The airstrip on the Orote Peninsula played a critical role in the American invasion strategy. Once troops secured Asan and Agat beaches, they were to advance and merge to isolate the peninsula and the airstrip. The Japanese expected this and reinforced the peninsula with defense positions and (haphazardly) placed landmines along existing roads.
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Thirteen days prior to the invasion, American ships and aircraft attacked in a constant 24-hour stream. This pre-invasion attack verified the American strategy to land on Asan and Agat beaches. Therefore, the Japanese concentrated their defense structures on the Orote Peninsula, between Asan and Agat beaches. This pre-war effort destroyed Japanese fortifications, most of Agana city, villages along Asan and Agat beaches as well as vegetation.
After four days of continuous battle, the enemy was surrounded on the Orote Peninsula.
On July 28th the airstrip on Orote Peninsula was secured.