More than 50 servicemembers, the majority of whom were Marines, visited the Republic of Kiribati Wednesday for the 65th anniversary of the Battle of Tarawa, paying tribute to approximately 4,000 Americans who were wounded or killed in one of the bloodiest battles of World War II.
A wreath-laying ceremony honored the service and sacrifice of the veterance who fought a fierce battle against the Japanese from Nov. 20 to Nov. 23, 1943, to secure Tarawa, a strategic location in the Pacific. Victory allowed the U.S. to have direct communication with Hawaii and provided critical ground in which to launch airstrikes and spy missions against Japan.
“The story of Tarawa is one of unimaginable pain and almost insurmountable challenge,” said Navy Adm. Timothy J. Keating, commander, United States Pacific Command.
This was the first time the U.S. faced serious opposition from the Japanese in an amphibious assault. The lessons learned from the Battle of Tarawa shaped Navy and Marine Corps amphibious warfare doctrine, allowing the U.S. to successfully march through the Pacific, securing one island at a time to ultimately win the war.
Despite many crucial mistakes, to include erroneous tide calculations, overestimated effect of naval gun fire, and underestimated determination of the enemy, the U.S. claimed victory, but the price was high, with thousands making the ultimate sacrifice.
Keating expressed his gratitude to the veteran’s and their victory on Tarawa, noting that “Much is owed to the Marines and Sailors who paid the ultimate sacrifice. Their undaunted courage and sense of honor inspired a nation. To all the heroes and patriots who did so much for so many, on behalf of the U.S. Pacific Command, thank you.”
Four Medals of Honor, 46 Navy Crosses, and 248 Silver Stars were awarded for Tarawa.
"Valor was common; heroes were everywhere,” said Keating. “It is the honorable and incredible service of such intrepid souls that did so much for so many, passing the torch of freedom rooted in the unalienable rights that all deserve to enjoy.”
Keating urged those who work for him to learn from the past and cautioned against complacency. He noted that the heroes and patriots from past wars should be remembered for their immense sacrifice as a new generation has been called to defend the nation’s freedoms and “Fight and bleed, sacrifice and die in the latest global struggle against violent extremism.”