Combat· World War II
Tanapag Harbor Feint
The plan to take Saipan included a trick to confuse the enemy about where the real blow would fall.
While the main landing went in on the western beaches, part of the 2d Marines, joined by other battalions, staged a fake landing off Tanapag Harbor to the north. The Marines loaded into boats and made for shore as if a second assault were coming, hoping to draw enemy troops away from the true beaches. The Japanese were not really fooled and held their main strength in place. The feint still served a purpose, tying up at least one enemy regiment that might otherwise have rushed to the real fight. Having played their part, the Marines turned back without making a contested landing, and the deception folded into the larger battle for the island.
Podcast episodes on World War II
Record no. 852