The invasion of Tarawa, November 20, 1943.
The objective was Betio Island in the Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands, code named “Helen”.
The Japanese commander had declared that Tarawa could not be taken by a million men in 100 years. The Second Marine Division took it in 76 hours.
I will not belabor the details of the fight, that is easily available on Google and for those with access to Leatherneck Magazine, November 1993.
I would like to recognize the heroism of one (among many others) of the Marines in the assault.
First Lt. William Dean Hawkins, commander of the 2d Scout Sniper Platoon. On D Day his men with a group of combat engineers using flame throwers cleared the Long Pier and removed many Japanese who were firing at Marines in the water trying to get to Red Beach Two. On day D+2 the Japanese in deep bunkers and fortified positions were decimating Marines wading ashore from the reef around the island. These men were helpless and dying by the scores. Hawkins personally led assaults against many of these positions, firing his weapon into the ports and throwing in grenades until the screaming stopped. With every minute he sustained more wounds but continued his assault on the positions. Even the Old Breed Marines were astonished at his bravery. He fought until he died of multiple wounds. Few Medals of Honor were more richly deserved.
There was much criticism of the landing at Tarawa but in the final analysis the lessons learned there led to fewer casualties at future invasions.
The objective was Betio Island in the Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands, code named “Helen”.
The Japanese commander had declared that Tarawa could not be taken by a million men in 100 years. The Second Marine Division took it in 76 hours.
I will not belabor the details of the fight, that is easily available on Google and for those with access to Leatherneck Magazine, November 1993.
I would like to recognize the heroism of one (among many others) of the Marines in the assault.
First Lt. William Dean Hawkins, commander of the 2d Scout Sniper Platoon. On D Day his men with a group of combat engineers using flame throwers cleared the Long Pier and removed many Japanese who were firing at Marines in the water trying to get to Red Beach Two. On day D+2 the Japanese in deep bunkers and fortified positions were decimating Marines wading ashore from the reef around the island. These men were helpless and dying by the scores. Hawkins personally led assaults against many of these positions, firing his weapon into the ports and throwing in grenades until the screaming stopped. With every minute he sustained more wounds but continued his assault on the positions. Even the Old Breed Marines were astonished at his bravery. He fought until he died of multiple wounds. Few Medals of Honor were more richly deserved.
There was much criticism of the landing at Tarawa but in the final analysis the lessons learned there led to fewer casualties at future invasions.
