As so many Marines, in so many operations, have pointed out, the Japanese never got the word about the island being "secured." They invariably fought on just as if they were unaware that the decision had gone against them--that they had lost. The Japanese were poor losers and good fighters.
- Major Carl W. Hoffman, USMC, "The Seizure of Tinian"
Even in the fastest and most precise of operations, some of the enemy were invariably overlooked or bypassed in favor of more sensitive targets. Organized resistance on Tinian had crumbled entirely, but there were still Japanese hidden in the woods and undergrowth. Sometimes singly, sometimes in teams, the defenders refused to acknowledge the Marine victory.
The 24th Marines commenced mopping up their sector at 0700. They were supported by "Ronson" tanks - Shermans and Stuarts with massive flamethrowers attached - as well as amphtracks and their own demolitions teams. The men worked slowly and methodically, simultaneously wanting to get the unpleasant business over with as quickly as possible, yet not wanting to be wounded having come so far. Some Marines would later remember the mop-up process as being more stressful than a general attack, since one never knew when the next shot would ring out.
More Americans bled, more Americans died, but by 1430 the 24th had cleared its assigned sector. Some prisoners had been taken, but a large number of soldiers and civilians hid out in caves in the cliffs at the south end of the island.
Able Company Casualties, August 2, 1944
KILLED
Private Frank Edward Pratt, El Paso, Texas. Age 20
Private Thomas J. Slockbower, Jersey City, NJ. Age 19
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