MAKIN ISLAND
RAID
17-18 AUGUST
1942
LEARNING
OBJECTIVES
1. Explain how the Raider concept came into
being for the U.S. Marine Corps.
2. Identify the first Commanders of each
(2) Raider Battalions.
3. Identify the intent of the 17 August
1942 raid on Makin Island.
4. Select the major characteristics of an
Amphibious Raid.
5. Explain the significant results of the
Raid on Makin Island.
BACKGROUND
--1930's: USMC experimenting with new tactical
warfighting concepts, such as commando raids.
--Makin Island was planned
as a diversionary attack to take pressure off the 1stMarDiv fighting on
Guadalcanal.
--America needed some good
news from the Pacific theater to boost US morale and
confidence.
COMMANDING OFFICERS OF
RAIDER BATTALIONS:
1st Raider Bn: LtCol Merritt Edson "Edson's
Raiders"
2nd Raider Bn: LtCol Evans Carlson..."Gung
Ho"
INTENT OF RAID ON MAKIN
ISLAND
1.
Diversion from Guadalcanal
2.
Destroy known enemy HQ and capture prisoner.
3.
Morale boost for America
RESULTS/LESSONS
1.
Great morale boost for US
2.
Surprise is usually the best tactical advantage
3.
Historically, there comes a time in almost every battle that each commander
erroneously believes that he is defeated.
The one who persists is the one who will win.
4.
Raid is a great psychological and tactical tool to defeat the
enemy.
5. ACCOUNTABILITY!!!!!!!!