Key Facts
- Duration
- 17 May – 2 September 1944 (~3.5 months)
- Japanese dead
- more than 1,000
- U.S. battle casualties
- ~700 battle, ~500 non-battle
- Hill height
- 175 ft (53 m)
- Remaining Japanese troops (1 Sep)
- ~2,000
Strategic Narrative Overview
The 158th RCT engaged the entrenched Japanese forces beginning 17 May 1944, facing fierce resistance in dense jungle and fortified caves on the coral formation. On 14 June, General Walter Krueger committed the U.S. 6th Infantry Division to relieve the 158th RCT. After ten days of intense fighting, American forces seized the hill, collapsing caves and killing a large number of defenders. Scattered Japanese resistance continued in the surrounding area through late summer.
01 / The Origins
Following the Allied landings at Hollandia and Aitape in late April 1944, the Toem-Wakde-Sarmi coastal salient became an isolated Japanese position in Dutch New Guinea. Elements of the Japanese 223rd and 224th Infantry Regiments concentrated on Lone Tree Hill overlooking Maffin Bay, blocking the U.S. 158th Regimental Combat Team from advancing toward Sarmi. The Japanese held well-fortified cave positions while their 223rd Regiment outflanked American units.
03 / The Outcome
By 1 September 1944, roughly 2,000 Japanese troops remained in the area but were no longer capable of threatening Allied operations. With Lone Tree Hill secured, Maffin Bay was developed into a major staging base used to support six subsequent Allied operations, including Biak, Noemfoor, Sansapor, Leyte, and Luzon, significantly accelerating the Western New Guinea campaign's momentum.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Walter Krueger.
Side B
1 belligerent
Hachiro Tagami.
Kinetic Engagement Axis
Scroll horizontally to view full axis. Events plotted relatively.