Contents
- Introduction
- Combat mission
- Unit organization
- Tactics
- Weapons and equipment
- Command, control, communications, and intelligence
- Combat operations
- Reduction and occupation duty
- Chronology
- Bibliography
- Abbreviations and linear measurements
- Index
"By late-1944 the Marine Corps had completed the conquest of the Marianas, and had seized Peleliu. Marine artillery units were engaged in the Philippines in support of the Army, but would be withdrawn before the end of the year. The Marines were now poised for the toughest battles of the war, and prepared for an invasion of the Japanese Home Islands. By January 1945 the US Marine Corps had grown to 35,598 officers, 5,384 officer candidates, and 366,353 enlisted, totaling 431,573 personnel (of whom 17,837 were women). The peak Marine Corps strength was at the end of August 1945-485,833 personnel. The Fleet Marine Force had grown to two amphibious corps, six divisions, 26 non-divisional artillery battalions (artillery, antiaircraft, defense), and numerous support and service units with a total of 224,855 Marines and sailors in its ground units. Marine Aviation had grown to five aircraft wings, 32 groups, and 135 squadrons with 118,030 personnel. The battles at war’s end would test the strength and combat capabilities of this fast-expanding force. Following on from Battle Orders 1: US Marine Corps in the Pacific Theater of Operations 1941-43, and Battle Orders 7: US Marine Corps in the Pacific Theater of Operations 1943-44, this book examines the continuing development of the Corps’ organization, its training, tactics, weaponry, and command structure. It details the formation of the 5th and 6th Marine Divisions and the 1st Provisional Marine Brigade, and examines the Corps’ performance in the brutal battles fought on Guam, Peleliu, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa, as well as documenting the deployment to Japan as an occupation force.
" |
