yellowwing
11-23-07, 09:53 AM
Foe Driven Into Sea By Marines on Betio
By WILLIAM L. WORDEN
For the COMBINED UNITED STATES PRESS
With the Seventh Army Air Force in the Central Pacific, Nov. 22 (Delayed)--United States Marine assault battalions today conquered the west end of Betio Island, on Tarawa atoll, driving the defenders into the sea and others onto the eastern open flat sections where they became excellent targets for dive-bombing and strafing attacks.
The vicious air attacks were made by Navy planes operating from carriers in this area. The air assault was timed with our artillery fire, which pounded the fleeing Japanese almost at will once they had abandoned their prepared defense positions. Only a few isolated strong Japanese points remain intact.
On the east side of the island some of the enemy attempted to escape by boat, but our patrol aircraft spotted them, sinking some and damaging others.
By WILLIAM L. WORDEN
For the COMBINED UNITED STATES PRESS
With the Seventh Army Air Force in the Central Pacific, Nov. 22 (Delayed)--United States Marine assault battalions today conquered the west end of Betio Island, on Tarawa atoll, driving the defenders into the sea and others onto the eastern open flat sections where they became excellent targets for dive-bombing and strafing attacks.
The vicious air attacks were made by Navy planes operating from carriers in this area. The air assault was timed with our artillery fire, which pounded the fleeing Japanese almost at will once they had abandoned their prepared defense positions. Only a few isolated strong Japanese points remain intact.
On the east side of the island some of the enemy attempted to escape by boat, but our patrol aircraft spotted them, sinking some and damaging others.