The Untold Story of Carlson Marine Raiders in the Battle of Makin Island 1942

When it comes to famous battles in World War II, the Battle of Makin Island often takes a backseat to other more well-known conflicts. However, the engagement between the United States Marine Corps and the Imperial Japanese Army in 1942 showcased the incredible valor and strategic brilliance of the Carlson Marine Raiders. In this article, we delve deep into the untold story of this legendary group, their awe-inspiring heroics, and the indelible mark they left on history.

The Birth of the Carlson Marine Raiders

The Marine Raiders were an elite military unit created by Lieutenant Colonel Evans F. Carlson, a distinguished and controversial figure within the Marine Corps. Carlson firmly believed that a small group of highly trained and motivated individuals could effectively disrupt Japanese forces through hit-and-run tactics, guerilla warfare, and behind-the-lines operations.

In early 1942, the Raiders were given their first major test when ordered to launch an assault on Makin Island, a strategic Japanese outpost in the Pacific. With Lieutenant Colonel Carlson leading from the front, the stage was set for a chaotic and heroic battle.

Carlson’s Marine Raiders: Makin Island 1942

by Gordon L. Rottman(Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	16681 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	80 pages

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The Amphibious Assault

On August 17, 1942, under the cover of darkness, the Raiders stealthily approached the shores of Makin Island in rubber boats. Their mission was to eliminate Japanese resistance and gather intelligence that could aid future Allied operations in the Pacific.

The initial assault was swift and deadly. The Raiders caught the Japanese defenders off guard, launching a series of ferocious attacks that left the enemy reeling. Despite facing heavy fire, the Raiders established a beachhead and quickly secured their objectives. However, it was only the beginning of a grueling campaign.

Bitter Fighting and Heroic Feats

As the battle progressed, the Marines faced increasingly fierce resistance from well-entrenched Japanese forces. Stubbornly defending the island, the enemy forced the Raiders into a relentless and brutal struggle for control. Hand-to-hand combat, intense firefights, and deadly encounters became the norm.

Despite the overwhelming odds, the Carlson Marine Raiders displayed unmatched bravery and resourcefulness. In one unforgettable incident, Marine Private First Class William V. Hamilton single-handedly destroyed multiple enemy positions with grenades, allowing his comrades to advance and secure critical objectives. Hamilton's selfless act of heroism and sacrifice became emblematic of the Marine Raider spirit.

The Aftermath and Legacy

After several days of intense fighting, the Carlson Marine Raiders emerged victorious. They had successfully cleared Makin Island of Japanese forces, inflicted heavy casualties, and gathered vital intelligence for future Allied operations.

The Battle of Makin Island cemented the Carlson Marine Raiders as an extraordinary force within the Marine Corps. Their daring and unconventional tactics set the stage for future special operations units, and their legacy can still be seen in the modern United States Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC).

Unfortunately, the Raiders' time in the spotlight was short-lived. Due to organizational disputes and a broader shift in military strategy, the Carlson Marine Raiders ultimately disintegrated as an independent unit in early 1944. Nevertheless, their impact on the Marine Corps and the development of special operations cannot be overstated.

The Battle of Makin Island in 1942 showcased the ferocious dedication of the Carlson Marine Raiders. Their audacious and effective tactics against a determined enemy solidified their place in history. Today, we remember their valiant efforts and honor their contribution to the Marine Corps legacy. The Carlson Marine Raiders will forever be remembered as true heroes who demonstrated what it means to go above and beyond the call of duty.

Carlson’s Marine Raiders: Makin Island 1942

by Gordon L. Rottman(Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	16681 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	80 pages

FREE

On August 17–18, 1942, 211 men of the US Marine Corps' 2nd Raider Battalion conducted a daring amphibious raid on the Japanese-occupied Makin Island in the South Pacific. This ambitious but flawed operation was intended to divert Japanese reinforcements bound for Guadalcanal, over 1,000 miles to the southwest, in the wake of the US landings there ten days earlier; the Raiders were to destroy the seaplane base and radio station, take prisoners, and collect intelligence. Although yielding limited results, it was to be an invaluable test of the innovative training and tactics employed by the Raiders, and a crucial boost to national morale at this difficult stage in the war. Featuring specially commissioned full-colour artwork and expert analysis, this gripping account of the fateful Makin Raid tells the whole story, from the plan's conception to its troubled execution and aftermath.