Bloody Tarawa. Its in every Marine's teachings. Its spirit is now ingrained in all of us. We took it with us in Chosin, Quang Tri, and Al Anbar.

But while our Grandfathers were slugging it out in the South Pacific, the Army Air Corps in Europe was grabbing all the headlines of the day.

Here is the very brief New York Times account of the battle.
Ruined Berlin Afire After 2d Bombing; U. S. Planes Smash At Toulon and Sofia; 4 Japanese Destroyers Sunk In Battle


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.
Today I am Thankful for those that Carried our Beloved Corps Traditions before us.

Semper Fi