The Guam Campaign

The Battle of Guam (July 21-August 8 1944) was the American capture of the Japanese held island of Guam (in the Mariana Islands) during the Pacific campaign of World War II.

Background

Guam is the largest of the Marianas, 30 miles (48 km) long and 9 miles (14 km) wide. It had been a United States possession since its capture from Spain in 1898 until it was captured by the Japanese on December 11 1941, following the Attack on Pearl Harbor. It was not as heavily fortified as the other Mariana Islands such as Saipan that had been Japanese possessions since the end of World War I, but by 1944 it had a large garrison.

The Allied plan for the invasion of the Marianas called for heavy preliminary bombardment, first by carrier aircraft and planes based in the Marshall Islands to the east, then once air superiority was gained, close bombardment by battleships. Guam was chosen as a target because its large size made it suitable as a base for supporting the next stage of operations towards the Philippines, Taiwan and the Ryukyu Islands; the deep-water harbor at Apra was suitable for the largest ships; and the two airfields would be suitable for B-29 Superfortress bombers.

The invasion of Saipan was scheduled for June 15 1944, with landings on Guam tentatively set for June 18. The original timetable was optimistic. Stubborn resistance by the unexpectedly large garrison on Saipan, and a large Japanese carrier attack led to the invasion of Guam being postponed for a month.

Battle

Guam, ringed by reefs, cliffs, and heavy surf, presents a formidable challenge for an attacker. On July 21 the Americans landed on both sides of the Orote peninsula on the western side of Guam, planning to cut off the airfield. The 3rd Marine Division landed near Agana to the north of Orote at 08:28, and the 1st Provisional Marine Brigade landed near Agat to the south. Japanese artillery sank 20 LVTs, but by 09:00 tanks were ashore at both beaches. The 77th Infantry Division had a more difficult landing. Lacking amphibious vehicles, they had to wade ashore from the edge of the reef where they were dropped by their landing craft.

By nightfall the Americans had established beachheads about 2,000 meters deep. Japanese counter-attacks were made throughout the first few days of the battle, mostly at night, using infiltration tactics. Several times they penetrated the American defenses and were driven back with heavy loss of men and equipment. Lieutenant General Takeshi Takashina was killed on July 28, and Lieutenant General Hideyoshi Obata took over the command of the defenders.

Supply was very difficult for the Americans in the first days of the battle. Landing ships could not come closer than the reef, several hundred meters from the beach, and amphibious vehicles were scarce. However, the two beachheads were joined up on July 28, and the Orote airfield and Apra harbor were captured by July 30.

Bombardment of Guam on 14 July 1944 before the battle. Seen from USS New Mexico.

Rain and thick jungle made conditions difficult for the Americans, but after an engagement at Mount Barrigada from August 2 to August 4, the Japanese line collapsed; the rest of the battle was a pursuit to the north. As in other battles of the Pacific War, the Japanese refused to surrender, and almost all were killed.

Aftermath

First assault waves of Marines take cover prior to moving inland on Guam.

After the battle, Guam was turned into a base for Allied operations. Five large airfields were built by the Seabees, and B-29 bombers flew from the island to attack targets in the Western Pacific and on mainland Japan.

Three U.S. Marines were awarded the Medal of Honor for their heroic actions during the Battle of Guam: PFC Frank Witek (posthumously), PFC Leonard F. Mason (posthumously) and Captain (later General) Louis Wilson.

Liberation Day continues to be celebrated on Guam every July 21.

See also

• War In The Pacific National Historical Park
• Return to Guam, a 1944 documentary and propaganda film about the battle

Notes

References

External links

• ''U.S. Army Campaigns of World War II: Western Pacific'', Center of Military History, U.S. Army.
• Guam: Operations of the 77th Division, American Forces in Action series, Historical Division, War Department, 1946. (Center of Military History Pub 100-5)
• "The Marianas and the Great Turkey Shoot", World War II Database.
• Lodge, Major O.R. ''USMC Historical Monograph: The Recapture of Guam'', Historical Branch, United States Marine Corps, 1954.
• O'Brien, Cyril J. ''Liberation: Marines in the Recapture of Guam'', Marines in World War II Commemorative Series, Marine Corps Historical Center, United States Marine Corps, 1994.
• ''Photos from the Liberation of Guam'' The Real Revo

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