American missions against Makin Island
February 1, 1942–November 20, 1943
February 1, 1942
(USN) First U.S. Carrier Offensive Task Forces 8 (Vice Admiral W. F. Halsey)
and 17 (Rear Admiral F. J. Fletcher), built around the carriers Enterprise
and
Yorktown, bombed and bombarded enemy installations on Makin and other targets.
July 23, 1942
(7th AF) 3 B-17s, staging through Canton carry out photo reconnaissance of Makin.
February 20, 1943
(7th AF) Three B-24s of the
307th Bombardment Group (Heavy) operating from Canton photograph
Makin.
July 11, 1943
(7th AF) 3 B-24's from Funafuti
Island fly a photo reconnaissance mission to Makin; 2 of
the B-24's bomb Makin.
September 18, 1943
(USN) three-carrier task force (Rear Admiral C. A. Pownall), attack Makin.
November 15, 1943 s
(7th AF) B-24s bomb Makin.
November 16, 1943
(7th AF) Single B-24 hist Makin.
November 18-19, 1943
(USN) Six heavy and five light carriers
of Task Force 50 (Rear Admiral C. A. Pownall) opened the campaign to capture
the Gilberts with a 2-day air attack on airfields and defensive installations
in the islands. B-24's from Ellice
bases hit Makin.
November 20, 1943
Marines and Army troops
on Makin.
Japanese missions against Makin Island
December 23-24, 1943–January 16, 1944
December 23-24, 1943
(Japanese) P-39's are airborne over Makin to intercept enemy
bombers; 2 bombers are shot down; 1 P-39 is lost.
January 16, 1944
(Japanese) P-39's sent up on interceptor mission over Makin.