By early , Admiral Chester W. Targeted were the islands of Saipan, Tinian, and Guam. The United States Pacific forces under Nimitz's command commenced the broad Pacific sweep of island-hopping that would by mid-summer result in the Liberation of Guam. American naval forces were hard at work as the war moved west.
America and Japan both considered the Mariana Islands important because of their strategic location. From Guam, airstrips would be built, where Bs could make bombing runs to Japan. Apra Harbor, because of its deep water port, would serve as an excellent fleet anchorage in the Western Pacific.
Outside the continental United States, Guam would become one of the largest naval bases in the Pacific. As a former U. American fast carriers attacked the Marianas Islands on Feb. At the same time, American submarines concentrated on sinking Japanese ships.
Both tactical elements would thus disrupt reinforcement of the islands. Ultimately the submarines sank at least 30 enemy ships at the cost of two submarines and prevented troops and equipment from reaching Guam and the other Marianas Islands.
That was what the Japanese told me in Yona, the one that knew English Unaware of the Japanese defense situation, the Americans' next step was the reconnaissance of the islands. By the end of May the invasion forces had assembled at Pearl Harbor and Guadalcanal to commence their long voyages to the Marianas.
The invasion fleet for Guam sailed initially to Kwajalein and then sorted on June only to return later to Eniwetok. The invasion of Saipan began on June 15, , following massive shore bombardment. For the Americans, Saipan was the most costly Pacific battle to that time. Saipan was not secured until July 9, due to heavy determined Japanese resistance including desperate battles and banzai charges in such places as Death Valley and Tanapag.
The cost for Saipan was high. American losses totalled almost 3, dead, about 11, wounded, and missing. More than 24, Japanese defenders died and civilians. The date for the invasion of Guam was postponed from June 16 due to stiff Japanese resistance on Saipan and the approach of a Japanese fleet attempting to reach Saipan to help its defenders.
No one who has never traveled to combat aboard an overcrowded assault transport in the tropics can comprehend what those men went through during the forty-eight to fifty-two days the various elements were at sea. The Island War, by Frank O. The American fleet's presence around the Mariana Islands brought a response from the Japanese navy to prevent another loss to the Empire. Approaching from the west, the Japanese aircraft earners launched massive raids to attack the American aircraft earners on June 19, When the greatest carrier air battle of the war ended, known as the "Marianas Turkey Shoot," the Japanese lost nearly aircraft.
Following its defeat, the Japanese fleet retreated. Plans to re-inforce the Marianas were no longer possible. Spruance with Vice Admiral Richmond K. Turner in command of the Joint Expeditionary Force. Since its beginning, the events have always been a multi-day extravaganza. In past Liberation celebrations, activities have included sports events including boxing and wrestling , agricultural fairs, bicycle races, greased pig catching competitions, a battle of the bands in , and even a circus.
Traditionally though, the events include religious and memorial services, the Liberation queen contest, a carnival, and of course, the parade. The parade route is from Adelup to the Paseo de Susana. The route has been changed in the past, however. In it started at Adelup and ended at Camp Asan. The parade floats are both commercial and civic. While some Christmas traditions have been adapted for life on a resort island, there are others, such as the annual Christmas Village display in Tumon and a number of other annual holiday displays, that remain unchanged and are greatly anticipated by local families and children every year.
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