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Naval History and Heritage Command

USMC 100235 Betio Island, Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands

Photo #: USMC 100235 Betio Island, Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands
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Title: Betio Island, Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands
Description: British and American officers and members of a native labor corps stand in silent prayer in memory of Second Division Marines killed in the island's conquest in November 1943. Personnel shown are: Second officer from right: Lieutenant Colonel Edmund L. Zonne, USMC, Piloted the first transport to land on Tarawa after the field was captured. He later placed a wreath on the grave of the First Lieutenant William D. Hawkins, USMCR, hero of the Betio assault. Other officers are left to right: Captain Percy Roberts, (British) Royal Navy (Officer in Charge of the Native Labor Corps); Lieutenant Colonel Vivian Fox-Strangways, (British) Royal Army, (Resident Commissioner); and Captain Paul E. Gillespie, USN, (Island Commander) U.S. Marine Corps Photograph.
Catalog #: USMC 100235
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