The battle for Island Beach didn’t involve thousands of troops storming ashore from landing craft. Instead it pitted environmentalists against developers, fighting for the support of politicians and the citizens of New Jersey. World War II was in its final stages, and the United States Navy occupied Island Beach, using it as a testing site for guided missiles when the opening salvo of the battle was fired.

On Jan. 25, 1946, an Asbury Park Press article stated, “Charles R.