When V Amphibious Corps were preparing for the invasion of the Marianas Islands : Saipan, Guan, Tinian, they were expecting a relatively easy fight. The Japanese appeared to be on the run, so V Corps planners felt safe in allocating a single army division as corps reserve for the conquest, but when they landed, they had no idea what was in store for them. For the next several weeks they faced the unremitting terror of nearly continuous combat. FOr the 105th Infantry, the battle climaxed in an overwhelming Japanese banzai attack on July 7, 1944. The regiment suffered more than 900 casualites. Throughout the battle, Lt. Colonel WIliam O'Brien provided a stirring example of frontline leadership to his previously untested troops, receiving the Medal of Honor for his efforts.

A Presidio Press book.

Prelude to World War II --Training at Fort McClellan -- The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor -- The 105th at Makin -- Return to Oahu -- Target : Saipan -- The Marines hit the beaches -- The 27th Division comes ashore -- The 105th joins the attack -- The attack on Nafutan Point -- Second Battalion, 105th : alone on Nafutan -- The fight for central Saipan -- The drive to Tanapag -- The final battle for Saipan -- The afternoon attack on July 6 -- Prelude to Gyokusai -- Day of hell -- The tide runneth over -- The withdrawal -- Defense of the second perimeter -- Relief of the 105th Infantry -- The last days on Saipan.