| Pre-invasion bombardment of Guam, seen from USS New Mexico (BB-40). An amphibious force flagship (AGC), probably Task Force 53 flagship USS Appalachian (AGC-1), is at left. Other ships present include a Farragut-class destroyer (right center), an old fast transport (APD) and 2 landing craft, infantry (LCI). Photographed by United States Navy Chief Aviation Photographer’s Mate Sol C. Rotman (February 9, 1913 – May 5, 1987) Chief Rotman was stationed on board USS New Mexico (BB-40) in 1944. During July of that year he took several color photographs concerning the invasion of Guam. USS Appalachian was part of Task Unit 53.5.1 and formed column with USS New Mexico on July 17, 1944. Both ships remained off the coast of Guam through the landings on July 21, 1944. Appalachian was off Asan Point until July 27, when she shifted position to lying off Agat Beach. On July 31, she entered Apra Harbor and anchored. USS New Mexico fired 1,100 tons of explosive projectiles on Japanese installations on Guam from July 12-30, 1944. Assigned to Task Unit 53.1.13, New Mexico fired 1,621 High Capacity 14 inch (356 millimeter); 964 5-inch (127 millimeter)/fity-1 caliber High Capacity; 475 5-inch/51 caliber Armor Piercing Common; 2,333 5 inch/25 caliber Anti-Aircraft Common; and 422 5 inch/25 caliber starshells. The ship expended a small amount of 40 millimeter Bofors and 20 millimeter Oerlikon rounds. The New Mexico’s firing was effective, reports to the ship said. Force and Group commanders gave the ship “well done” as did Shore Fire Control parties on several occasions. After 1 night’s starshell firing General Allen H. Turnage (January 3, 1891 – October 22, 1971) the Commanding Officer, 3rd Marine Division, signaled tho ship: “Once again many thanks for your fine work throughout the night. From all indications you saved the day…” | |
| Image Filename | wwii1917.jpg |
| Image Size | 1.46 MB |
| Image Dimensions | 5717 x 4511 |
| Photographer | Sol C. Rotman |
| Photographer Title | United States Navy |
| Caption Author | Written or Adapted by Jason McDonald |
| Date Photographed | July 14, 1944 |
| Location | |
| City | |
| State or Province | Guam |
| Country | Marianas |
| Archive | Naval History and Heritage Command |
| Record Number | 80-G-K-1870 |
| Status | Caption ©2026 MFA Productions LLC Please Do Not Duplicate or Distribute Without Permission; Image in the Public Domain |
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