National Geographic - World War II Battlefront (2001) Part 7 Gilbert Islands

The earthshaking battles of WWII come to life in this fascinating collection reviewing one of the most epic and disturbing chapters in history. This visually stunning series is a powerful testament to the titanic struggles of those who lived, fought and died in a war that shook the world. Astonishing color footage, taken from newsreels and captured enemy film, reveals the grinding intensity of campaigns fought in the Atlantic and Pacific theatres. WWII Battlefront covers the war in the air, on the ground, and above and below the sea in color footage and captures WWII the way it was–lived and fought by soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen from both the Allied and Axis armies.

Part 7 Gilbert Island

Bloody fighting erupts on a group of tiny Pacific islands in November 1943. In November 1943, a group of island in the Pacific would become the scene of some of the most brutal combat of World War II. The Japanese would fight furiously, almost to the last man. On the tiny atoll of Tarawa, the Japanese cut down landing marines with vicious precision. Military blunders by American commanders add to the losses in taking the Island of Tarawa. Through sheer numbers, Americans finally take hold and firebomb the final Japanese resistance.

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