The Marines barely had time to catch their breath after Kwajalein before their attention shifted northwest to Enewetak Atoll. Four islands in particular stood as crucial targets, heavily defended by thousands of Japanese troops racing to build defenses strong enough to repel any invasion.
Initially, commanders planned the attack for months later, but fresh aerial reconnaissance and captured enemy maps showed that waiting would only strengthen Japanese defenses. With detailed intelligence and thousands of battle-tested Marines at their disposal, commanders swiftly made their decision: hit Enewetak immediately.
As Marines stormed beaches through heavy naval bombardment and air strikes, they quickly realized they'd underestimated the enemy strength—setting the stage for one of their toughest fights yet in the Pacific.
*************
Visit HistoryoftheMarineCorps.com to subscribe to our newsletter, explore episode notes and images, and see our references. Follow us on social media for updates and bonus content: Facebook and Twitter (@marinehistory) and Instagram (@historyofthemarines).
This episode is sponsored by Audible. Visit AudibleTrial.com/marinehistory for a free audiobook and a 30-day trial.
As a listener, Audible is offering you a free 30-day trial, which includes one free audiobook of your choice. Their library is massive, with incredible titles across all genres—history, biographies, sci-fi, you name it. The best part is that audiobook is yours to keep, even if you decide not to continue your membership.
To grab your free book and start your 30-day trial, click the image or head to audibletrial.com/marinehistory
References
Chapin, J. C. (1994). Breaking the outer ring: Marine landings in the Marshall Islands. Marine Corps History and Museums Division.
Combined Chiefs of Staff. (1943). Proceedings of the TRIDENT Conference, Washington, May 1943. U.S. War Department. Retrieved from https://history.state.gov/historicaldocuments/frus1943
Crowl, P. A., & Love, E. G. (1955). Seizure of the Gilberts and Marshalls. U.S. Army Center of Military History.
https://history.army.mil/html/books/005/5-4/index.htmlDyer, G. C. (1972). The amphibians came to conquer: The story of Admiral Richmond Kelly Turner. U.S. Navy. https://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/USN/ACTC/index.html
Gailey, H. A. (1988). The Marshall Islands: Increasing the tempo. Presidio Press.
Goldberg, H. (1984). Guam: Liberation 1944. University Press of Kentucky.
Heinl, R. D., Jr., & Crown, J. A. (1954). The Marshalls: Increasing the tempo. Historical Branch, G-3 Division, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps.
Hunt, G. P. (1946). Coral comes high. Harper & Brothers.
(Memoir of Marine combat at Roi-Namur)Nalty, B. C. (1962). The United States Marines in the Marshalls Campaign (Marine Corps Historical Reference Series No. 31). Historical Branch, G-3 Division, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps.
Shaw, H. I., Nalty, B. C., & Turnbladh, E. T. (1966). History of U.S. Marine Corps operations in World War II, Volume III: Central Pacific drive. Historical Division, HQMC. https://www.marines.mil/Portals/1/Publications/History%20of%20U.S.%20Marine%20Corps%20Operations%20in%20WWII%20Vol%20III%20Central%20Pacific%20Drive%20PCN%2019000302300_1.pdf
U.S. Army Center of Military History. (1954). The assault on Kwajalein and Majuro. Department of the Army.
https://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/USA/USA-P-Marshalls/index.htmlU.S. Marine Corps. (1945). Fourth Marine Division in World War II. Infantry Journal Press.