The submerged Sherman tank off Saipan

Mike GristMarianas Islands, Planes / Tanks, World Ruins 45 Comments

The Battle of Saipan was a battle of the Pacific campaign of World War II, fought on the island of Saipan in the Mariana Islands from 15 June 1944 to 9 July 1944. The invasion fleet embarking the expeditionary forces left Pearl Harbor on June 5, 1944, the same day Operation Overlord was launched with the invasion of Normandy (AKA the D-Day landings). The Normandy landings were the larger amphibious landing, but the Marianas invasion fielded the larger fleet. By July 7, the Japanese had nowhere to retreat. Saito made plans for a final suicidal banzai charge. On the fate …