West Tank Barrier

The Gilbert Islands became one of the first stepping stones in the large scale movement by the US to take back Japanese-held territory. A Japanese seaplane base guarded by a citadel of defenses was the key target on Butaritari, a …

1943-11-02

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The Gilbert Islands became one of the first stepping stones in the large scale movement by the US to take back Japanese-held territory. A Japanese seaplane base guarded by a citadel of defenses was the key target on Butaritari, a part of the Makin Atoll. The 27th Infantry Division Task Force was divided into Regimental Combat Teams with a landing plan to surround the defenders. On D-Day, elements of the 1-165 RCT pushed east with little opposition through flat swampy terrain toward the West Tank Barrier to meet up with the 2—I 65 forces heading west. In the early afternoon, C Company faced the toughest opposition by the Japanese Construction Force.

Butaritari, Gilbert Islands

The Battle of Makin was an engagement of the Pacific campaign of World War II, fought from 20 to 24 November 1943, on Makin Atoll in the Gilbert Islands.

Wikipedia: Battle of Makin

Japanese

U.S.