The Gilbert and Ellice Islands – Pacific War

A pictorial history of US assaults on these Japanese-occupied islands during World War II.
This
book in the Images of War series covers the dramatic events that befell
both the Gilbert and Ellice Pacific island groups using a wealth of
photos and informed text. Soon after the attack on Pearl Harbor in
December 1941, the Gilbert Islands were occupied by the Japanese, who
built a seaplane base at Butaritari. In August 1942 this base was
attacked by the US 2nd Raider Battalion, also known as Carlson's
Raiders. As a result the base was reinforced and a second built at
Apamama. Betio Island on the Tarawa Atoll became the main Japanese
strong point.
Operation Galvanic, the US assault on Butaritari,
Apamama, and Betio, was launched in November 1943 by the 2nd Marine
Division and the 27th Infantry Division. While short in duration, the
Betio battle has the dubious distinction of being the most costly in US
Marine Corps history. Enriched by the author's...