The Americans invaded Saipan, because they could use it as an airbase from which they could bomb Japanese cities, including Tokyo.
The Japanese anticipated this move and sent their fleet in the hope of forcing the decisive naval battle they’d been trying to wage for more than two years.
- Listen now:
Playlist:
Fanfare
Opening War Theme
“The Marines’ Hymn”
Music composed in 1867 by Jacques Offenbach. Public domain.
Performed by The United States Marine Corps Band. Source.
Closing War Theme
Except when otherwise indicated, the contents of this podcast are © and ℗ 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026 by Mark Painter, all rights reserved. Some music and sound effects used by arrangement with Pond 5.
Mark, as usual, you provide such excellent details and remarks about what else was going on besides the main effort. I cannot wait to hear about the rest of the Italian campaign and the results after the liberation of Paris. I knew something had gone on in New Guinea before the invasion of Saipan, but the assault on Hollandia is so often overlooked because it seemed easy. But it was important. Thank you for this detailed look at the Pacific.