Despite enemy fire, 2nd Division Marines wade toward the shore at Tarawa Island, Gilbert Islands Group, North Pacific Ocean. 
Landing boats and barges brought them to within 500 yards of the beach, but the coral bottom prevented the boats coming any closer to the shore. LVTs were able to cross the reef and deliver Marines and supplies to the shore, but there were too few and most were knocked out. Casualties were heavy; 20-23 November, 1943.

Marines coming in at Tarawa

A Marine tends to the grave of Gunnery Sgt. John Basilone, who received the Congressional Medal of Honor for actions at Guadacanal. He died while leading an assault at Iwo Jima island, Central Pacific; 1945.
   Mount Suribachi is visible in the background.

R.I.P. in company of heroes

Private Ahrens was found dead after killing several Japanese in hand to hand combat. His last words were that the Enemy must not have known he was a United States Marine. He was Awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor!