In this Book
- D-Day in the Pacific: The Battle of Saipan
- Book
- 2007
- Published by: Indiana University Press
- Series: Twentieth-Century Battles
In June 1944 the attention of the nation was riveted on events unfolding in France. But in the Pacific, the Battle of Saipan was of extreme strategic importance. This is a gripping account of one of the most dramatic engagements of World War II. The conquest of Saipan and the neighboring island of Tinian was a turning point in the war in the Pacific as it made the American victory against Japan inevitable. Until this battle, the Japanese continued to believe that success in the war remained possible. While Japan had suffered serious setbacks as early as the Battle of Midway in 1942, Saipan was part of her inner defense line, so victory was essential. The American victory at Saipan forced Japan to begin considering the reality of defeat. For the Americans, the capture of Saipan meant secure air bases for the new B-29s that were now within striking distance of all Japanese cities, including Tokyo.
Table of Contents
- List of Illustrations
- pp. ix-x
- List of Maps
- pp. xi-xii
- Acknowledgments
- pp. xiii-xv
- Introduction
- pp. 1-8
- 2. The Target
- pp. 29-38
- 3. Operation Forager
- pp. 39-51
- 4. "A Condemned Man's Breakfast"
- pp. 52-60
- 5. The 2nd Marine Division Lands
- pp. 61-73
- 6. The 4th Marine Division Lands
- pp. 74-89
- 7. The Great Marianas Turkey Shoot
- pp. 90-102
- 8. The 2nd marine Division Moves Forward
- pp. 103-118
- 9. The 4th Marine Division Moves Forward
- pp. 119-130
- 10. Marines under Fire
- pp. 131-140
- 12. Into Death Valley
- pp. 154-166
- 13. Gyokusai
- pp. 167-194
- 14. Suicide Cliff and Banzai Cliff
- pp. 195-204
- 15. Tōjō and Tinian
- pp. 205-209
- Conclusion
- pp. 210-214
- Appendix A
- pp. 215-228
- Appendix B
- pp. 229-238
- Appendix C
- pp. 239-242
- Bibliography
- pp. 261-265
- Index [Includes About the Author]
- pp. 267-276