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![]() USN August 7, 1942 |
Location Japanese Occupation Marines Recapture After dark on August 7, 1942, one company of Marines from the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment that had landed on Florida Island landed, believing it was lightly defended. The five landing craft carrying the Marines were hit by heavy fire as they approached the shore, with many of the U.S. Navy boat crews being killed or wounded, as well as heavily damaging three of the boats, which departed and the Marines that landed crossed the causeway back to Gavutu, and some Japanese attacked during the night. The next day, August 8 the 3rd Battalion 2nd Marines (3/2), still aboard ships off Guadalcanal, landed at Gavutu at 10:00am and helped secure Gavutu, then prepared to attack Tanambogo. US Navy bombardment USS San Juan and SBDs dive bombed. Twice, SBD's accidentally dropped bombs on Marines on Gavutu, killing four and further close air support was cancelled. The Marine landing began at 4:15, both by landing craft and across the causeway, including support from two M3 Stuart tanks. One tank was caught on a stump and attacked by a group of 50 Japanese, and 42 died setting the tank on fire, killing two of its crew and severely beat the other two crew members before most of them were killed by Marine rifle fire. By 9:00pm, the island was secured, but isolated Japanese continued to fight during the night. Finally, the island was secured by noon on August 9, 1942. In the battle for Gavutu and Tanambogo, 476 Japanese defenders and 70 Americans died. Of the 20 prisoners taken most were Korean laborers. Japanese Wrecks Surveyed on Tanambogo Jim Long adds: American Base Area Hill 121 Sunken Mavis Wrecks Contribute
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![]() Map July 1942 |
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