By Col. Joseph Alexander, USMC Ret. USNI Press, 1995. Hardbound, 304 pp. With some photos, drawings, maps. Details the epic and vicious struggle by the US Navy and Marine Corps to conquer the heavily fortified island of Betio, Tarawa Atoll, from fanatical Japanese 'rikusentai' Special Naval Landing forces. Perhaps the best narrative written about this conflict, one which which without doubt not only helped to define the character of the U.S. Marines, but with hard-learned lessons, also served to pave the way for the future of successful amphibious warfare. Excellent pre-owned copy, one very small tear in front part of dust jacket.