Garand picture of the Day 222a - Tarawa Atoll

[Mark in Rochester]

US Marines climbing over coconut log seawall to attack Japanese positions during the battle to take the Tarawa Atoll
Location: Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands
Date taken: December 1943

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[frankderrico]

Looks like a windy day. also a mix of uniforms. It must have been terrifying taking turns going over the top. Thanks again for the pic Mark.....Frank

[snakehunter]

I read somewhere that the Jap commander on Tarawa said " A million men can't take this island in 100 years". 35,000 Marines took it in five days.

[Mark in Rochester]

Admiral Shibasaki boasted to his troops, "a million Americans couldn't take Tarawa in 100 years." His optimism was forgivable. The island was the most heavily defended atoll that ever would be invaded by Allied forces in the Pacific.

[snakehunter]

Thanks for the clarification