July 1944

Marianas

The V Amphibious Corps completes the drive to the northern neck of Saipan and prepares for the final phase of the battle in which 2 divisions will advance northeast on Marpi Point and its airfield. The 2nd Marine Division's 2nd Marines completes the mop up of Garapan and forces the Japanese remnants into the tip of Mutcho Point, but the 6th Marines is checked on the ridge about 1,000 yards from the coast. The 27th Division, after a fire fight with a large group of retreating enemy, completes the drive to the Tanapag Plain. The 106th Infantry reaches the seaplane base at Flores Point and is joined by the 8th Marines eliminating the cave strongpoint to the rear. In the center, the 1st Battalion, 105th Infantry, reaches the beach. On the right, the 1st Battalion of the 165th Infantry quickly gains the last ridge overlooking the Flores Point seaplane base. The 4th Marine Division drives forward to the Hill 767 area, taking Hill 721 and the nose from it with ease.

In preparation for the 2-division assault on the 5th, 2 battalions of the 165th Infantry, 27th Division, relieve the 2 left flank battalions of the 4th Marine Division in the late afternoon. During the relief, a gap develops in the line through which almost a hundred Japanese infiltrate, but the hole is later filled and the Japanese are driven back or killed.