20 June - The Battle of the Philippine Sea ended

 

The Battle of the Philippine Sea was a major naval conflict during World War II, taking place from June 19 to June 20, 1944. It was fought between the United States Navy and the Imperial Japanese Navy and is considered one of the largest carrier battles in history. This battle was a decisive engagement in the Pacific Theater, significantly weakening the Japanese naval air power.

Key Aspects of the Battle of the Philippine Sea:

1. Strategic Context:

   • The battle occurred as part of the American offensive to capture the Mariana Islands, specifically Saipan, Tinian, and Guam. Control of these islands would provide the U.S. with bases for launching air attacks on the Japanese mainland.

2. Japanese Strategy:

   • The Japanese aimed to destroy the U.S. fleet and halt the American advance. They mobilized a significant portion of their remaining carrier force, including nine carriers, to engage the U.S. fleet.

3. American Forces:

   • The U.S. Fifth Fleet, commanded by Admiral Raymond Spruance, was tasked with protecting the invasion forces landing on Saipan. The fleet included 15 carriers under the command of Vice Admiral Marc Mitscher.

4. The Battle:

   • On June 19, the Japanese launched multiple waves of aircraft to attack the U.S. fleet. However, American pilots and anti-aircraft defenses were highly effective, shooting down many Japanese planes in what became known as the "Great Marianas Turkey Shoot" due to the lopsided losses.
   • On June 20, U.S. aircraft located and attacked the Japanese fleet, sinking three carriers (Hiyō, Shōkaku, and Taihō) and inflicting heavy damage on other ships.

5. Outcome and Consequences:

   • The battle resulted in a decisive American victory. The Japanese lost around 600 aircraft and three carriers, severely crippling their naval aviation capabilities. In contrast, American losses were relatively light, with fewer than 150 aircraft lost.
   • The victory ensured the success of the Mariana Islands campaign, enabling the U.S. to establish bases for B-29 bombers within range of the Japanese mainland. This facilitated subsequent bombing campaigns, including the eventual atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

6. Significance:

   • The Battle of the Philippine Sea marked the end of the Japanese carrier force as an effective fighting unit and shifted the balance of naval power in the Pacific decisively in favor of the Allies. It demonstrated the superiority of American carrier tactics, pilot training, and technology.

The Battle of the Philippine Sea is remembered as a pivotal moment in World War II's Pacific Theater, showcasing the effectiveness of American naval power and contributing to the eventual Allied victory over Japan.