The Gilbert and Marshall Islands Campaign (November 1943 to February 1944), a key strategic step forward in WWII's Pacific War, saw US forces launch multiple amphibious landings against Japanese-held islands and coral atolls in Micronesia. Victory came at a high price in casualties, but the campaign further secured the US's supply lines in the South Seas and enclosed Japan within the western half of the Pacific. US forces could now launch attacks on Japan's main naval base at Truk Atoll and begin to push Japan back to its home islands.
More about: Gilbert and Marshall Islands CampaignDefinition
Timeline
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Oct 1943US forces establish a base in the Ellice Islands during WWII's Pacific War.
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Nov 1943 - Feb 1944The Gilbert and Marshall Islands Campaign in WWII's Pacific War.
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20 Nov 1943 - 23 Nov 1943Battle of Tarawa in the Gilbert Islands during WWII's Pacific War. US victory over Japanese forces.
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30 Jan 1944 - 2 Feb 1944The US launches an amphibious assault on the Marshall Islands in WWII"s Pacific War.
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17 Feb 1944US forces attack and occupy Eniwetok Atoll in WWII's Pacific War. At the same time, US naval forces attack the Japanese base at Truk.
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23 Feb 1944The US gains control of the Marshall Islands from Japan in WWII's Pacific War.
