75 years ago, Americans and the Allied forces around the globe cheered, cried, and danced with relief to celebrate the surrender of Japan and the end of World War II, the most devastating conflict in human history. But as this special edition from LIFE demonstrates in vivid detail, the road to Allied victory in the Pacific and the subsequent end to the war was tortuous and fraught with uncertainty: from the crushing blow of Pearl Harbor, through savage bloodbaths at sea and on teeming jungle islands, and culminating with an apocalyptic weapon that still casts a shadow over humanity. Told through the vivid photography that defines LIFE and accompanying text, LIFE The Road to VJ Day reminds readers of the sacrifices made decades ago, and how they still resonate today.