D-Day in the Pacific (WEB PDF) von Harold J. Goldberg

List of Illustrations
List of Maps
Acknowledgments
Introduction
1. Admiral King and General MacArthur
2. The Target
3. Operation Forager
4. "A Condemned Man's Breakfast"
5. The 2nd Marine Division Lands
6. The 4th Marine Division Lands
7. The Great Marianas Turkey Shoot
8. The 2nd Marine Division Moves Forward
9. The 4th Marine Division Moves Forward
10. Marines under Fire
11. The 27th Infantry Division on Southern Saipan
12. Into Death Valley
13. The Gyokusai
14. Suicide Cliff and Banzai Cliff
15. Tojo and Tinian
Conclusion
Appendix A. Holland Smith and the Army
Appendix B. Coming Home
Appendix C. Principal Military Units with Commanding Officers
Notes
Bibliography
Index

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.

Harold J. Goldberg is the David E. Underdown Distinguished Professor of History and Chair of the Asian Studies Program at the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee.