The initial assault was chaotic—coral reefs slowed the approach, landing craft were wrecked, and units came ashore under heavy fire. But by the second and third days, the situation began to change. Officers like Shoup, Edson, and Jones made key decisions, reinforcements came in, and tanks managed to cross the reef. Despite exhaustion and limited ground, the Marines pushed inland.
Today’s episode focuses on that shift—from securing the beach to pressing the attack. We’ll look at how the 1st Battalion 8th Marines broke through, how Crowe and Jones coordinated flanking movements, and how tanks helped turn the momentum. We’ll also cover the Japanese night assaults and the close-quarters fighting that defined the battle’s turning point. Tarawa remained brutal, but these days marked the start of a hard-fought advance.
*************
Visit HistoryoftheMarineCorps.com to subscribe to our newsletter, explore episode notes and images, and see our references. Follow us on social media for updates and bonus content: Facebook and Twitter (@marinehistory) and Instagram (@historyofthemarines).
This episode is sponsored by Audible. Visit AudibleTrial.com/marinehistory for a free audiobook and a 30-day trial.
As a listener, Audible is offering you a free 30-day trial, which includes one free audiobook of your choice. Their library is massive, with incredible titles across all genres—history, biographies, sci-fi, you name it. The best part is that audiobook is yours to keep, even if you decide not to continue your membership.
To grab your free book and start your 30-day trial, click the image or head to audibletrial.com/marinehistory
References
Alexander, J. H. (1993). Across the reef: The Marine assault of Tarawa. Marine Corps Historical Center. https://www.usmcu.edu/Portals/218/Across%20the%20Reef%20-%20The%20Marine%20Assault%20of%20Tarawa%20%20PCN%2019000312000.pdf
Alexander, J. H. (1993). Baptism by fire: Sherman tanks at Tarawa. Leatherneck, 76(11), 34–37.
Brown, R. E. (n.d.). Tarawa lest we forget. Marine Corps Gazette, 32(3), 42–47.
Emmons, R. M. (1948). Tarawa bombardment. Marine Corps Gazette, 32(3), 42–47.
Haley, J. F. (n.d.). Reconnaissance at Tarawa Atoll. Archives West. https://archiveswest.orbiscascade.org/ark:/80444/xv510612
McQuarrie, P. (2023). Fast-carrier attack against Tarawa. Naval History Magazine, 37(6). https://www.usni.org/magazines/naval-history-magazine/2023/december/fast-carrier-attack-against-tarawa
Metcalf, C. (n.d.). This was Tarawa. Marine Corps Gazette.
Naughton, P. (2022). The Pacific strategy in World War II: Lessons for China's antiaccess/area denial perimeter. Naval History Magazine, 36(3). https://www.usni.org/magazines/naval-history-magazine/2022/june/pacific-strategy-world-war-ii-lessons-chinas
Office of the Historian. (n.d.). The Casablanca Conference, 1943. U.S. Department of State, Office of the Historian. https://history.state.gov/milestones/1937-1945/casablanca
Rixey, P. M., & Best, W. H. (1944). Artillery at Tarawa. Marine Corps Gazette, 28(11), 34–37.
Sherrod, R. (1944). Tarawa: The second day. Time. https://www.ww2today.com/21-november-1943-the-second-desperate-day-on-tarawa
Stockman, J. R. (1947). The battle for Tarawa. Historical Section, Division of Public Information, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps. https://catalog.hathitrust.org/Record/000596766
U.S. Department of State. (1943). First Quebec Conference (August 1943). In Foreign Relations of the United States. https://history.state.gov/historicaldocuments/frus1943/comp2
U.S. Department of State. (1943). Third Washington Conference (May 1943). In Foreign Relations of the United States. https://history.state.gov/historicaldocuments/frus1943/comp1