Raid on Makin Atoll

Makin Atoll is a Japanese sea plane base in the Gilbert Islands and is garrisoned by 71 men of the Japanese 62nd Garrison Force led by Warrant Officer Kyuzaburo Kanemitsu. The 200 strong Marine 2nd Raiders have traveled secretly to …

1942-08-17

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Makin Atoll is a Japanese sea plane base in the Gilbert Islands and is garrisoned by 71 men of the Japanese 62nd Garrison Force led by Warrant Officer Kyuzaburo Kanemitsu. The 200 strong Marine 2nd Raiders have traveled secretly to the island aboard two submarines, the USS Argonaut and the USS Nautilus. This is the 2nd Raider’s first combat engagement and they are eager to prove themselves as elite. Early in the morning of the 17th, they attempt to sneak onto the island aboard rubber dinghies, to raid it for information and to destroy supplies. However, their off-board motors failed in the rough seas and the Raiders were forced to row their boats ashore. Exhausted, the Raiders have landed at two locations a mile apart and plan to attack the Japanese base from two directions. They have lost the element of surprise though, because one of the Raiders accidentally discharges his weapon. With the element of surprise lost, the Raiders must attack immediately. Fearing a large invasion, the Japanese have radioed for support, though most know they will die. If they fight to the death with dignity, they may prevail.

Makin Atoll

The Raid on Makin Island (17–18 August 1942) was an attack by the United States Marine Corps Raiders on Japanese military forces on Makin Island (now known as Butaritari) in the Pacific Ocean. The aim was to destroy Imperial Japanese installations, take prisoners, gain intelligence on the Gilbert Islands area, and divert Japanese attention and reinforcements from the Allied landings on Guadalcanal and Tulagi. Only the first of these objectives was achieved, but the raid did boost morale and provide a test for Raider tactics.

Wikipedia: Raid on Makin Island

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