The True Story of the Marianas Turkey Shoot of World War II

The Marianas Turkey Shoot is a legendary aerial battle that took place during World War II in June 1944. It was a crucial turning point in the Pacific Theater and has been widely recognized as one of the most significant naval battles in history. This article will delve into the true story of this epic confrontation, exploring the strategies, heroism, and impact of the Marianas Turkey Shoot.

The Prelude to the Battle

In 1944, the United States launched an offensive to capture the Mariana Islands in the Western Pacific. The islands, particularly Saipan, Tinian, and Guam, were considered strategic positions as they could serve as bases for bombing Japan.

Japan, aware of the importance of the Marianas, decided to defend them at all costs. They stationed their naval fleet, including their most advanced aircraft carriers, in the area to counter the American attack.

Clash of The Carriers: The True Story of the Marianas Turkey Shoot of World War II

by Barrett Tillman(Kindle Edition)

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3779 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	384 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

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The Battle Begins

On June 19, 1944, the US launched Operation Forager, with the objective of capturing Saipan. American aircraft carriers, including USS Enterprise, USS Lexington, and USS Yorktown, were deployed along with a large fleet of supporting ships.

The Japanese, under the command of Vice Admiral Jisaburo Ozawa, had four aircraft carriers, several battleships, cruisers, destroyers, and submarines at their disposal. However, their carrier-based aircraft were outdated compared to the American counterparts.

As the American forces closed in on Saipan, the Japanese carriers sent waves of aircraft to eliminate the threat. However, the outdated Japanese planes stood no chance against the advanced American fighters and were systematically annihilated. The sky was filled with Japanese aircraft falling from the sky, hence earning the nickname "Turkey Shoot."

The Decisive Victory

Over the next two days, the American air units relentlessly attacked the Japanese fleet. The battles were intense, with both sides suffering heavy losses. However, the unmatched American air superiority proved to be the decisive factor.

The Japanese lost three aircraft carriers, two fleet carriers, three light carriers, and hundreds of aircraft, while the US only lost around 130 aircraft. The Marianas Turkey Shoot marked the first time the Japanese had experienced such a devastating defeat in the air.

The Aftermath

The victory in the Marianas Turkey Shoot had far-reaching consequences for the remainder of World War II in the Pacific. With Japan's naval air power significantly weakened, American forces gained control over the Marianas, allowing them to establish crucial airbases that played a vital role in the subsequent strategic bombings of the Japanese mainland.

Moreover, the defeat shattered Japanese morale and demonstrated the superiority of American technology, tactics, and strategy. The result was a turning point in the war, leading to further Japanese losses in subsequent major battles and ultimately hastening Japan's surrender.

The Legacy of the Marianas Turkey Shoot

The Marianas Turkey Shoot has become a prominent event in military history, widely studied and remembered for its significance. It showcased the importance of air superiority in modern warfare and highlighted the advancements in American aircraft and tactics.

The battle also revealed the resilience and bravery of American pilots and the effectiveness of their training. It was a testament to the prowess of the US Navy in executing large-scale strategic operations.

The Marianas Turkey Shoot played a crucial part in the outcome of World War II in the Pacific. It marked a turning point that showcased the overwhelming air superiority of American forces and weakened Japan's hold on the region. This historic battle will forever be remembered as a testament to the bravery, skill, and determination of all those involved.

Clash of The Carriers: The True Story of the Marianas Turkey Shoot of World War II

by Barrett Tillman(Kindle Edition)

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3779 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	384 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

From the national bestselling coauthor of Dragon's Jaw, here is the incredible true story of the most spectacular aircraft carrier battle in history, World War II’s Great Marianas Turkey Shoot.

“Superb... the greatest naval air battle of all time finally receives the meticulous and comprehensive treatment it deserves.”—Richard Frank, author of Tower of Skulls

In June, 1944, American and Japanese carrier fleets made their way toward one another in the Philippine Sea. Their common objective: the strategically vital Marianas Islands. During two days of brutal combat, the American and Japanese carriers dueled, launching wave after wave of fighters and bombers against one another. By day and night, hundreds of planes filled the skies. When it was over, the men of the American Fifth Fleet had claimed more than four hundred aerial combat victories, and three Japanese carriers lay on the bottom of the Pacific Ocean.
 
Here is the true account of those great and terrible days—by those who were there, in the thick of the Battle of the Philippine Sea. Drawing upon numerous interviews with American and Japanese veterans as well as official sources, Clash of the Carriers is an unforgettable testimonial to the bravery of those who fought and those who died in a battle that will never be forgotten.

“In his inimitable style, naval aviation’s most prolific historian comes through with a much-needed, comprehensive documentary on the greatest aircraft carrier battle of all time.”—Cdr. Alexander Vraciu, USN (Ret) Fighting Squadron 16, 1944