Battle of Noemfoor

The Battle of Noemfoor was part of the New Guinea campaign of World War II. It took place on the island of Noemfoor, in Dutch New Guinea (now Papua, in Indonesia), between 2 July and 31 August 1944. During the battle, Allied forces landed on the island to capture Japanese bases as part of their advance through the Pacific towards the Philippines. The initial landing was largely unopposed and the Japanese defenders withdrew inland as the US troops came ashore. Sporadic fighting took place over the course of two months as the Allies secured the three airfields on the island and pushed the surviving Japanese troops to the southeastern coast. The island was later used by the Allies to support operations around Sansapor and on Morotai.

Battle of Noemfoor
Part of the Pacific War of World War II
Noemfoor, 12 July 1944. A U.S. soldier points out the direction in which Japanese troops have retreated, to a comrade using a walkie-talkie. (Photographer: Allan F. Anderson)
Date 2 July – 31 August 1944 Location Dutch New Guinea Result Allied victory
Belligerents
United States  Australia  Netherlands	Japan
Commanders and leaders
Walter Krueger Edwin D. Patrick (land) Russell S. Berkey (naval) Frederick Scherger (air)	Suesada Shimizu
Strength
10,000	2,000 (US estimates)
Casualties and losses
66 killed/missing; 343 wounded	~1,730 killed; 186 prisoners
Location within Papua (province)