The Japanese held the Australian soldiers in very high regard, and rightfully so.
They didn’t have as much respect for the capabilities of the individual American fighting man, but by the end of the war, I am certain they came around...
I have “Kokoda” on DVD. It is a full length movie made by the Aussies. Good stuff - highly recommended.
The jungle conditions were gritty, nasty and brutal.
As usual, our friends down under know how to make a good movie.