"James Hallas reconstructs the full panorama of the Battle of Saipan in a way that no recent chronicler has done. In its comprehensiveness, attention to detail, scope of research, and ultimate focus on the men who fought and won the battle, this is the definitive military history of Saipan, a turning point of the Pacific War."-- Provided by the publisher.

Fateful decisions -- Sharpening the spear -- Acts of man or god -- On to the westward -- Opening moves -- Across the reef -- Failed blitzkrieg -- Into the maelstrom -- Under the gun -- Tanks! -- Toward the airfield -- A gathering of eagles -- Showdown -- Mission into darkness -- Winners and losers -- Dead men, flies, and thirst -- Holland Smith vs. the army -- Into the valley -- Every soldier must stand his ground -- Beyond the valley -- Rabbit hunt -- My life is fluttering away -- Overrun -- The killing fields -- The suicide cliffs -- The whirlwind -- Epilogue: loose ends -- Notes -- Bibliography.