The Battle of Eniwetok was fought between the US Tactical Group 1, VAC, under Brigadier General Thomas E. Watson, and the Japanese 1st Amphibious Brigade, led by Yoshimi Nishida. It took place from February 17 to February 23, 1944, on Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall Islands. This amphibious operation was part of the Marshal Island campaign, in Pacific Theater, World War II.
Eniwetok is a circular atoll, about 21 miles across. It is composed of 30 islets, on three of which the Japanese had established fortified defenses: Eniwetok proper (Privilege), which is on the atoll southeast rim; Engebi (Fragile), on the north rim, where the Japanese had built an airstrip in June 1943; and Parry (Heartstrings), which is two and half miles northeast of Eniwetok proper.
Opposing Forces
The American Tactical Group 1, VAC had been specially formed for this operation. It was made up of the 22nd Marine Regiment (5,820 marines), under the command of Col. John T. Walker, and the 106th Infantry Regiment (4,557 soldiers), led by Col. Russel G. Ayers. They totaled 10,377 men. Meanwhile, the Japanese 1st Amphibious Brigade was composed of 2,586 Special Naval Force troops.
Summary
On February 17, 1944, at dawn, a VAC's reconnaissance company landed on two islets, securing them before midday. Other islets would be occupied by the marines in the afternoon.
On February 18, Angebi would be taken by the 22nd Marine Regiment's units. These men landed on Beach Blue and White on the southwest coast of the island. After vicious fighting, the marines managed to secure it the following day, on February 19, at about 08:30 hours.
On February 19, D-Day+2, Eniwetok was taken by soldiers of 106th Infantry Regiment. They landed on Yellow and Yellow 1 Beach, on the northwest shore of island.
On February 21, Parry would be seized by units of the 22nd Marine Regiment. Here, the marines landed on Green 2 and 3. With the support of a tank company, they were able to secure it the next day.
Below, men of the 22nd Marine Reg. wade ashore on a beach of Eniwetok.
Below, map of Eniwetok Atoll, with the landing sectors being clearly marked.
