"The Battle of Tarawa was one of the most transformative engagements of World War II and for the future of the U.S. Marine Corps. Fought on a speck of coral sand in the middle of the Pacific, in just three days the battle and associated actions of Operation Galvanic killed over 1,700 U.S. service members and 5,000 Japanese defenders"-- Provided by publisher.

Background and preparation --The Battle of Tarawa -- Ground operations elsewhere in the Gilberts -- Aftermath.