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History
Formally known as the Gilbert Islands, 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.
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Atoll |
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Heavily defended islands where
USMC landed |
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Lagoon where the USMC landing occured |
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The international airport and US
built airfield |
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Occupied by USMC
for artillery support on Beito
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The final battle of the Tarawa
campaign occured here |
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Atoll |
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Island and Atoll to
the south of Tarawa |
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Atoll |
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Island to the south-east of Maiana and Tarawa |
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Islands |
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Formally
know as Makin Island, site of USMC landing. |
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Japanese
seaplane base and USMC landing area |
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Site of
Marine Raider attack and US airfield |
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Small island 300 km east of Nauru |
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Islands |
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US Aircraft ferry
point during WWII |
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Islands |
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US Aircraft ferry
point during WWII |
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Last Updated
November 27, 2009
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