The Battle of Makin was an engagement of the Pacific campaign of World War II, fought from 20 to 24 November 1943 on Makin Atoll in the Gilbert Islands.

The force would make a predawn landing on Butaritari Island, destroy the garrison (estimated at 45 men), withdraw that evening, and land the next day on Little Makin Island.

The Northern Attack Force (Task Force 52), commanded by Rear Admiral Richmond K. Turner, USN, landed 27th Division troops, commanded by Major General Ralph C. Smith, USA, on Makin Atoll on...

Nov 25, 2025 · Makin marked the only time a U.S.-crewed Lee medium tank entered battle against Japan. The tank belonged to the 193rd Tank Bat­tal­ion, and though rapidly obso­les­cent the M3 …

In August 1942, the 2nd Marine Raider Battalion conducted the Makin Island raid in the Central Pacific. The purpose of the raid was to destroy Japanese installations on the island, gather intelligence, and …

After the battle, the dead Marines were buried in a mass grave wearing their equipment on Makin Island (Butaritari). The burial was conducted by the local chief supervised by the Japanese.

The complete occupation of Makin took four days and cost considerably more casualties in the naval force than in the ground force. Despite possessing great superiority in men and weapons, the 27 th …

The Battle of Makin was fought on Makin Atoll in the Gilbert Islands from 20 November to 24 November 1943. It marked the beginning of an island hopping strategy to approach the Japanese homeland.

Mar 31, 2025 · Explore Makin Atoll, Kiribati deeply: top places, scenic routes, itineraries, when to go. Complete & free 2026 guide.

Jul 3, 2019 · The Battle of Makin was fought November 20-23, 1943, during World War II and saw American forces capture the atoll.