The Battle of the Slopes of Mount Austen (December 1942–January 1943) was a critical engagement during the Guadalcanal Campaign in the Pacific Theater of World War II. Mount Austen, a strategic high point on Guadalcanal, was vital for controlling the surrounding terrain and protecting Henderson Field, a key Allied airbase.

The battle involved intense fighting between U.S. forces, primarily the Americal Division, and entrenched Japanese defenders, including the elite Ichiki and Kawaguchi Detachments. The Japanese had fortified positions on the rugged slopes, including a stronghold known as the Gifu.

American troops faced challenges due to dense jungle terrain, well-camouflaged enemy defenses, and determined Japanese resistance. Over weeks of combat, the Americans used coordinated infantry assaults, artillery support, and close air support to dislodge the Japanese. By mid-January 1943, U.S. forces had secured Mount Austen and its surrounding areas, significantly weakening the Japanese hold on Guadalcanal and contributing to the eventual Allied victory in the campaign.