U S Army Center for Military History

Guam U S Army Center for Military History

The seizure of Guam in July-August 1944 added another base to our growing chain of possessions encircling the Japanese homeland. Marine troops made the initial landings on Guam and were aided in capturing the island by army units, comprised chiefly of the 77th Infantry Division. Guam tells the Army's part of the campaign. This study is based upon a first narrative prepared in the field from military records and from notes and interviews recorded during the operation by S/ Sgt. James M. Burns. "Guam: Operations of the 77th Division (21 July-10 August 1944)" is one of a series of fourteen studies of World War II operations originally published by the War Department's Historical Division and now returned to print as part of the Army's commemoration of the fiftieth anniversary of that momentous clash of arms. These volumes, prepared by professional historians shortly after the events described, provide a concise summary of some of the major campaigns and battles fought by American soldiers.