12. TINIAN, 07/24/1944

After the successful handover of command on New Britain you are transferred to the Central Pacific forces and have been assigned as part of the operation to capture the Marianas; specifically the islands of Guam, Saipan and Tinian. These islands are not only a major part of Japan's outer defenses, their capture will provide airfields for the new B-29 bomber squadrons to reach the Japanese mainland. The first part of this operation, the capture of Saipan, started on June 15 and after almost a month of vicious fighting the battle has ended. The landing on Guam began a few days ago and Tinian is next.

You have been assigned to land on Tinian, which is only a few miles from Saipan - the island has been softened up by air, sea and artillery (firing from Saipan). The exact disposition of the defenders is unknown, but Tinian is much flatter and less mountainous than Saipan so your task should be easier.