HELL OF A WAY TO DIE : TARAWA Atoll 20-23 November 1943 - Derrick Wright

Description: TARAWAA HELL OF A WAY TO DIE20-23 NOVEMBER 1943BY DERRICK WRIGHTLIKE NEW - 1st EDITION - HARDCOVER & DUSTJACKET 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. (AMAZON REVIEW) * * * * * * SELLER'S NOTE: Your absolute satisfaction is 100% guaranteed! Purchased books are carefully packaged in custom re-cycled cardboard boxes for shipment with the USPS which will include tracking numbers. All of the images provided here are for the actual book being offered. The first two photos were taken using a digital camera. A desktop scanner was used for the remaining images. This would account for any color differences. Please feel free to contact me with any questions! FREE SHIPPING!

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