Smoke from explosions mar the airfield on Orote Peninsula after an attack by Navy planes prior to the July 21 invasion. The airfield's destruction was a priority for Admiral Nimitz and Vice Admiral Marc Mitscher, who is shown at right, in order to disable the ability of the Japanese to challenge the invasion force by air. Mitscher commanded the task force that defeated an Imperial Navy fleet in the Battle off the Philippine Sea, a battle that effectively nullified the Japanese navy and its aircraft fro the rest of the war. Above, Avenger torpedo bombers, launched from carriers of Task Force 53, fly support on Liberation Day, soaring high above landing craft maneuvering to rush ashore.
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