U.S. Forces Land on Saipan During WWII
June 15th, 1944
June 15th, 1944
How Long Ago?
80 years, 10 months, 14 days ago
Location
Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands
Category
Military & Warfare
War/Conflict
World War II
People
- George C. Kenney
- Harlan F. G. E. Davis
- Holland Smith
Links & References
Tags
U.S. Forces Land on Saipan During WWII
On June 15, 1944, U.S. forces launched an invasion on Saipan, the capital of Japan's South Seas Mandate. The operation aimed to establish a base for further attacks on the Japanese mainland. American troops faced fierce resistance from Japanese defenders as they landed on the beaches, initiating one of the fiercest battles of the Pacific Theater.
Saipan was part of Japan's South Seas Mandate.
The invasion started Operation Forager.
U.S. troops faced intense Japanese resistance.
Victory led to strategic bombings of Japan.
What Happened?
In June 1944, the United States initiated Operation Forager, aimed at capturing the Mariana Islands, which included Saipan, Tinian, and Guam. The capture of Saipan was crucial as it would provide a strategic base for air operations against Japan and help to secure the U.S. forces' position in the Pacific. On June 15, American forces landed on Saipan, with the objective of taking control of the island and its vital airfields. The initial assault involved around 8 divisions, including elements from the 2nd and 4th Marine Divisions and the Army's 27th Infantry Division. As soldiers stormed the beaches, they quickly encountered fierce resistance from entrenched Japanese positions. The battle turned into a grueling conflict characterized by difficult terrain, heavily fortified Japanese defenses, and intense combat. Over the course of several weeks, U.S. forces fought to capture the island, with heavy casualties on both sides. The fight for Saipan saw some of the most intense fighting in the Pacific, ultimately leading to American victory by July 9.
Why Does it Matter?
The capture of Saipan had significant implications for the war in the Pacific. It marked a turning point in the conflict, as it enabled the U.S. to establish airbases within striking distance of Japan, paving the way for strategic bombing campaigns. The fall of Saipan also had psychological effects on Japan, as it demonstrated that the U.S. was capable of launching operations deep into Japanese-controlled territory, contributing to a gradual shift in momentum in favor of the Allies. The island's capture was a substantial step in diminishing Japanese defenses and contributed to the eventual U.S. success in the Pacific Theater.
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