Tarawa: November 20-23, 1943: A Hell of a Way to Die [Paperback]

Derrick Wright (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 17, 2002

Tarawa Atoll in the Central Pacific was the November, 1943 testing ground for America's ability to take heavily defended Japanese-held islands. The trial lasted three and a half days and would cost more than 3,000 USMC casualties at the hands of a Japanese garrison of some 4,700 men -- of whom just 17 would allow themselves to be taken alive. This compelling account of one of the most savage battles of World War II draws upon the vivid memories of Marine veterans of those 76 terrible hours of close-quarter fighting. It is supported by striking photographs, by the poignant drawings of a war artist who landed with the Marines, and by detailed maps and appendices.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'I turn to the big red-headed Marine gunner who is standing beside me and say, "What a hell of a way to die!" The gunner looks me in the eye and say, "You can't pick a better way." Robert Sherrod, War Correspondent - Betio Island, Tarawa Atoll, 21 November 1943 - 'Derrick Wright makes the reader feel what it was like to live through the 3 days on Betio, in all their horror and bravery' Marine Corps Gazette - 'This is an excellent account, very nicely written, difficult to put down... it is probably going to become a modern military classic.' Osprey Messenger - 'An eye-opener. I read the book from beginning to end with hardly a break. Wright provides both the big and the little picture without glossing over any mistakes made by leaders on both sides.' Follow Me [the newsletter of the 2nd Marine Division] - 'A sobering and informative book... a good read' Military Illustrated. - 'This book is an outstanding account of events and ties many first-hand recollections and experiences into a fantastic book.' The Armourer

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Crowood (May 17, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1861264763
• ISBN-13: 978-1861264763
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,950,074 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Stirring Story of a Tough Battle, March 5, 2010

By 

Dave Schranck "Dave" (Anaheim Ca) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Tarawa: November 20-23, 1943: A Hell of a Way to Die (Paperback)

The author begins by describing the near term history of Japan as it arose from its feudal shell around 1850s and began an increasing trend toward imperialism. The victories in Korea and China and the naval defeat of the Russian navy are discussed. The author then briefly discusses the start of the war and the events that lead into 1943 and the invasion of the Gilberts. The Japanese had anticipated an eventual attack in the region and tried to prepare for it. They made tactical and strategic plans to destroy the invasion force which was clearly described by the author. It also is clearly shown how the US foiled those plans by reigning destruction on the two key facilities of Truk and Rabaul before Tarawa was invaded.
The author also clearly shows the US plans being developed. One aspect that the author dwells on and which was appreciated by the reader was the problem of tides and negotiating the reef that surrounds Betio. The coverage clearly shows the US's impatience with the landings that will lead to the deaths of hundreds of marines unnecessarily. Mr Wright also shows the shortage of landing craft and the friction between Marine and Navy as well.

Though the fighting for the island is the main theme, the author also covers the naval and air bombardment and how it may have been extensive, it was not completely effective. The islands of Makin to the north and Apamama to the southeast are also covered but to a lesser degree.

The invasion and capture of the tiny island took 76 hours of some of the fiercest fighting the Marines ever encountered in the war. The passages of the amtracs negotiating the reef, the heavy fire the marines encountered as they approached the beach, and the gouging out of a tiny beachhead is deliberately described and is very moving. The many first hand accounts of heroism is truly inspiring.

There are a few maps of the Tarawa lagoon as well as Betio island that shows the axes of advance, the landing sites and the progress of taking the island. There are also photos of the incredible defenses the Japanese built that the naval and aerial bombardments couldn't take out and which the Marines had to overcome. Included with the photos are the memorable drawings by Kerr Eby that are striking and will add to the reader's experience.

There are a number of good books on this invasion and this is one of them. The author delivers an informed story of the tactical and strategic considerations of the battle. He also points out the errors and impatience of the US planning that will cost the lives of hundreds unnecessarily and most importantly presents a stirring story of the invasion.
There is also a worthy Appendix that covers Japanese defenses, a US Order of Battle, key communiques, casualty figures, Medal recipients and more. There is also a Bibliography that includes the following authors: Alexander, Hoyt, Rottman, Zaloga and Hammel.
This book is highly recommended to all interested in the Pacific War.