Blood Is Thicker Than Water: Guam in WWII continues *2

The invasion of Saipan began on June 15, 1944, following massive shore bombardment. For the Americans, Saipan was the most costly Pacific battle to that time. Saipan was not secured until July 9, due to heavy determined Japanese resistance including desperate battles and banzai charges in such places as Death Valley and Tanapag. The cost for Saipan was high. American losses totalled almost 3,100 dead, about 11,000 wounded, and 128 missing. More than 24,000 Japanese defenders died and 300 civilians.

The date for the invasion of Guam was postponed from June 16 due to stiff Japanese resistance on Saipan and the approach of a Japanese fleet attempting to reach Saipan to help its defenders.

"The ships (U.S. troop transports) steamed in aimless circles, while tropical sun beat upon them, the quality of food deteriorated and the swindling cigarette supply had to be rationed meagerly. No one who has never traveled to combat aboard an overcrowded assault transport in the tropics can comprehend what those men went through during the forty-eight to fifty-two days the various elements were at sea.". . . The Island War, by Frank O. Hough

On July 15, the invasion fleet finally left Eniwetok for Guam.

The American fleet's presence around the Mariana Islands brought a response from the Japanese navy to prevent another loss to the Empire. Approaching from the west, the Japanese aircraft earners launched massive raids to attack the American aircraft earners on June 19, 1944. When the greatest carrier air battle of the war ended, known as the "Marianas Turkey Shoot," the Japanese lost nearly 400 aircraft. Following its defeat, the Japanese fleet retreated. Plans to re-inforce the Marianas were no longer possible.

For the invasion of the Mariana Islands, command of the United States Fifth Fleet was vested in Admiral Raymond A. Spruance with Vice Admiral Richmond K. Turner in command of the Joint Expeditionary Force. Lt. General Holland M. Smith, United States Marine Corps (USMC) was in tactical command of all troops ashore in the Mariana Islands.

to be cont'd.

copied from War in the Pacific