Tinian, Battle of

In World War II, successful US Marines operation in July 1944 to capture a Japanese-held island in the Marianas group.

It was a difficult target, unusual among Pacific islands in having a cliff-bound coastline with only a few small beaches. It was attacked on July 24 by US Marines who made a mock attack against the main beach and settlement while actually landing on small beaches no more than 50 yd/45 m wide several miles away. Over 15,000 troops got ashore against light resistance and by nightfall had secured a beachhead at a cost of only 15 killed and 225 wounded. The Japanese launched a counter-attack during the night but suffered severe losses and the island was completely secured by August 1.