General Julian Smith

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General Julian Smith's original medal group, with documents and named medals

  The November 1943 invasion of the Gilbert Islands was the beginning of the U.S. “island-hopping” campaign in the central Pacific during World War II. U.S. commanders determined that amphibious attacks on Japanese-occupied islands was the key to victory. The island (Atoll) of Tarawa was the first target in the Allied campaign.

The Battle of Tarawa was the first major American offensive in the central Pacific. Until then, Americans didn’t face much opposition during amphibious assaults. Previous landings met little or no hostility. But Tarawa was different.

On November 23, 1943 the 2nd Marine Division, commanded by General Julian C. Smith, landed on Betio Island, Tarawa Atoll. The objective on the thin island was the airfield, located in the southwest corner.   Due to non-existent charts for the tides, the invasion force took a chance with the landing, which worked against them. With limited avenues of approach that forced the Marines to wade ashore from chest-deep depths due to the landing crafts not being able to clear the coral reef exposing them for hundreds of yards of deadly fire. Once on land the lack of pre-invasion bombardment became evident as the well-entrenched enemy with fortified positions came to bear hevif of the troops.

It was said by Japanese Rear Admiral Meichi Shibasaki,“a million Americans” wouldn’t be able to take Tarawa in “100 years.” However, despite the heavily entrenched enemy, the wading ashore obstacles and the lack of air support The American Marine took the atoll in 76 hours.

The battle of Tarawa while expensive in blood would prove to be invaluable in future operations as it would ultimately save lives with the lessons learned. 

Victory at Tarawa was not just a military achievement, but a testament to the human spirit." 

General Julian Smith