Photographs from the Battle of Tarawa

26-G-3015 U.S. Coast Guardsmen at Tarawa pass the protruding hulk of an American tank lighter, wrecked by a direct hit from a heavy shore gun, as they bring supplies to our beachhead. The men were under fire when this picture was taken by a photographer attached to a Coast Guard combat transport operating as unit of a Navy task force.

26-G-3192 Little suspecting the hell that awaits them, U.S marines wait aboard a Coast Guard-manned combat transport at Tarawa for the invasion barges that will take them ashore. Beyond the rail, Coast Guard coxswains can be seen maneuvering loaded barges. On the horizon, other vessels are faintly visible.

26-G-3238 Only the log gateway (torii) of a Japanese Shinto shrine remains after withering fire of the American invasion of Bititu Island, Tarawa. The arch, in background, is believed to have been a Japanese gallows, according to Coast Guard Lieutenant, R. T. Leary of Green Farms, Conn., who participated in the invasion with Coast Guardsmen, manning transports and landing craft.

26-G-3242 Somewhere in the Pacific, a Marine division embarks with alligators and big guns for the invasion of Tarawa in the Gilbert Islands. Manned by Coast Guardsmen, LSTs carried the Marines to the Japanese-held atoll and debarked them for the historic seizure of the enemy island fort.

80-G-401598 Graves of U.S. Marines who died taking Tarawa, before headstones were prepared. In background are the first tents put up after occupation of the island.