For the next three weeks, Japanese counterattacks and Banzai charges bloodied the US forces as they fought their way to the north.

In addition, the Japanese commanders, Lt. General Saito and Navy Admiral Nagumo committed suicide in a cave.

It took until July 9, 1944, until sustained combat ended and the island was declared officially secured by the US forces.

The land was then redeveloped with housing and a golf course built on the former World War II airfield.

This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency