About this episode

The episode discusses the events of the Pacific War in 1944, focusing on the Cairo Conference and the battles leading up to the Marianas Turkey Shoot.

“If we ever lose Saipan, repeated air attacks on Tokyo will follow. No matter what it takes, we have to hold there.” As Operation Cartwheel neutralizes Japanese forces on Rabaul, American and British leaders meet with “Forgotten Allies” in Cairo—namely China’s nationalist leader Chiang Kai Shek and his diplomat wife Soong Mei-ling. The relentless pressure on Japan continues as heroes like “Merrill’s Marauders" hack through Burma’s jungles, securing vital supply lines and isolating the Japanese. Desperation leads to more bonsai attacks and even civilian suicides. More islands fall.  The conflict reaches a boiling point at the "Marianas Turkey Shoot," and the brutal battle for Saipan, both of which aim to place Tokyo within bombing range and clear the path for Doug to return to the Philippines. ____ Connect with us on HTDSpodcast.com and go deep into episode bibliographies and book recommendations join discussions in our Facebook community get news and discounts from The HTDS Gazette   come see a live show get HTDS merch or become an HTDS premium member for episodes and other perks. HTDS is part of Audacy media network. Interested in advertising on the History That…

People in this episode

Host: Prof. Greg Jackson

Topics covered

• Pacific War
• Cairo Conference
• Marianas Turkey Shoot
• Saipan
• Operation Cartwheel
• Japanese forces
• World War II

Keywords

• Pacific War
• Cairo Conference
• Marianas Turkey Shoot
• Saipan
• Merrill's Marauders
• Operation Cartwheel
• World War II
• Japanese forces
• Chiang Kai Shek
• Soong Mei-ling

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Audacy media network

Places: Saipan, Tokyo, Burma, Philippines

More episodes of History That Doesn't Suck

• 15 (Second Edition): “We the People:” Constitution Making in Philly · September 6, 2026 · 1h 8m
• 211: Pacific Theater Epilogue with Capt. Mac Caldwell · August 24, 2026 · 55 min
• 209: The Pacific War 1943: Operation Cartwheel, Tarawa, & Eleanor Roosevelt's Pacific Tour · July 27, 2026 · 57 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the History That Doesn't Suck podcast page.