U.S. flame-throwing tank burns out enemy pullbox on Saipan. A U.S.

U.S. flame-throwing tank burns out enemy pullbox on Saipan. A U.S. Marine flame-throwing tank engulfs a Japanese pullbox on Saipan. In the foreground a Marine watches the attack from his foxhole. The battle for Saipan in the Central Pacific Marianas saw the first major tank engagements of the Pacific war. The island was taken by American forces on July 8, 1944, after 25 days of bitter fighting. The Japanese did everything in their power to save Saipan, keystone of their inner defense ring. Enemy conclusion over its loss was revealed in the resignation of the Japanese cabinet after former Premier Hideki Tojo had announced the American victory.