Combat· World War II
Marshalls Campaign (Operation FLINTLOCK + CATCHPOLE)
The Marshall Islands were a ring of Japanese-held atolls that guarded the approaches to the central Pacific.
Cracking them open would breach Japan's outer defenses and open the road to the Marianas. The 4th Marine Division, working beside Army troops, struck first at Kwajalein Atoll. The Marines stormed the twin islands of Roi and Namur, taking the airfield on Roi fast and clearing Namur the next day after a blockhouse full of enemy explosives blew up in a huge blast. Weeks later, with Kwajalein won so quickly that reserves were free, the attack on Eniwetok was moved up. There the 22d Marines seized Engebi, then Eniwetok and Parry islands in a string of short, sharp fights. The quick victories sped the whole Pacific timetable forward by months.
Podcast episodes on World War II
Record no. 572