Photo from Tarawa Nov '43. 17 US carriers, 12 battleships, 12 cruisers, 66 destroyers shelled Tarawa before the invasion. Then waves of US dive bombers singled out targets before troops landed on the beach. It was believed no one would be left alive to defend as the island was laid waste. Dug in underground, 4700 Japanese fought to the death. Approximately 1700 US soldiers killed. Looking at the blasted photos of the island, it is amazing the kitten survived the bombardment--hiding under the wrecked Japanese tank was a safe place. Both the kitten and the soldier pictured had many more trials to face ahead. . . .
Photo from Tarawa Nov '43. 17 US carriers, 12 battleships, 12 cruisers, 66 destroyers shelled Tarawa before the invasion. Then waves of US dive bombers singled out targets before troops landed on the beach. It was believed no one would be left alive to defend as the island was laid waste.
ReplyDeleteDug in underground, 4700 Japanese fought to the death. Approximately 1700 US soldiers killed. Looking at the blasted photos of the island, it is amazing the kitten survived the bombardment--hiding under the wrecked Japanese tank was a safe place. Both the kitten and the soldier pictured had many more trials to face ahead. . . .