Utmost Savagery

The Three Days of Tarawa

By: Colonel Joseph H. Alexander United States Marine Corps (Ret.)

Narrated by: Tom Weiner

On November 20, 1943, in the first trial by fire of America’s fledgling amphibious assault doctrine, 5,000 men stormed the beaches of Tarawa, a seemingly invincible Japanese island fortress barely the size of the 300-acre Pentagon parking lots. Before the first day ended, one-third of the marines who had crossed Tarawa’s deadly reef under murderous fire were killed, wounded, or missing. In three days of fighting, four Americans would win the Medal of Honor and six thousand combatants would die.

Now, Colonel Joseph Alexander, a combat marine himself, presents the full story of Tarawa in all its horror and glory: the extreme risks, the horrific combat, and the heroic breakthroughs. Based on exhaustive research, never-before-published accounts from marine survivors, and new evidence from Japanese sources, Colonel Alexander captures the grit, guts, and relentless courage of United States Marines overcoming outrageous odds to deliver victory for their country.

Colonel Joseph H. Alexander (Ret.), a combat veteran who served in the Marine Corps for 28 years, is the author of six books and has helped produce 25 military documentaries. He lives in Asheville, North Carolina.

©1995 Joseph H. Alexander, 2009 by Findaway World, LLC (P)2009 Findaway World, LLC

Critic reviews

“The first complete and definitive account of the Battle of Tarawa.” (Major General Mike Ryan, USMC [Ret.], Navy Cross recipient)

“A gripping narrative of one of the bloodiest battles of WWII in the Pacific theater.” ( Publishers Weekly)

“Without a doubt the best narrative of the struggle ever produced.” (Richard B. Frank, author of Guadalcanal)

Excellent combination of detail & personal stories

I thought it was very good. I liked the exact detail of the battle plan on a large scale while not forgetting instances of personal bravery. I also found the "what if" portions interesting. What if the tide was high? what if they by-passed the island?

De facto book about tarawa atoll and the campaign

Great book, enjoyed it and definitely learned some stuff that I didn't know before. Goes into great detail and should provide even people who consider themselves savvy on the subject new information.

Utmost Bravery

Extensive research of both American and Japanese records is evidenced by copious detail throughout the book. First few chapters are lengthy inventories of equipment, people, and organizations on both sides. Once the action and chaos starts, it continues nonstop.

The author attempts the impossible task of describing the immeasurable heroism displayed by Marines assaulting Tarawa. It’s amazing only four Medals of Honor were awarded for this action. Likely there would’ve been more had more witnesses survived. The book mentions multiple times both sides considered the deciding factor to be the courage of individual Marines. Never forget what these men sacrificed to save the world from tyranny.

Many thanks to Audible for making this title available free of charge.

Detailed Intelligent Assessment of Key Battle

Solid, if sometimes too detailed (for the general reader) assessment of the first true test of Marine amphibious warfare of the type the would dominate the remainder of the Pacific War. While including welcome personal detail of the men (on both sides, where available) who fought it, this is mainly an assessment of what made for success or failure and the long term contribution of the battle to future strategy, rather than a dramatic, "you are there" style discussion. Well-written, reasoned, and balanced, this is the sort of work one would expect from Naval Institute Press improved further by a look at newly available Japanese sources. Definitely worth reading for students of the Pacific War.

awesome history lesson

like the details of pre and post battle. lots of personal accounts during battle and some japanese perspective