The Battle of Tarawa: Naval History Special Edition

The Naval History Special Editions are designed to offer in-depth studies of key vessels, battles, and events of armed conflict, using an image-heavy magazine-style format. The Battle of Tarawa, fought in 1943, was a transformative engagement of World War II and a turning point for the U.S. Marine Corps. The battle resulted in over 1,700 U.S. service members and 5,000 Japanese defenders killed, and searing images of dead and wounded Marines appeared in U.S. newspapers, magazines, and movie theaters. This volume covers the background, weaponry, naval actions, Japanese defensive fortifications, specialized U.S. forces, the media, and the long-term consequences of the battle, which helped the United States move quickly into the Marshall and Mariana Islands and then to the vicinity of Japan itself.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 120 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2022
Publisher: Naval Institute Press

The Naval History Special Editions, crafted with the expertise of authors and historians from the Naval Institute Press, are meticulously designed to delve into the critical vessels, battles, and events of armed conflicts. These editions adopt a visually captivating magazine-style format, appealing to scholars, enthusiasts, and general readers alike.

The Battle of Tarawa, a pivotal moment in World War II, holds immense significance for the future of the U.S. Marine Corps. This intense battle, fought on a tiny coral sand speck in the middle of the Pacific, resulted in the loss of over 1,700 U.S. service members and 5,000 Japanese defenders within just three days. Shocking images of dead and wounded Marines swiftly spread across U.S. newspapers, magazines, and movie theaters, serving as a stark reminder of the immense cost of the upcoming Central Pacific campaign, aimed at swiftly bringing the war to Japan itself.

From the pre-dawn hours of November 20, 1943, when the U.S. battleships unleashed their firepower against Japanese positions, to the daring landings of men over a coral reef that impeded the passage of most boats, to the grueling combat required to overcome well-prepared and mutually supporting Japanese firing positions, this volume meticulously chronicles every aspect of the battle. It explores the background, weaponry, naval actions, Japanese defensive fortifications, specialized U.S. forces such as armor, physicians, and chaplains, the media's coverage, and the long-term consequences of this historic conflict.

After 76 hours of intense warfare, the Battle of Tarawa taught valuable lessons about amphibious landings and subsequent combat, which would play a crucial role in the United States' swift advancement into the Marshall and Mariana Islands and eventually near Japan itself at Iwo Ji. These lessons would shape the strategies and tactics employed in future amphibious operations, contributing to the eventual victory in World War II.

The Naval History Special Editions, through their comprehensive and engaging narratives, provide a deep understanding of the pivotal moments and events that shaped the course of history. These editions are a valuable resource for scholars, military enthusiasts, and anyone seeking to explore the rich tapestry of naval warfare.

Weight: 258g
Dimension: 208 x 271 x 8 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781591147039