World War II Photograph from Battle of Tarawa

World War II Photograph: 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.

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.

National Archives and Records Administration, College Park, Maryland (26-G-3238)