mini fact: Four medals of honor were awarded for bravery at tarawa; three were posthumous.
“
Tarawa paved the way, but at
a high price.
”
a painting by sgt. to m lovell, UsmC (above), from the marine Corps Combat art Collection, depicts the hor-
ror and the heroism at tarawa. the bombproof bunker attacked by marine 1st lt. alexander bonnyman jr. still
stands on ta ra w a today (below); bonnyman received the medal of honor for his actions.
Many lessons learned at the Battle of
tarawa were employed in subsequent opera-
tions in the Pacifi c. among the most impor-
tant, american amphibious doctrine was
proved valid, and we learned in the process
that even the most heavily defended island
could be taken from the most determined
enemy. tarawa paved the way, but at a high
price. When Time magazine reported on the
Battle of tarawa days after the confl ict, the
american people read: “last week, some
2,000 or 3,000 United States Marines, most
of them dead or wounded, gave the nation
Maj. dale robinson, uSMc-ret., has traveled with military
a name to stand beside those of concord
historical tours to other historic pacific battlefields, including iwo
jima and Guadalcanal. he says the trip to tar a w a was particularly
Bridge, the Bon Homme Richard, the alamo,
poignant because he once served with the 2nd marine Division, the
little Big Horn, and Belleau Wood. the
same division that had invaded tarawa. he recalls his first sergeant name is ‘tarawa’.” MO
served at tarawa.
PHOTOS/IMAGES: TKTK imaPHOGeTOs:S/IMA aboGEVe,S: maj. TKTK Dale robinson, UsmC-ret.; to p, “taraWa, soUth paCiFiC, 1943” bY January 2007 Military officer 63
sGt. tom loVell, UsmC/national mUseUm oF the marine Corps
Dec_tarawa.indd 63 11/4/09 3:18 PM
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