|
 |
|
|
| Missing In Action (MIA) | Prisoners Of War (POW) | Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) |
| Chronology | Locations | Aircraft | Ships | Submit Info | How You Can Help | Donate |
|
 IJN October 1943  IJN December 31, 1943   7th AF c1944  41st BG c1944 |
Location Lat 8° 42' 28 N Long 171° 14' 23" E Taroa Airfield is located on Taroa Island in the eastern corner of Maloelap Atoll in the Marshall Islands. Pronounced "Tar-a-wa", this location is not to be confused with Tarawa Airfield on Tarawa (Betio). Construction During December 1939, a battalion of Japanese prisoners were drafted for the construction of Taroa Airfield. The island was developed into a military airfield contrary to the rules of the League of Nations mandate for the Japanese administration of the Marshall Islands. Two intersecting runways in the shape of an "X" were built spanning the length and width of the island. The first runway measured 4800' oriented roughly northeast to southwest. The second runway measured 4100' oriented roughly northwest to southeast. Also, two hangars and a service apron were constructed. Wartime History During the war, Taroa Airfield based a number of fighter and bomber units, including Zeros, Lillys and Bettys. During February 1942, A5M4 Cluades were based at Taroa Airfield. Japanese units based at Taroa Airfield 1st Kokutai (G3M2 Nell) March 1942 252 Kokutai (A6M Zero) March 1943–February 1944 755 Kokutai (G3M2 Nell, G4M Betty) Radar Installations There were two radar sets (range 50 miles) installed on the island, providing the air wing approximately 10 minutes warning for incoming enemy aircraft. American missions against Taroa November 16, 1943–May 18, 1944 American Bombardment At the beginning of the US bombing a third runway had been begun. By end of 1943 there was a total of 380 buildings on Taroa (with >= 490,000 square feet floor space), 80 of which had a floor space greater than 50 feet square. It had several power stations, a command center, an air operations center, fuel farms (35,000 gallons), a pier for larger ships, several ammunition bunkers, a large barracks area, and an extensive workshop area. The garrison had an extensive road network serviced by over 70 vehicles. Between Feb. 1942 - Aug. 1945, US aircraft dropped 3,543 tons of bombs and US ships fired 453 tons of shells at Taroa. While the first attacks were carrier-based and irregular, daily attacks were started after Majuro and Kwajalein had fallen to the US forces. At the same time, all supply lines to Taroa were cut off, and the Japanese garrison was left to starve. Of the originally 3097 strong Japanese garrison (1772 Navy, 368 Army, 957 civilians) only 1041 (34%) survived. Several Marshallese were also killed. The survivor rate for Maloelap is the worst of all bases in the Marshalls. Death occurred from air raids, diseases, accidents, and suicides, but mainly from starvation. On February 5, 1944 the Japanese evacuated. Today The former airfield is largely overgrown with scrub and low but very dense bush. The runway is still in use today. Known as Maloelap Airport. The single runway is 3,500' (1,067m) surfaced with turf. Airport code MAV. FAA airport location identifier 3N1. An island style lunch will be provided at the school house between noon and 1pm for airport passengers. A6M3 Model 22 Zero Manufacture Number 3621 Tail Y2-128 Salvaged by Steve Atkin 1978 shipped to Saipan later to Japan A6M2 Model 21 Zero Tail S-152 Tail salvaged by John Sterling during 1991 A6M3 Model 32 Zero 3318 Tail S-112/Y2-128 Salvaged by John Sterling during 1991, currently under restoration A6M3 Model 32 Zero Manufacture Number 3148 Salvaged by John Sterling during 1991 A6M3 Model 32 Zero Manufacture Number 3685 Tail Y2-176 Salvaged by John Sterling during 1991, later sold to Imperial War Museum A6M2 Model 22 Zero Manufacture Number 31574 Salvaged by John Sterling, used in restoration of A6M3 3318 A6M Zero Recovered from the island References Glimpses of Micronesia “Maloelap: Japanese Naval Bastion on World War II” by William Bartsch Vol. 25, No. 3, 1985 pages 48-52 After The Battle Magazine No. 54 "Unknown Maloelap" by William Bartsch pages 28-41 AirNav.com - Maloelap Airport Contribute
Information Last Updated
|
 July 1, 1943 November 13, 1943  Photo Archive  View on Google Earth |
| Discussion Forum | Daily Updates | Reviews | Museums | Interviews & Oral Histories |
|
