Saipan 1944: The Most Decisive Battle of the Pacific War

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Discover the gripping history of 'Saipan 1944: The Most Decisive Battle of the Pacific War' by John Grehan. This compelling paperback chronicles the pivotal battle that turned the tide in the Pacific theater during World War II. With 216 pages of meticulous research, Grehan dives deep into the fierce struggle between 71,000 US Marines and 29,000 heavily-defended Japanese troops. Set against the backdrop of the strategically critical Mariana Islands, the book highlights how the US forces aimed to secure Saipan to bring Tokyo within the reach of the formidable B-29 Superfortress.

Experience the harrowing details of the fierce combat, the tactical maneuvers, and the devastating costs that marked this historic showdown. The battle of Saipan was not just a military confrontation; it was a fierce testament to courage where soldiers faced unimaginable conditions, including the notorious banzai charges that characterized Japanese resistance. Grehan's narrative captures the intensity and brutality of the fighting in a manner that is both educational and engaging for history enthusiasts.

Perfect for military history buffs and those interested in World War II, this book provides valuable insights into the strategic significance of Saipan and its aftermath on the Pacific War. Join the journey through one of the most decisive battles in history and understand why Saipan remains a landmark in military studies.

Condition: BRAND NEW
Format: Paperback
Number of Pages: 216
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

Order now to receive your copy with fast delivery options available to your doorstep. Dive into the depths of history with 'Saipan 1944' today!

By Grehan, John
Condition: BRAND NEW
Format: Paperback
Number of Pages 216
Publisher Pen & Sword Books Ltd


After the astonishing Japanese successes of 1941 and early 1942, the Allies began to fight back. After victories at Guadalcanal, Coral Sea, Midway and other islands in the Pacific, by 1944, the Japanese had been pushed back onto the defensive. Yet there was no sign of an end to the war, as the Japanese mainland was beyond the reach of land-based heavy bombers. So, in the spring of 1944, the focus of attention turned to the Mariana Islands ? Guam, Saipan and Tinian ? which were close enough to Tokyo to place the Japanese capital within the operational range of the new Boeing B-29 Superfortress. The attack upon Saipan, the most heavily-defended of the Marianas, took the Japanese by surprise, but over the course of more than three weeks, the 29,000 Japanese defenders defied the might of 71,000 US Marines and infantry, supported by fifteen battleships and eleven cruisers. The storming of the beaches and the mountainous interior cost the US troops dearly, in what was the most-costly battle to date in the Pacific War. Eventually, after three weeks of savage fighting, which saw the Japanese who refused to surrender being burned to death in their caves, the enemy commander, Lieutenant General Saito, was left with just 3,000 able-bodied men and he ordered them to deliver a final suicide banzai charge. With the wounded limping behind, along with numbers of civilians, the Japanese overran two US battalions, before the 4,500 men were wiped out. It was the largest banzai attack of the Pacific War. As well

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