31.8k views
3 votes
Why was the landing on Tarawa so treacherous

User Crowley
by
7.9k points

1 Answer

3 votes
The low tides prevented U.S. landing crafts from the coral reefs that surrounded the island. Japanese coastal guns pounded the vessels and desperate Marines gave up on freeing the boats and instead waded toward shore. They were chest deep in water and were getting fired at by the Japanese.
User Xiechao
by
8.6k points