With the Marines at Tarawa

Action

The film shows original recordings, some in color, some black and white, the battle for the Pacific atoll of Tarawa. This was part of the Battle of the Gilbert Islands. The U.S. Marines are first trained, the equipment is checked and maintained. Then follows the embarkation of the landing troops in the boats of the actual attack, first with the naval artillery, then by attacking the Navypiloten. Once the ground troops went ashore, kindled a fierce battle. It demonstrates the various weapons with which to fight the Marines ( rifle, MG, grenades, flame throwers ). The dangers of entrenched in bunkers and enemy snipers are addressed. Finally, the U.S. troops have the atoll under control, a few Japanese people are gone into captivity. Pioneers build in one day a runway. The U.S. flag is hoisted, the exhausted and partially injured soldiers marching to their camp.

Awards

1945 the film in the category of Best Short Documentary was awarded the Oscar.

Background

Premiered the film on March 2, 1944.

The film was produced by the United States Marine Corps Photographic Unit, the post-processing ( post-production ) took over Warner Bros..

The film is public domain and can be viewed on the Internet Archive.