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Naval History and Heritage Command

USMC 100237 Betio Island, Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands

Photo #: USMC 100237 Betio Island, Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands
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Title: Betio Island, Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands
Description: Lieutenant Colonel Edmund L. Zonne, USMC, places a wreath on the grave of First Lieutenant William D. Hawkins, USMCR, on the first anniversary of the invasion of the island, November 1944. First Lieutenant Hawkins was killed in action on 21 November 1943. Lieutenant Colonel Zonne had landed the first U.S. twin-engine plane on the island airstrip soon after that. Officers behind Lieutenant Colonel Zonne are: Lieutenant Colonel Vivian Fox-Strangways, (British) Royal Army, (Resident Commissioner); and Captain Paul E. Gillespie, USN, (Island Commander) Photographed by Warrant Officer R. L. Chapel, Fourth Air Wing, U.S. Marine Corps.. U.S. Marine Corps Photograph.
Catalog #: USMC 100237
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