U.S. Marines dash through blazing capital of Saipan. U.S.

U.S. Marines dash through blazing capital of Saipan. U.S. Marines move fast to take up new positions in flaming Garapan, capital of Saipan Island in the Central Pacific Marianas. Flaming Japanese buildings and installations were set afire by supporting U.S. artillery barrages, and the Marines entered the town to engage the enemy in street fighting for the first time in the Pacific theater. The capture of Saipan was completed on july 8, 1944, and put Allied forces within striking distance of the Japanese homeland. More than 1,600 Japanese surrendered in the case of hopeless odds, and the enemy's confusion at the breach in his inner defenses was revealed in the resignation of the Japanese cabinet.