American forces secure Saipan as last Japanese defenses fall 70 years ago this hour (July 9 1944)


Video: 'Documentary World War 2 II in Colour The Second World War color' (final Allied assault on Saipan at 1:33:34)

(Sunday, July 9, 1944, 4:15 p.m. ChST; during the Battle of Saipan, part of World War IIPacific War) — The Allied conquest of Saipan Island in Japan’s inner defense line was completed this afternoon, clearing the way for direct strikes to the Japanese mainland by U.S. B-29 bombers.


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