75 years ago today: July 23, 1944
On July 23, 1944, Marines and soldiers struggled to make progress against the Japanese on Guam, bringing in more equipment and supplies while under fire.
A Navy report described the situation on Guam:
“Our forces at southern beaches were under intermittent rifle and mortar fire throughout the night culminating in attack of about company strength which was repulsed with [Japanese] losing 5 tanks and leaving 268 dead within our lines.
“On northern beaches mortar fire throughout the night interfered with unloading, and heavy attack on eastern section of our lines at dawn caused critical situation for some time but was thrown back after daylight with effective air naval gunfire and artillery support.”
In the south, Mount Alifan overlooking Agat had been captured, and about half of Cabras island was under American control.
“Unloading slow due to beaches being under intermittent fire from mortars and light artillery but has improved and supplies ashore are now sufficient. Division artillery well emplaced and enough ammo. Roads from Agana to Piti and up toward [Mount Tenjo] now under our control,” the report stated.
An Army memo stated that as of July 23, 1944, stated there had been 349 American troops killed in action on Guam, 1,500 wounded and 110 missing.
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