Among the most strategically vital objectives for the United States forces in the Pacific during World War II were three islands in the Marianas: Saipan, Guam and Tinian.

Close enough to the Japanese Home Islands to be reached by the new Boeing B-29 heavy bombers, they were desperately defended, including history’s largest aircraft carrier duel in the Philippine Sea on June 19-20, the largest suicidal “banzai charge” of the war and the horrific mass suicide by Japanese military and civilians at Marpi Point.

Smaller and less dramatic than the other two battles of the Marianas Campaign, Tinian nevertheless produced its share of horror and heroism, as well as fielding the most important aerial sorties of the conflict. Also standing out during the battle was Pvt. Joseph Ozbourn’s sacrifice

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