Review of "Liberation: Marines in the Recapture of Guam," by Cyril J. O’Brien

 Review of

Liberation: Marines in the Recapture of Guam, by Cyril J. O’Brien

Four out of five stars

Concise and effective summary of a brutal battle

 In July 1944 it was clear to both sides of the Pacific conflict that the Allies were on the ascendency and that Japanese power was rapidly declining. Most of the best Japanese pilots and support crews had already been killed in action and the cream of their Navy surface ships had been damaged or destroyed. The US submarine service was decimating the Japanese merchant marine, so fewer supplies were making it to the Japanese home islands.

 The battles for the islands in the Pacific now had one purpose on the Japanese side. Their forces were to fight to the death, taking as many American lives as possible. Towards this end, the Japanese forces were heavily dug in so that they could survive the massive naval and aerial bombardments. When it came time for the American invasion of Guam, the Japanese defenders knew that there was no hope of rescue, reinforcement or resupply.

 This book is only 45 pages, but it captures the essence of this massive and very bloody battle. The tactics employed by both sides are explained in detail as well as some of the most heroic actions by American marines. The author does a reasonable job in presenting the Japanese side as well. For even though they were outgunned in all respects and had no hope of survival, the hodgepodge of army, naval and air units of the Japanese made the US Marines fight for every inch of soil. It is a great summary of a primary battle that helped seal off any hope of a Japanese victory.

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