John William Wills

PFC John W. Wills served with Item Company, 2nd Marines during the Tarawa campaign.

On 20 November 1943, Wills’ battalion was assigned the task of spearheading the assault on Betio’s Beach Red One – a curved stretch of sand running several hundred yards from the “bird’s beak” in the west to Red Two in the east. The natural shape of the beach created a crossfire for the defenders, and the area became known as “the Pocket.” Slow-moving landing craft were quickly targeted from multiple angles, and many were knocked out as they approached the shore. Hundreds of men were killed or wounded before stepping foot on dry land. Those who survived faced a network of obstacles manned by determined Japanese defenders, and the fighting was close-in and savage.

The following morning, Major Mike Ryan organized as many Third Battalion survivors as he could and issued orders to continue the attack. By 1210 hours, the battalion secured Green Beach – an important achievement, allowing more supplies and reinforcements to reach Betio without running the gauntlet of the Pocket. However, the attack did not come without cost. Eighteen-year-old John Wills was among those who died in action on 21 November 1943. The exact cause and circumstances of his death are not known.