"Bloody, Bloody Tarawa"-- Part 6: Reasons For the Heavy U.S. Casualties

The reasons for the heavy casualties on Tarawa have much to do with the planning and execution of the invasion.

For starters, the Americans counted on a tide of at least four feet to allow the assault vehicles to cross the several hundred yard reef before reaching the shore on Betio.  But, Betio was at neap (an especially low) tide, landing craft were unable to make it to shore on the first day of battle.  Marines had to wade through the ocean water -- many were wounded or killed before making it to the beach.

Another issue for the Navy and marines involved in the battle was timing of attacks.  Many of the radios during the opening of the battle were damaged by water and enemy fire.  Because of severe limitation to communications, many units did not know about last minute changes to H-Hour, or the designated time when the assault would begin.

Rough seas and a long run from the Navy ships to the beach caused delays.  The time of attack was postponed twice, but many Marines did not receive the news because of communication failures.

--GreGen