On November 20, 1943, the battle of Tarawa Atoll in the Gilbert Islands chain began.
This would be the first American offensive in the critical central Pacific region. It was also the first time in the Pacific War that the United States had faced serious Japanese opposition to an amphibious landing.
The commander of the Japanese garrison, Admiral Shibasaki boasted to his 4,500 defenders, "a million Americans couldn't take Tarawa in 100 years." His optimism was forgivable. The island was the most heavily defended atoll that ever would be invaded by Allied forces in the Pacific.
But in just over three days of ferocious fighting, the 18,000 Marine landing force would secure the island of Tarawa. The Marines would suffer over 3,100 casualties and almost the entire Japanese garrison would be decimated, with the exception of one officer and 16 troops that were captured.