June 1944

Marianas

Marine action is confined to patrolling. Gen Holland Smith, preparing to make a main attack on the north and being informed that only 300-500 Japanese remain on Nafutan Point, orders most of the 27th Division to assemble in corps reserve and places its artillery under control of the XXIV Corps Artillery. He directs a single infantry battalion and a platoon of tanks to continue clearing southern Saipan and protect the airfield. Gen Ralph Smith requests the use of the 105th RCT and Gen Holland Smith agrees, but orders to this effect do not reach the 27th Division until the 22nd. Meanwhile, the 27th Division continues the assault on Nafutan Poiint, replacing the 2nd Battalion of the 165th Infantry with the 2nd Battalion of the 105th on the left of the line. The day's action gains little ground. The 3rd Battalion, 105th, reduces the cave strongpoint while continuing east along the south coast and at the end of the day is only a short distance from troops moving down from the north. At 2000, before receiving word that the 105th Infantry may be retained, Gen Ralph Smith orders the 105th RCT to conduct a holding action facing Nafutan Point and to relieve 165th RCT units by 0630 on the 22nd, upon reorganization of the lines, not later that 1100 on the 22nd, to continue the offensive. Gen Holland Smith orders the 27th Division to reconnoiter northward toward the Marines.