Formally know as Makin Island. Part of the Gilbert Islands and part of Makin Atoll.

History
Japanese forces occupied the island on December 9, 1941.

Makin Raid
United States Marines killed during the Marine Raid launched from submarine during the night of August 17-18 1942 that destroyed several flying boats and ships. This operation was the first Marine raid launched from submarines in history. Their mission was to destroy installations, disrupt the enemy and divert reinforcements to Guadalcanal. After killing 83 Japanese and destroying installations, ships and flying boats, the Marines were forced to evacuate in the face of Japanese air attacks and forces, While evacuating, they were forced to leave behind their dead, which were later buried by the islanders and Japanese in a mass grave.

American Liberation
On November 20, 1943 American Marines make amphibious landings on Makin and Tarawa. By the 23rd, the island is secure. Immediatly, work begings on an airfield on Makin, and developing it into a base.

 

Makin Raiders Mass Grave Site
In 1999 the US Army Central Identification Laboratory located the mass grave of USMC killed during the 'Makin Raid' and buried on the island. They exhumed the remains of 19 Marines, and ten months later all positively identified and reentered in the United States. Makin Recovery Details

Lagoon & Reef
When the Japanese occupied the island, they operated Mavis and Emily seaplanes in the lagoon. During the war, four were sunk here. There are also several American planes, including two F4U's and a B-25 wreck sunk also.