Synopses & Reviews
The 1944 invasion of Saipan was the first two-division amphibious assault conducted by US forces in World War II (1939-1945). Saipan and Tinian had been under Japanese control since 1914 and, heavily colonized, they were considered virtually part of the Empire. The struggle for Saipan and Tinian was characterized by the same bitter fighting that typified the entire Central Pacific campaign. Fighting side-by-side, Army and Marine units witnessed the largest tank battle of the Pacific War, massed Japanese banzai charges, and the horror of hundreds of Japanese civilians committing suicide to avoid capture. In this book Gordon Rottman details the capture of these vital islands that led to the collapse of Prime Minister Tojo’s government.
Synopsis
Strategies, tactics and battle experiences of opposing armies Each book analyses a major battle or campaign, from outbreak to conclusion, taking stock of the opposing forces to crucial points in the fighting. Full color 3-D 'bird's eye views, ' battle scenes and maps help you to follow the action. The invasion of Saipan by US Marine, Army and Navy troops was the first two-division amphibious assault conducted by the US, and was the first great test of the concept of amphibious warfare. This book traces the course of the 24-day Saipan campaign and the 8-day assault on Tinian, covering the complexities faced by Army and Marine units fighting side by side; the largest tank battle in the Pacific, and the final banzai charges.
About the Author
Gordon L Rottman entered the US Army in 1967, volunteered for Special Forces and completed training as a weapons specialist. He served in the 5th Special Forces Group in Vietnam in 1969-70 and subsequently in airborne infantry, long-range patrol and intelligence assignments until retiring after 26 years. He was a special operations forces scenario writer at the Joint Readiness Training Centre for 12 years and is now a freelance writer.