American Forces in Action Series

Guam
Operations of the 77th Division
(21 July-10 August 1944)

Historical Division
War Department


CONTENTS

Foreword iii
Objective: Guam 1
  Offensive in the Central Pacific 2
  Marianas Islands 5
  The Island of Guam 13
  Enemy Forces on Guam 19
  Plan of Attack 23
Assault Phase 29
  Preparations for W Day 29
  The Landings 31
  Expanding the Beachheads 37
  Attack on Orote Peninsula 41
  Establishment of Final Beachline 47
  Battle of Supply 53
Pursuit Phase 57
  Reconnaissance of Southern Guam 57
  Pursuit to the North 63
  77th Division's Supply Route 73
Barrigada 75
  The Pursuit Continues 75
  Feeling Out Enemy Positions 80
  The Gap on the Left 84
  Tanks Support the 305th 90
  Attempt to Close the Gap 93
  North to O-3 Line 101
Final Pursuit Phase 107
  The 306th Takes Over the Left (5-6 August)
  Two Japanese Tanks
  Plans for the Attack on Mt. Santa Rosa
  Attack on Yigo
  Tank Attack Against the 306th (7/8 August)
  Push Beyond Mt. Santa Rose (8 August)
  Mopping Up
Conclusion 133
ANNEX No. 1: Abbreviations 135

Maps

1. Allied Advance in the Pacific viii
2. Central Pacific Islands 2
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Illustrations

Maj. Gen. Andrew D. Bruce xii
Troops of 77th Division 10



Map No. 1: Allied Advance in the Pacific


Transcribed and formatted for HTML by Patrick Clancey, HyperWar Foundation