A film titled 'Mariana Thunderbolts' shows the Pacific campaign of World War II fought on the Island of Saipan, Mariana Islands. The first 7th AAF (Army Air Forces) P-47s catapulted from naval carriers. The first combat tests of napalm incendiary bombs by the P-47s. P-47s fire first rockets. A dock area showing the piles of equipment being loaded onto LSTs (Landing Ships, Tank) in Hawaii. A bulldozer being loaded into the LST. A power vehicle used to pull grading equipment also loaded into the LST. The dock area shows huge piles of supplies. Bellows Field in Hawaii shows mechanics working on P-47 aircraft. Landing gears, engines, and all phases of overhaul being done on the P-47s prior to loading them onto aircraft carriers. Mechanics crate aircraft parts and supplies in boxes prior to loading cargo onto the ships. They taxi out the P-47s and line them up for inspection. Several men lying and sitting on the runway facing two long rows of parked P-47s. Inspection officers, Commanding Officer of the U.S. 318th Fighter Squadron Colonel L. M. Sanders and Commanding Officer of the U.S. 19th Fighter Squadron Major Harry McAfee walk through the double row of parked P-47s.
The Pacific Campaign of World War II on the Island of Saipan, Mariana Islands. Captured Japanese planes are inspected by newly arrived U.S. pilots. Pilots as they go out and start looking at various types of Japanese aircraft which were left on the Aslito airfield of which the Japanese troops were unable to destroy before retreating into the hills. Destroyed Japanese Zeros on ground at the airfield. Remainder of the 318th Fighter Group personnel arrive in freighters. Various freighters moving into the harbor area. Men walking down the gateway into water and marching across the water to shore getting out of LST (Landing Ship, Tank).
U.S. Marines on Saipan, Mariana Islands during World War 2. A shirtless U.S. marine poses in front of a truck. A wounded marine carried on a litter to a dock. Marines and vehicles seen at base of so-called "Suicide Cliff" on Saipan. Marines gathered on and around a U.S. M3 Gun Motor Carriage (75mm). Two marines carry a fallen comrade (completely covered on a litter). View of marines gathered on the beach, around several Japanese prisoners seated beneath some sort of Japanese structure supporting a scale.
U.S. Marines in Saipan, Mariana Islands during World War II. A Japanese tank on fire. A wounded Marine being given blood plasma and first aid. Wounded on litters placed into a jeep ambulance. A wounded man being looked after by a doctor. Wounded being made to lie down on a litter and being placed into a jeep ambulance. A dead Japanese machine gunner near a gun mounted on a tripod.
Animated map shows U.S. forces acquiring Saipan, Mariana Islands from the Japanese during World War II. Pictures of U.S. fleet underway. Aircraft drop bombs on target areas. Fire and explosions on a beachhead. Pictures of boats being lowered for soldiers to advance on the beachhead. Animation shows forces arriving at Tanapag Harbor. U.S. troops in landing crafts. Activity at a line of departure. Fire and explosions on a beach as aircraft drop bombs.
The Marianas Operation Phase I Saipan- Scheme of Maneuvers shows U.S. forces arriving and acquiring Saipan, Mariana Island from the Japanese during World War II.. Animated map shows U.S. Battalions arriving in formation on the island. Pictures of United States ships arriving at a target area. Fire and explosions on the island. Troops in landing crafts advancing towards the island.