Makin Crossfire PTO (id:#67095)

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Butaritari Island, Makin Atoll 1943-11-20 (26 others)

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Overview:

Operation Galvanic– the campaign in the Gilberts– included two initial amphibious assaults. While U.S. Marines assaulted Tarawa, Army Soldiers attacked Butaritari Island in the Makin Atoll. The American command’s intent with Galvanic was to deprive the Japanese of land-based aircraft and seaplane bases that could be used to observe Allied forces in the Central Pacific and direct Japanese naval and air assets in response. Makin Atoll had been occupied by Japanese forces in December 1941 and reinforced between August 1942 and July 1943. While not the large force faced by the USMC on Tarawa, the Japanese on Butaritari were expected to put up a stiff fight. On 20 November 1943, after a bombardment, the 165th Regiment, 27th Infantry Division landed on Butaritari using three Battalion Landing Teams (BLTs). The 1st and 3rd BLTs landed on the western end of Butaritari, while the 2nd BLT landed on the northern side at nearly the center of the island. As the 3rd BLT consolidated its landing area, the 1st BLT moved eastward, encountering limited enemy forces - excepting numerous snipers. As Company C, 1st BLT moved along a road that paralleled the northern side of the island, and neared a known anti-tank ditch, Japanese resistance suddenly increased.

Defender: Japanese (3rd Special Base Force, Makin Detachment)  

Errata (source)