June 1944 (4)

Tanapag, Saipan, June 1944. Image by Life photographer W. Eugene Smith

19-20 June – the second stage of the naval battle in the Philippine Sea, the Japanese fleet finally had come within range of Adm. Spruance and his carrier aircraft went airborne. [between the Spruance fleet and Mitscher’s, there were 956 aircraft]  Even as the enemy retreated, the aircraft, running low on fuel, engaged in an even larger “turkey shoot”. [differences claim conflicting numbers, but to estimate: Japan had 450 carrier planes and 300 land based – with a loss of 550-645.  The US lost 123].  The Japanese carrier IJN Hiyo sank after 2 torpedo hits and bombs damaged the Zuikaku and the Chiyoda.  Night rescues for US aircraft crews went out for the survivors.

Battle of Saipan, June 1944

A third wave of attacks caused more losses for the enemy and on the fourth wave Adm. Ozawa barely had over a hundred aircraft remaining.  Many of were diverted due to a false sighting over Guam and were caught on the ground as they were ordered to refuel.  The Japanese admiral dictated a letter of resignation to Adm. Toyoda, who refused to read it, instead, he took complete responsibility for the defeat.

20-30 June – a bitter dispute arose between the US Army and Marine brass when the Army’s 27th became stalled at “Death Valley” on Saipan, but the Marines were at a standstill as well.   Marine General Holland Smith, unsatisfied with the performance of the 27th Division, relieved its commander, Army Major General Ralph C. Smith. However, General Holland Smith had not inspected the terrain over which the 27th was to advance. Essentially, it was a valley surrounded by hills and cliffs under Japanese control.

Medic seeing to wounded while GI in background foxhole continues to fight. Tanapag, Saipan, June ’44. by W.Eugene Smith

The 27th took heavy casualties and eventually, under a plan developed by General Ralph Smith and implemented after his relief, had one battalion hold the area while two other battalions successfully flanked the Japanese.  With what remained of the Imperial Combined Fleet heading back to Okinawa, Gen. Saito issued orders for a suicidal defense.  This caused the US troops more and more resistance as they pushed north on the island.

The Marines eventually broke through and took Mount Tapotchau and the 27th entered Death Valley.  General Saito, with only about 1,200 men and 3 tanks remaining of their ground force, radioed out that Saipan could not be held.

An investigation ensued after the Saipan defeat by the Japanese General Staff’s Conduct of War Section.  Col. Sei Matsutani concluded: “…now there is no hope for Japan to reverse the unfavorable war situation.  The state of Germany today is about the same as Japan’s and grows gradually worse.  It is time for us to end the war.”  The General Staff agreed with the findings, but forbade the colonel from presenting the case to the Prime Minister Tojo.  The outspoken officer did so despite the warning and found himself transferred to China.

Click on images to enlarge.

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Military Humor – 

Try to say something funny, Joe.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Farewell Salutes – 

George Anfang – Maplewood, MN; US Army Air Corps, WWII

Gettysburg Cemetery

Joseph Cooley Jr. – Waynesboro, GA; USMC, WWII, PTO

Louis Gust – Chicago, IL; US Coast Guard, WWII

Raymond Haerry – W.Warwick, RI; US Navy, WWII, USS Ranger & Arizona, Pearl Harbor survivor

Donn Fendler – Rye, NY; US Navy, WWII / US Army Special Forces, Vietnam

Steven Loy Jr. – Houston, TX; US Army Air Corps, WWII, PTO, 11th Airborne Division, 1st Lt.

Kenneth McCurdy – Lloydminster, CAN; RC Navy, WWII

Eric Roediger (106) – W. AUS; RA Army, WWII, 2/3 Machine-Gun Batt., POW, Death Railroad survivor

Robert Ricci – Bristol, CT; US Navy, WWII, USS Baker, Franklin Bell & Tolovana

Richard Sheerer – Kansas City, KS; US Army, WWII, ETO, 83rd Infantry Division

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