J+5

July 29, 1944

I said, 'Now, look here men, the island of Maui is waiting for us. See those ships out there? The quicker you get this over with, the quicker we'll be back there.' They almost ran over that island.

- General Clifton Cates, commanding officer, 4th Marine Division.

The Tinian campaign was only five days old, and already the Americans controlled half the island.

Both Marine divisions were allowed to operate essentially as they wished on July 29. The next line, O-7, was about 5,000 yards ahead, and commanders were instructed to advance at their own discretion.

1/24, advancing along the west coast, had the misfortune of running into the only serious organized resistance. A bunker complex, cleverly camouflaged and well laid out, held up the battalion until the tanks could arrive. The area had to be overrun twice before resistance stopped.

It became apparent that five thousand yards was a little optimistic, even by the quickly moving standards of Tinian. The Marines found themselves on excellent defensive ground by midafternoon, tied in their flanks, and dug in for the night.

This young girl wandered into the advance lines of 3/6, looking for water.

Able Company Casualties, July 29, 1944

Wounded
Private Kay Reese
Private Rafaelo Salvato

Total: 2