| Across the Central Pacific, the Road to Tokyo began with the Gilbert Islands and a small atoll called Tarawa. On November 20, 1943, the US 2nd Marine Division landed on a coral reef near Tarawa. The tide had not risen as much as expected, and the Higgins Boats stalled on the reef. The Japanese mounted a furious defense along the beach, inflicting heavy casualties. Overwhelming numbers finally overtook the Japanese, and Tarawa provided many lessons for future campaigns. |
