Saipan 1944

[armyduck95]

Jay,
Great work. Saipan has moved to the top of my list.

To answer questions as to why the Marines had the increased firepower vs. European Army MTOE- the bottom line is that by 44 the South Pacific experience proved the need for increased automatic firepower to overcome the Japanese penchant for close combat, and the restricted terrain aspects of jungle, caves, beach landings, etc. In the European theater the ability to move and mass armor, airpower, and artillery enabled the infantry. In the Pacific - limitations in those capabilities and the nature of the Japanese doctrine required greater squad firepower at the point of decision.