U.S. troops advance toward Hollandia U.S.

U.S. troops advance toward Hollandia U.S. soldiers march along a beach near Hollandia, on the northern coast of New Guinea, where they were landed by American LST (landing-ship-tank) vessels (background). U.S. assault forces met only slight resistance during landing operations, on April 22, 1944, at three points dominating a 150-mile coastal stretch of Northern New Guinea. The simultaneous landings were developed into a three-pronged offensive, resulting in the capture of four strategic airfields and the towns Aitape and Hollandia,. The landings have encircled an estimated 60,000 Japanese troops dispersed along the northern coastal area of the Southwest Pacific island.