Code Talker

In June, 1944, the Mariana Islands become the next targets of the Marines’ island-hopping campaign. This is called Operation Forager, and it is under the command of Admiral Nimitz and Marine General “Howling Mad” Smith. The ultimate objective is to reach Japan itself. Ned is reunited with Georgia Boy and Smitty in the operation’s Southern Task Force. Their first objective will be the island of Guam.

Ned is forever grateful that he was not part of the Northern Task Force, which was sent to Saipan. Hundreds of marines there are killed in the water, on the beaches, and in banzai attacks. There are also Japanese civilians living on Saipan, some of whom join the attacks, armed only with sharpened sticks. Ned’s friend Wilfred Billey tells him that the civilians were the saddest part—women and children jumped off cliffs to their deaths rather than be captured, believing propaganda which told them that the Americans would torture and kill them. Though the Marines eventually take Saipan, the victory is too bloody to be celebrated.