Whether we attack or whether we stay where we are, there is only death. However, in death there is life. I will advance with you to deliver another blow to the American devils and leave my bones on Saipan as a fortress of the Pacific
— Lt. Gen. Saitō Yoshitsugu’s roughly translated command to Banzai, July 1944
June 02, 2013, 3:00pm / 19
US Marines giving a military burial to Lt. Gen. Saitō Yoshitsugu, 13 July 1944
After hearing Admiral Tuner’s announcement that the battle for the island was over, and wounded heavily by shrapnel, Saitō chose to commit seppuku. After disemboweling himself, he ordered his adjutant to shot him in the head to insure death on 10 July 1944. Saitō’s remains were cremated by his surviving compatriots, however upon discovering his death US Marine General Holland Smith gave the Lt. Gen. a proper funeral with military honors.
May 31, 2013, 12:00pm / 25
US Marines of the 3rd Ammunition Company, rest away from the front lines on Saipan. On the bike is PFC Boykin, and on the trolley are PFC Anthony, Shackelford and Purdy.
May 29, 2013, 5:00pm / 40
The grave of an unknown US Marine on Saipan, July 1944
May 26, 2013, 3:00pm / 319
Marines of the 2nd Division using a captured Japanese Type 97 tank on Saipan
May 26, 2013, 12:00pm / 21
