U.S. landing craft approach Japanese-held Saipan Island. The waters of Saipan Island are crewded with U.S.

U.S. landing craft approach Japanese-held Saipan Island. The waters of Saipan Island are crewded with U.S. landing craft carrying American soldiers to the Japanese held base in the Marianas group of the Central Pacific on June 14, 1944. U.S. troops who pushed ashore on Saipan were supported by an air-sea bombardment similar to coordinated attacks which paved the way for Allied landings in France. Some of the American warships that hurled 5,000 tons (4,500 metric tons) of explosives on Japanese installations can be seen on the horizon. In less than a week of fighting, American soldiers had gained contol of half the strategic island which forms part of Japan's inner defense shield. By July 5, U.S. troops were pushing back the enemy into a trap on the northern end of the island which is less than 1,500 miles (2,400 kilometers) from Japan.