Samoa

Samoa

Samoa is divied between American Samoa and Samoa.

American Samoa
American Samoa is an unincorporated U.S. territory southeast of the sovereign state of Samoa (Western Samoa). Eastern islands of Samoa including the main islands of Tutuila and Tau Island.

Samoa became an American staging area in the early months of the war. Major General Charles F.B. Price, who was appointed to this command, arrived with his staff at Pago Pago on April 28, 1942 from USA.

Tutuila Island (Tuituila)
Located in the center of the island chain, owned by the United States since 1899. About 17 miles long and 5 miles wide. During WWII, it was the headquarters of the Samoan Area Defense Force was established on Tutuila.

Pago Pago
Located towards the north of the island, with an excellent harbor. Largest village on the island, and the seat of the pre-war government. On January 16, 1942 Pago Pago was shelled by a Japanese submarine.

Tafuna Airfield (Pago Pago Airport)

Construction
Located on the southern coast of the island, due south of Pago Pago. Completed on March 17, 1942 two days before the advance echelon of MAG-13 arrived. The airfield had a large maintenance hanger.

Units based at Tutuila
VMF-111 arrived March 19, 1942
VMO-151 (SBC-4s) arrived May, 1942

Today
Still in use as Pago Pago Airport. Airport code: ?PPG

Samoa (Western Samoa)
German Samoa from 1900 to 1919 and Western Samoa from 1914 to 1997. It was recognized by the United Nations on December 15 1976 as Samoa. Comprises of the main islands of Savaii, Upolu.

On May 8, 1942 the 3d Marine Brigade convoy arrived off Apia and General Barrett assumed military command of Western Samoa.

Upolu Island
Forty miles long by 13 wide. Mandated to New Zealand, is 36 miles west north-west of Tutuila.

Apia
Capital of Samoa