The Raid on Makin Island was an attack by the United States Marine Corps Raiders on Japanese military forces on Makin Island in the Pacific Ocean. The aim was to destroy Imperial Japanese installations, take prisoners, gain intelligence on the Gilbert Islands area, and divert Japanese attention and reinforcements from the Allied landings on Guadalcanal and Tulagi. Only the first of these objectives were achieved, but the raid did boost morale and provide a test for Raider tactics.
U.S. Marines return to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on board the American submarine Nautilus following the Makin Island raid, 26 August 1942.
Makin as seen by USS Nautilus
A Marine Raider, injured during the Makin operation, is lifted through a hatch on USS Argonaut to be taken ashore at Pearl Harbor, 26 August 1942.
This is a plaque commemorating the Makin Island Raid in 1942. This plaque is located on the island of Kwajalein.
The Marine Raiders are special operations forces originally established by the United States Marine Corps during World War II to conduct amphibious light infantry warfare. "Edson's" Raiders of 1st Marine Raider Battalion and "Carlson's" Raiders of 2nd Marine Raider Battalion are said to have been the first United States special operations forces to form and see combat during World War II.
Lt. Col. Evans F. Carlson
Marine officers on Tulagi. Lt. Col. Edson is second from left in front row.
A Marine Raider, injured during the Makin operation, is lifted through a hatch on USS Argonaut to be taken ashore at Pearl Harbor, 26 August 1942.
Marine Raiders gathered in front of a Japanese dugout on Bougainville.
