With the victory of Saipan, the U.S. successfully built the secure bases for the B-29 Superfortress Bombers, on Saipan and other Mariana Islands, therefore ensuring victory against Japan and
marking the beginning of the end of WWII.
marking the beginning of the end of WWII.
Troops hold a captured Japanese flag on Saipan
(Credit: thejapantimes)
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After twenty-four days of struggle, Saipan was announced secured by Admiral Turner on July 9, 1944. With Saipan secured, the Americans captured rest of the Mariana Islands, the land needed to build the valuable air strips. From these secure bases, the U.S. air forces were within striking distance of every city in Japan. Because of this victory, the U.S. managed to pierce Japan’s inner defense, and stop supplies for the Japanese. This allowed the U.S. to safely attack the Japanese homeland instead of an invasion, which could have been much costlier.
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"U.S. Troops Complete the Conquest of Saipan" The New York Times, July 10, 1944
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The Aslito airfield was functional for B-29 Bombers on October 15, 1944. Japan was raided for the first time from Saipan based B-29 Bombers on November 25, 1944. The B-29 Bombers were launched from Tinian to bomb Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 6, 1945. Up to Saipan’s capture, the Japanese had believed they could still win the war. But the Battle of Saipan ended Japan’s prospects for victory in the Pacific.
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U.S. soldiers rest after Saipan is declared secure (credit: worldwarphotos)
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USMC General Holland Smith and Admirals Ernest King and Chester Nimitz (credit: worldwarphotos)
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U.S. official flag raising ceremony in Chalan Konoa, July 10, 1944 (credit: Dept. of Defense USMC photo)
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Credit : Soundbible.com
