Tarawa: Was it Worth It?

Where: World War II Memorial (outside the Pacific Pavilion on the south side of the memorial). The Battle of Tarawa was a strategic victory for the United States in November 1943, but it came at a heavy cost. The high number of American casualties, criticism from military leaders, and newspaper photographs of fallen Marines sparked public outrage and raised questions about the battle. Join a Park Ranger to explore the controversy surrounding Tarawa and examine the realities of this costly victory.