Across the Reef: The Marine Assault of Tarawa

"Across the Reef: The Marine Assault of Tarawa" by Joseph H. Alexander recounts the intense battle that took place on Betio, the principal island in the Tarawa Atoll during World War II. The Japanese had seized Tarawa from the British within days of Pearl Harbor, and in August 1943, Vice Admiral Raymond A. Spruance instructed the Marines to prepare for an amphibious assault against the Japanese. The author details the bravery and sacrifice of the Marines who fought in this crucial battle. This book is recommended for those interested in the history of World War II and the heroic deeds of American soldiers."