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| Battle of Apamama | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part of World War II, Pacific Campaign | |||||||
 Map of Apamama Atoll | |||||||
| |||||||
| Belligerents | |||||||
 United States |
 Empire of Japan | ||||||
| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| Captain James Jones | Japanese Captain (name unknown) | ||||||
| Strength | |||||||
| 68 Marines, 10 Army Engineers | 25 Japanese Marines | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| 2 killed, 2 wounded, 1 injured | 23 killed (including suicides) | ||||||
The Battle of Apamama was a small but pivotal engagement during the Pacific War, part of Operation Galvanic in World War II. The battle was conducted by the United States Marine Corps Amphibious Reconnaissance Battalion as part of a reconnaissance-in-force operation to secure the Apamama Atoll for an airbase.
Background
[edit]The Apamama Atoll was chosen for its strategic location and large lagoon, which could be used for logistical support by the advancing Pacific Fleet. The landing was part of the broader strategy of the Gilbert and Marshall Islands campaign.
The Battle
[edit]On November 20, 1943, the USS Nautilus (SS-168) arrived off Apamama with a Marine reconnaissance force. The Marines initially landed undetected but faced stiff resistance from a small Japanese detachment entrenched around a radio station on the atoll.
The American forces conducted a thorough reconnaissance, despite adverse weather and challenging surf conditions. After several skirmishes, the Japanese defenders were forced back to their stronghold.
Japanese Surrender and Suicide
[edit]On November 25, the remaining Japanese forces, realizing they were surrounded and outnumbered, committed mass suicide. The Japanese captain accidentally discharged his pistol during a rallying speech, killing himself, which led to a breakdown in morale among the troops.
Aftermath
[edit]The successful reconnaissance and subsequent occupation of Apamama allowed the U.S. Navy's Seabees to construct an airfield, which was operational by January 1944. The Marines suffered minimal casualties, with only two killed and two wounded.
Legacy
[edit]The battle demonstrated the effectiveness of submarine-supported reconnaissance missions. Captain Jones received the Legion of Merit for his leadership during the operation.
References
[edit]- Meyers, Amphibious Recon
- Dyer, Amphibians
- Frank and Shaw, Galvanic Operations