WWII E146 Into the Breach: The Landing at Tinian
In this episode, we explore the strategic battle for Tinian, a crucial turning point in the Pacific War. As Marines launched an ambitious assault, intense artillery and naval bombardments battered Japanese defenses, paving the way for a daring landing on narrow northern beaches. Marines overcame challenging terrain and fierce resistance to secure critical positions such as Mount Lasso and Ushi Point Airfield.
Despite setbacks, including tragic losses from artillery fire, Marine forces advanced steadily inland. With control of vital airfields and fresh reinforcements arriving, the Marines prepared for the final, decisive push against desperate enemy holdouts on the southern cliffs—setting the stage for the dramatic conclusion ahead.
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References
4th Marine Division. (1944). After action reports and unit journals: Tinian operations. U.S. Marine Corps.
Astor, G. (2003). Operation Forager: The battle for the Marianas. Presidio Press.
Crowl, P. A., & Love, E. G. (1955). The seizure of Tinian (U.S. Army Center of Military History). U.S. Government Printing Office.
Hammel, E. (1994). Closing in: Marines in the seizure of Tinian. U.S. Marine Corps History Division.
Morison, S. E. (1953). History of United States naval operations in World War II: Vol. 8. New Guinea and the Marianas, March 1944–August 1944. Little, Brown and Company.
Naval History and Heritage Command. (1944). Action reports: Amphibious operations against Tinian Island, July–August 1944. U.S. Navy.
Shaw, H. I., Jr., Nalty, B. C., & Turnbladh, E. T. (1966). History of U.S. Marine Corps operations in World War II: Vol. III: Central Pacific Drive. Historical Branch, G-3 Division, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps.
U.S. Marine Corps. (1944). Final report of the Commanding General, V Amphibious Corps: Operation FORAGER. Headquarters, V Amphibious Corps.
U.S. Marine Corps. (2000). History of the Fourth Marine Division, 1943–2000 (PCN 19000306300_1). Historical Division, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps.
U.S. Strategic Bombing Survey. (1947). The campaign against the Japanese in the Marianas. U.S. Government Printing Office.
Whitman, B. I. (Ed.). (1968). Victory and occupation: U.S. Marine Corps operations in World War II, Vol. V. Historical Branch, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps.