The campaign on Saipan, which began on June 15, 1944, was a pivotal moment in the Pacific War, resulting in significant American casualties and marking a turning point in the nature of combat that would be seen in future operations across the Central and Western Pacific. General Holland Smith referred to it as the decisive battle of the Pacific offensive, as it paved the way to Japans home islands. Japanese General Saito ominously declared that the fate of the Empire will be decided in this one action. This battle was truly a strategic strike for the United States. - Summary by John C. Chapin