| |
1941 |
| 10 Dec. |
Makin seized by Japanese landing force; Tarawa raided by Japanese landing party. |
| |
1942 |
| 2 Feb. |
United States Naval Forces attack Japanese bases in Marshalls and Gilberts;
Japanese bases, shipping and installations damaged. |
| 17 Aug. |
U.S. Marines raid Makin Atoll. |
| |
1943 |
| January |
Airfield on Betio first observed by American planes. |
| 21 Feb. |
American planes fly reconnaissance mission over Tarawa. |
| August |
2d Marine Division first learns of plans for Gilberts Operation. |
| 4 Sep. |
V Amphibious Corps become a part of Fifth Amphibious Force. |
| 7 Sep. |
2d Marine Division starts amphibious training with transports. |
| 16 Sep. |
2d Marine Division reports for operational control to V Amphibious Corps. |
| 18, 19 Sep. |
U.S. Naval and Army aircraft bomb and photograph Tarawa. |
| 2 Oct. |
Maj. Gen. Julian C. Smith and staff representatives report to
V Amphibious Corps, Pearl Harbor, for conference regarding Tarawa operation. |
| 12 Oct. |
Maj. Gen. Julian C. Smith holds conference with regimental commanders
and staff at Wellington, New Zealand, to discuss Tarawa plans. |
| 30 Oct. |
2d Marine Division completes loading aboard ship for Tarawa. |
| 1 Nov. |
2d Marine Division leaves Wellington for Efate, New Hebrides. |
| 7 Nov. |
Task Force 53 assembles at Efate for rehearsal; first rehearsal exercise
takes place. |
| 9 Nov. |
Second rehearsal exercise held. |
| 13 Nov. |
Southern Attack Force (Task Force 53), leaves Efate for Tarawa. |
| 16-19 Nov. |
Preliminary bombardment and shelling of Tarawa in progress. |
| 20 Nov. |
2d Marine Division lands on Betio, 2d Battalion, 8th Marines, 2d and 3d Battalions,
2d Marines in assault; 1st Battalion, 2d Marines and 3d Battalion, 8th Marines
land in reserve. Small beachhead established by sundown. |
| 21 Nov. |
1st Battalion, 8th Marines, lands on RED 2.
2d Battalion, 6th Marines, is sent to Bairiki. 1st Battalion, 6th Marines,
lands on GREEN Beach. Beachhead expanded slightly during the day. |