- Title: Sweet Tooth
- Author: United States Marine Corps
- Date/Location: 1944
- Condition: See description
- Inches: 9 1/2 x 7 3/4
- Centimeters: 24.13 x 19.68
- Product ID: 308362
When the Sword Is Drawn, A Marine Is Ruthless; When It Is Sheathed, He Is Merciful
Original Marine Corps photo, with following caption on verso:
Tinian | Sweet Tooth…. A bearded Marine pauses beside the barbed wire of an internment camp on Tinian to give a native child some candy. | Hdqrs. No. 90,935 OFFICIAL U.S.MARINE CORPS PHOTO.
With Marine Corps eagle, anchor and globe logo in negative lower right. Staff Sergeant Federico Claveria shown in a poignant moment of compassion in the aftermath of the battle on Tinian.
The Battle of Tinian was a pivotal amphibious assault during World War II, fought between the United States and Japan on the island of Tinian in the Mariana Islands from July 24 to August 1, 1944, as part of the broader campaign to secure the Marianas and establish bases within bombing range of Japan. U.S. forces, commanded by Major General Harry Schmidt and supported by Rear Admiral Harry W. Hill’s Task Force 52, launched the invasion primarily with the 2nd and 4th Marine Divisions, totaling around 15,600 men in the initial landings. The Japanese garrison, led by Colonel Kiyochi Ogata, was caught off guard as the Americans chose to land on small northern beaches rather than the larger, more heavily defended southern ones, a decision that allowed for rapid movement and minimal resistance at the outset.
The battle was notable for its efficiency and low U.S. casualties compared to other Pacific engagements: American losses were between 290 and 389 killed and approximately 1,500 to 1,800 wounded, while Japanese casualties exceeded 5,000 dead, with only a few hundred taken prisoner; many Japanese soldiers committed suicide or perished in caves rather than surrender. Japanese civilian losses were also significant, with hundreds killed in crossfire, executed by Japanese troops, or dead by suicide, and thousands interned by American forces after the battle. The island was declared secure on August 1, though small pockets of Japanese resistance persisted in caves for several months.
Condition
Photo is in excellent condition, minor handling creases, wavy. With slight discoloration from linen mounting hinge along left extending .5 inch into image. 0.6 Inch remains of linen hinge adhered to verso along left.
Reference
United States Department of Defense website, accessed 22 May 2025; https://www.defense.gov