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'''The Battle of Tarawa''' was a significant battle during [[World War 2]] on November 20th, 1943. The island was defended by 4,700 [[Japan]]ese troops protecting a vital airstrip on the island of Tarawa, from which, if captured, the [[United States]] could launch an air offensive against the [[Philippines]]. The battle involved 18,600 [[marine]]s from the 2nd Marine Division.<ref>http://www.answers.com/topic/battle-of-tarawa</ref>
'''The Battle of Tarawa''' was a significant battle during [[World War 2]] on November 20, 1943. The island was defended by 4,700 [[Japan]]ese troops protecting a vital airstrip on the island of Tarawa, from which, if captured, the [[United States]] could launch an air offensive against the [[Philippines]]. The battle involved 18,600 [[marine]]s from the 2nd Marine Division.<ref>http://www.answers.com/topic/battle-of-tarawa</ref>
Codename: Operation Galvanic<ref>http://www.usstarawavets.org/Operation%20Galvanic.htm</ref>
Codename: Operation Galvanic<ref>http://www.usstarawavets.org/Operation%20Galvanic.htm</ref>
== Battle Timeline ==
== Battle Timeline ==
'''November 20th 1943 D-Day'''<ref>http://history.sandiego.edu/gen/WW2Timeline/CRAIGE/tarawa.html</ref><br />
'''November 20, 1943 D-Day'''<ref>http://history.sandiego.edu/gen/WW2Timeline/CRAIGE/tarawa.html</ref><br />
Marines from the 2nd Marine Division assault the island at low tide forcing the men off the boats far from shore. This makes the landing marines easy targets as they attempt to gain a foothold on the beach. They suffer many casualties but are able to gain a toehold on the beach.<br />
Marines from the 2nd Marine Division assault the island at low tide forcing the men off the boats far from shore. This makes the landing marines easy targets as they attempt to gain a foothold on the beach. They suffer many casualties but are able to gain a toehold on the beach.<br />
'''November 21st 1943 The Second Day'''<br />
'''November 21, 1943 The Second Day'''<br />
An attack by the 2nd Marine reserves is ordered for 6 am. Of the 800 reserves attacking that morning, only 450 make it to the shore but it is enough to push farther inland.<ref>http://history.sandiego.edu/gen/WW2Timeline/CRAIGE/doc4.html</ref><br />Meanwhile,the tide has risen allowing the boats to pass over the reef and make it possible for tanks to be brought up to the front lines. The tanks are able to cut a hole in the Japanese defenses.
An attack by the 2nd Marine reserves is ordered for 6 am. Of the 800 reserves attacking that morning, only 450 make it to the shore but it is enough to push farther inland.<ref>http://history.sandiego.edu/gen/WW2Timeline/CRAIGE/doc4.html</ref><br />Meanwhile,the tide has risen allowing the boats to pass over the reef and make it possible for tanks to be brought up to the front lines. The tanks are able to cut a hole in the Japanese defenses.
The Japanese marines with their weapons all but destroyed, prepare their final suicidal charge.
The Japanese marines with their weapons all but destroyed, prepare their final suicidal charge.
'''November 22nd 1943 Victory'''<br />
'''November 22, 1943 Victory'''<br />
On the third day of the battle, three Marine battalions moved inland destroying the last remaining Japanese opposition. At twilight, the Japanese began their suicidal "Bonzai" charge. They rushed the 6th Marines, Company B in almost overwhelming force. Although reinforcements were unavailable, the Marines dug in and held their positions until dawn the next day, taking heavy casualties in the process.
On the third day of the battle, three Marine battalions moved inland destroying the last remaining Japanese opposition. At twilight, the Japanese began their suicidal "Bonzai" charge. They rushed the 6th Marines, Company B in almost overwhelming force. Although reinforcements were unavailable, the Marines dug in and held their positions until dawn the next day, taking heavy casualties in the process.
'''November 23rd The Final Act'''
'''November 23 The Final Act'''
When morning broke, the 6th Marines looked around their positions to discover the dead bodies of 300 Japanese fighters around their positions. This turned out to be the last of the strongest resistance to U.S. forces with the exception of a few Japanese snipers that would continue to fire on US forces for the next few days. At 1:12 pm, seventy-six hours after the battle of Tarawa had begun, the area was declared 'secure'.<ref>http://history.sandiego.edu/gen/WW2Timeline/CRAIGE/doc6.html</ref>
When morning broke, the 6th Marines looked around their positions to discover the dead bodies of 300 Japanese fighters around their positions. This turned out to be the last of the strongest resistance to U.S. forces with the exception of a few Japanese snipers that would continue to fire on US forces for the next few days. At 1:12 pm, seventy-six hours after the battle of Tarawa had begun, the area was declared 'secure'.<ref>http://history.sandiego.edu/gen/WW2Timeline/CRAIGE/doc6.html</ref>
== References ==
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Tarawa, Battle of}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Tarawa, Battle of}}
[[Category:World War II Battles]]
[[Category:World War II Battles]]