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Bairiki

Also on Nov. 21, reports said that the Japanese were crossing from the southeast end of Betio Island to Bairiki, a nearby islet. Julian Smith committed the 2nd Battalion, 6th Marines to halt them and secure Bairiki. These Marines landed in late afternoon,
unresisted. Naval gunfire supporting their landing had put a quick end to the small number of Japanese fighters. A strafing plane hit a can of gasoline near the Japanese machine gun nests. The can exploded and burned out the enemy. The Marines then set
up artillery on Bairiki to help in winning Betio.

Sign on Tarawa illustrates Marine humor and possible lack of optimism as to duration of war.  (NARA)

Research for this fact sheet was provided by Alexander Molnar, U.S. Marine Corps/U.S. Army (Ret.).

Source: Marine Corps History

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(Bairiki)