Great Marianas Turkey Shoot
The Great Marianas Turkey Shoot refers to a significant naval battle that occurred during World War II, specifically from June 19 to June 20, 1944. This confrontation was part of the larger campaign to establish control over the Marianas Islands, which included the American landing at Saipan. The Japanese, aiming to regain the offensive, launched an attack with a formidable fleet of nine aircraft carriers; however, they faced American forces equipped with superior technology, experienced pilots, and effective radar systems. The battle resulted in a devastating defeat for Japan, with only 35 out of 430 Japanese aircraft surviving the engagement. The battle's name stems from an American pilot's remark likening it to an easy target practice scenario. Although the U.S. Navy suffered some losses, including 123 aircraft, the impact of the battle was substantial. The victory allowed the U.S. to capture the Marianas, providing critical bases for long-range bombers that would later play a pivotal role in targeting Japan's home islands. The Great Marianas Turkey Shoot is often recognized as a turning point in the Pacific Theater of the war.
Great Marianas Turkey Shoot
The Event American naval victory over a Japanese fleet
Also Known As Battle of the Philippine Sea
Date June 19-20, 1944
Place Philippine Sea, west of the Mariana Islands
In the largest aircraft carrier battle in history, the U.S. Navy destroyed almost five hundred Japanese aircraft in the air, on the ground, and on carriers, as well as three carriers. These irreplaceable losses allowed the United States to capture the Marianas, Iwo Jima, and the Philippines without significant air opposition.
To stop American advances in the Pacific, the Japanese decided to retake the offensive by attacking the naval units supporting the American landing at Saipan in the Marianas Islands that began on June 14, 1944. American submarines discovered the approaching Japanese force of nine carriers and alerted Admiral Raymond Spruance. Fearful of a trap, Spruance’s fifteen carriers approached the Japanese cautiously. On June 19, Admiral Jiraburo Ozawa ordered a series of raids, but American radar, superior airplanes (particularly the Grumman Hellcats), and inexperienced Japanese pilots led to a decisive victory. It was so easy that one American pilot exclaimed it was “like an old-time turkey shoot!” Japanese attacks on June 20 also failed.
Meanwhile, American submarines sank two large carriers, and aircraft destroyed another. Of 430 Japanese planes launched on both days, only 35 survived. Aircraft from the Japanese base at Guam also were eliminated. Although the U.S. Navy lost 123 planes, only seventy-six fliers were killed and no ships were sunk.
Impact
After their crushing defeat, the Japanese unrealistically depended on their army to stop the American advance in the Pacific. The capture of the Marianas gave the United States runways for long-range bombers to devastate the Japanese home islands.
Bibliography
Hastings, Max. Retribution: The Battle for Japan, 1944-45. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2008.
Tillman, Barrett. Clash of the Carriers: The True Story of the Marianas Turkey Shoot of World War II. New York: New American Library, 2005.
Y’Blood, William T. Red Sun Setting: The Battle of the Philippine Sea. Annapolis, Md.: Naval Institute Press, 1981.