76 HOURS
The Invasion of Tarawa
Eric Hammel and John E. Lane
NEW copy, hardcover with dust jacket. Jacket in mylar. (Pacifica, CA: Pacifica Press, 1985). First Edition.
SIGNED BY ERIC HAMMEL.
Maps, photographs, appendices, index, 266 pages.
"On the morning of Nov 20, 1943, at Betio Island, Tarawa Atoll, the Gilbert Islands, the U.S. Marine Corps undertook its first modern amphibious assault against a well-defended beachhead. ~~~ Although admirals commanding the U.S. Navy warships supporting the landing force had assured the Marines that Betio would be pounded to coral dust by massive bombardments, the first waves ofMarines found the Japanese defenses intact and manned by determined foes. Within minutes of the start of the assault, the American battle plan was awry, and numerous Marine troop leaders had bee killed. the assault virtually stopped at the water's edge, its momentum halted before many Marines ever dismounted from the amphibian tractors that had carried them to the beach. Follow-up waves of Marines
suffered grievous casualties when they were forced to wade over 500 yards through fire-swept, knee-deep water because tidal conditions had been miscalculated. ~~~ 76 Hours
is a gripping human tale of tragedy and defeat turned around into an epic of victory of indomitable human spirit. ~~~ Follow individual, recognizable American fighting men as they battle every life-threatening step across the tiny island."
Originally published in 1985 at $25, now OUT OF PRINT. ~~~ SIGNED BY AUTHOR.
$35.00
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