Battle of Saipan - Steel and Coral - Part 1 - Extra History
Extra History・8 minutes read
In June 1944, during the invasion of Saipan, Marines face intense fighting as they aim to secure airfields for strategic bombing, with amphibious tanks known as amtanks leading the charge. Despite significant casualties, counterattacks, and challenges from Japanese forces, Marines repel attacks and successfully advance with the help of Navajo codetalkers and crucial artillery support from the USS California.
Insights
- The Marines faced intense fighting and significant casualties during the invasion of Saipan in June 1944, struggling against Japanese counterattacks and rough terrain.
- The crucial role of Codetalkers, Navajo radiomen, in directing naval gunfire with their unbreakable cipher provided essential support to the Marines, aiding in repelling Japanese assaults and destroying Imperial armor on Saipan.
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Recent questions
What happened on D-Day in June 1944?
Invasion on Saipan, not Normandy, with amphibious tanks.
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Summary
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"Saipan Invasion: Marines, Tanks, Codetalkers Triumph"
- D-Day, June 1944, marks the start of a crucial invasion on Saipan, not Normandy, with amphibious tanks leading the charge.
- The amphibious tanks, known as amtanks, are heavily armed and carry 24 men each, facing Japanese artillery and rough waters.
- The Marines face intense fighting as they land on Japanese soil, aiming to secure Saipan's airfields for strategic bombing.
- The 2nd Marine Division struggles against Japanese counterattacks, suffering significant casualties and losing commanders.
- The 4th Marines fare better, advancing inland despite facing artillery and tank fire, unable to reach their first-day objective.
- The Marines repel a fierce Japanese counterattack, with the USS California providing crucial artillery support.
- Codetalkers, Navajo radiomen, assist in directing naval gunfire with their unbreakable cipher, aiding the Marines in battle.
- The 6th Marines successfully repel a massive Japanese tank assault, destroying the majority of Imperial armor on Saipan.
