GI’s of the 106th Infantry Regiment, 27th Infantry Division, look up at Purple Heart Ridge on Saipan, June 23, 1944.

The series of connected ridges would earn its nickname in a veritable storm of artillery and mortar fire that killed 31 men of 3/106 in less than a minute.

The accompanying 762nd Tank Battalion would enter battle with 72 tanks. Only 18 would trundle out of the aptly named “Death Valley.” The assaults on the ridge and valley to its west would prove a frustrating, bloody mess.

In an attack that would see the division commander personally directing the assault on Purple Heart Ridge (an indictment of regimental leadership), the 165th Inf would lose 22 of 29 battalion commanders, and measure its progress in mere yards on June 24, 1944.

When compared to the progress made by the 4th Marine Division attacking the island’s highest point, Mt Tapotchau, and against equally fierce resistance, the 27th ID’s negligible advance lead to the relief of division commander Maj. Gen. Ralph Smith.

The series of attacks on Purple Heart Ridge and Death Valley faced difficult terrain that was well-defended by two veteran Japanese regiments. Yet, the division was hobbled by cautious and unimaginative tactical leadership.

Improved leadership and the application of lessons learned the hard way would eventually see the division take possession of Purple Heart Ridge and Death Valley by month’s end.

The division’s harshest critic, Marine General Holland M. Smith, would compliment its turnaround.

Despite its improvement, the division would continue to court controversy when, on July 7, 1944, the 105th Inf bore the brunt of a large scale Banzai attack that penetrated a gap between the regiment’s first and second battalions.

Despite the bravery of isolated pockets of GI’s, the Japanese overran the 105th, moving down the coast, before encountering a battery of the 10th Marine Artillery Regiment. Firing over open sights, the Marine gunners inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy.

Before being overrun, the Marines spiked their 105mm howitzers, and withdrew in order.

Counterattacks by both army and Marine units at first contained, then eliminated the Japanese attackers.

The 105th Infantry’s first and second battalions suffered terribly. Casualties in killed and wounded numbered nearly a thousand.

Two soldiers, Lt. Col. William O’Brien and Pvt. Thos. Baker were awarded the Medal of Honor for their heroism during the attack.