Blood Is Thicker Than Water: WWII Liberating Guam cont'd *4

Explosions on the coast spout water and toss debris high in the air in this photo taken from the battleship New Mexico.



THE NORTHERN BEACHHEAD

At Asan, the 3rd Marine Division landed between Asan Point on the west and Adelup Point on the east. Nearly 2,500 yards of beach rested between these two points, known as the "devil's horns." From the west to the east, the 9th Marine Regiment landed on Blue Beach, the 21st Marine Regiment on Green Beach, and the 3d Marine Regiment on Red Beaches 1 and 2. The Marine division's goal was to capture the rugged cliffs and high grounds inland.

The Japanese 320th Independent Infantry Battalion, along with Naval personnel hid in complex caves and bunkers, ready to man coastal defense guns as the Americans landed on the shores below.

THE SOUTHERN BEACHHEAD

At Agat, the 1st Provisional Marine Brigade landed between Bangi Point to the south and the village of Agat to the north. The 4th Marines landed to the south on White Beaches 1 and 2 to establish the beachhead and protect the right flank. The 22nd Marines to the north landed in Yellow Beaches 1 and 2 to occupy Agat and drive north to seal off Orote Peninsula. The 305th Regimental Combat Team of the Army's 77th Infantry Division would later land to protect the southern sector of the beachhead.

As wave after wave of LVTs crossed the reef, the Japanese 38th Infantry Regiment fired heavy mortar and artillery shells on the approaching Marines.

Source

to be continued in future posts