Book description
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.
"The book's great strength is its collected recollections of
U. S. participants, chiefly former Marines. This alone would commend
its publication." -Spencer C. Tucker
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.
