All times in UTC ·
Dashed edge = started before, or continues beyond, this day
Events on Thursday 15 June 1944 1
1944Battle of SaipanUS forces capture a key Mariana islandUS Marines and Army troops captured Saipan after three weeks of heavy fighting. Nearly the entire Japanese garrison died, and many civilians killed themselves rather than surrender. The island brought the Japanese home islands within range of B-29 bombers, and its loss led to the fall of Tojo's government.