Following the loss of the Gilberts and Marshall Island in late 1943 and early 1944 respectively, the Imperial Navy concluded the Americans’ next target would be the Marianas, which constituted the linchpin of the empire’s inner defenses. The navy would have to fight the Americans in that event. A new battle plan, “A-Go” was hurriedly devised, which expected the battle would take place off Palau or the Western Carolines. The possibility of a battle in the vicinity of the Marianas was not addressed until mid-May.
Thank you TC for the wonderfully detailed story of the air fights over Guam. I lived there from 1950 to 1956. My Dad was working for a construction company under contract to the Navy to rebuild base housing, fuel farms and major repairs to the bases. I was 16 yrs. old when we came to the states. I remember what a great holiday July 21 was as it was Liberation day! Full of parades and parties. We were taught about Tweed and his life in the caves so he could inform the troops about enemies positions. The Guamians were very proud of their part in hiding him. Your story today brought back a lot of memories. Thank you!
Thanks TC. On a separate but tangentially related topic, if you haven't already seen it and can use a bit of escapism, Tom Cruise's new movie is a pleasant couple of hours.
Thank you TC for the wonderfully detailed story of the air fights over Guam. I lived there from 1950 to 1956. My Dad was working for a construction company under contract to the Navy to rebuild base housing, fuel farms and major repairs to the bases. I was 16 yrs. old when we came to the states. I remember what a great holiday July 21 was as it was Liberation day! Full of parades and parties. We were taught about Tweed and his life in the caves so he could inform the troops about enemies positions. The Guamians were very proud of their part in hiding him. Your story today brought back a lot of memories. Thank you!
Thanks TC. On a separate but tangentially related topic, if you haven't already seen it and can use a bit of escapism, Tom Cruise's new movie is a pleasant couple of hours.
Some visuals, a map or two, a couple of diagrams, etc., would have helped me through these maneuvers.
Another June 19th perspective. What a date that has been in our history!
Thank you, TC. You write captivating accounts of history.