11-032 Garand Picture of the Day Tinian

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From a Coast Guard-manned landing craft, American invaders wade through a golden, shallow surf to hit the beach of Tinian Island near Guam in the Marianas. In this striking sunrise silhouette, units of a mighty task force stand on the horizon -- Navy warships, transports and LSTs. In closer, smaller invasion craft are halted by shallow water about 100 yards off shore.





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A water buffalo, loaded with Marines, churns through the sea bound for the beaches of Tinian Island near Guam in this invasion picture made by a Coast Guard combat photographer “going in” aboard another landing craft to the attack against the Japanese in the Marianas.

Not many know it, but the drivers of the landing craft were Coasties. They had the highest casualty rate of any service. If they made it to shore with their load of Marines or soldiers, they then had to go back and get another load. I knew a guy who had three boats shot out from under him, but survived.

Here is an excerpt from my dad's diary. He was stationed on USS McCord DD534
July 20, 1944

NOt going to Tarawa - going to Saipan.

July 23, 1944

We bombarded Tinian all night.

July 25, 1944

Still bombarding Tinian

July 26, 1944

Patrolled area around Saipan and Tinian - left that night for Eniwetok - arrived there the 29th.

July 30, 1944

Left for Kwajalein.