History
Part of the Gilbert Island group, Tarawa was occupied by the Japanese during their initial advances into the Pacific in December 1941. Although the islands were deemed "nonessential territories" by Japanese Imperial HQ, they were awaiting reinforcements. The two most Westerly islands, Makin and Tarawa were invaded by the US 5th Amphibious Corps on November 20, 1943. A heavy naval and aerial bombardment of Tarawa preceded the landing of 5,000 men of the 2nd Marine Division. Tarawa was the scene of one of the major battles of the South Pacific campaign. Close to 1,000 Americans were killed, and over 2,000 wounded during the operation.