Battle of Guam
Guam, Mariana Islands (US territory)
What happened
US Marines and Army troops under Major General Roy Geiger fought the Japanese garrison of Guam under Lieutenant General Takeshi Takashina. Japan had captured Guam, a US territory, on 8 December 1941. On 21 July 1944, American forces landed on both sides of the Orote Peninsula. After weeks of fighting, the Japanese withdrew into the hills, and organised resistance ended on 10 August.
Why it matters
Why it matters: The US built large airbases on Guam from which B-29 bombers could reach Japan. The recapture also destroyed much of Japan's naval air power.
What came next
Guam celebrates 21 July each year as Liberation Day. Some Japanese soldiers stayed hidden on the island long after the battle.
Did you know?
An American sailor, George Tweed, had hidden from the Japanese on Guam since 1941 and was rescued just before the landings.
Timeline
- 8 December 1941Japan captures Guam.
- 10 July 1944George Tweed is rescued.
- 21 July 1944US forces land on Guam.