| 1 February 1944 U.S. Forces Land in the Marshall Islands |
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| After penetrating the Japanese defensive perimeter
in the Gilbert Islands, Nimitz launched Operation Flintlock, the invasion of the Marshall Islands.
On February 1 the 4 th Marine Division and the 7 th Infantry Division landed on Kwajalein Island,
securing it after three days of intense combat in which more than 8,000 Japanese soldiers and 1,800
Americans were killed or wounded. Two weeks later U.S. forces moved on to Eniwetok, where yet again
the Japanese chose to fight to the death, losing 3,500 men, while the American side suffered 1,200
casualties.
Histories: Campaign Map: Personal Accounts: Photographs: |
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