The seizure of Guam in July-August 1944 added another base to our growing chain of possessions encircling the Japanese homeland. Marine troops made the initial landings on Guam and were aided in capturing the island by army units, comprised chiefly of the 77th Infantry Division. Guam tells the Army's part of the campaign. This study is based upon a first narrative prepared in the field from military records and from notes and interviews recorded during the operation by S/Sgt. James M. Burns. “Guam: Operations of the 77th Division (21 July-10 August 1944)” is one of a series of fourteen studies of World War II operations originally published by the War Department's Historical Division and now returned to print as part of the Army's commemoration of the fiftieth anniversary of that momentous clash of arms. These volumes, prepared by professional historians shortly after the events described, provide a concise summary of some of the major campaigns and battles fought by American soldiers.

Foreword to the CMH edition, Harold W. Nelson, Colonel, FA, Chief of Military History. Includes maps of: Allied Advance in the Pacific; Central Pacific Islands; Southern Marianas - Plan of Attack, 3rd and Fifth Amphibious Corps; Guam; Enemy Dispositions on Guam, JUL 1944; Preferred Plan of Attack on Guam, 3rd Amphibious Corps; W-Day Landing, 3rd Amphibious Corps, 21 JUL 1944; Beachheads on W+1, Amphibious Corps, 22 JUL 1944; 77th Division Sector, 24-27 JUL 1944; Orote Peninsula, 1st Provisional Marine Brigade, 25-29 JUL 1944; Gap, 77th Division and 3d Marine Division, 25-27 JUL 1944; Reconnaissance of Southern Guam, 28 JUL-2 AUG 1944; Pursuit Phase, 3rd Amphibious Corps, 31 JUL-1 AUG 1944; Construction of New Road, 302d Engineer Combat Battalion, to 31 JUL 1944; Approach to Barrigada, 77th Division, 2-4 AUG 1944; Reconnaissance of Barrigada, Company D, 706th Tank Battalion, Company I, 305th RCT; Gap on the Left, about Noon, 2 AUG 1944; Situation on the Right, Close of Day, 2 AUG 1944; Company G's Attack, 1500-Dark, 2 AUG 1944; Barrigada Positions, Close of Day, 2 AUG 1944; Advance to the O-3 Line, 305th and 370th RCT, 3-4 AUG 1944; Plan for Advance, 77th Division, 5 AUG 1944; Advance to O-4 Line, 77th Division, 5-6 AUG 1944; Plans for Final Phase, 3rd Amphibious Corps; Action at Yigo, 7 AUG 1944; Night Positions, 7-8 AUG 1944; Guam. Originally published: Washington, D.C. : Historical Division, War Dept., 1946. (American forces in action series).

Objective: Guam. Offensive in the Central Pacific -- Marianas Islands -- The Island of Guam -- Enemy Forces on Guam -- Plan of Attack -- Assault Phase. The Landings -- Expanding the Beachheads -- Attack on Orote Peninsula -- Establishment of Final Beachline -- Battle of Supply -- Pursuit Phase. Reconnaissance of Southern Guam -- Pursuit to the North -- 77th Division's Supply Route – Barrigada. The Pursuit Continues -- Feeling Out Enemy Positions -- The Gap on the Left -- Tanks Support the 305th -- Attempt to Close the Gap North to O-3 Line -- Final Pursuit Phase. The 306th Takes Over the Left (5-6 August) -- Two Japanese Tanks -- Plans for the Attack on Mt. Santa Rosa -- Attack on Yigo -- Tank Attack Against the 306th (7/8 August) -- Push Beyond Mt. Santa Rosa (8 August) -- Mopping Up -- Conclusion.