landing at Barakoma on 15 August, American troops advanced along the coasts, pushing the Japanese north.

On 6 October, the Japanese began an evacuation operation to withdraw the remaining troops, during which the Naval Battle of Vella Lavella was fought.

Following the capture of the island, the Allies developed it into an important airbase that was used in the reduction of the main Japanese base at Rabaul.

Subsequently, Barakoma Airfield on Vella Lavella was the home base for VMF-214, the "Black Sheep", led by Gregory "Pappy" Boyington.