The Makin Atoll Raid: A Study of Valor and Tactical Outcomes

On August 17, 1942, a contingent of 211 United States Marines executed a pivotal mission on the Japanese-occupied Makin Atoll, situated in the Gilbert Islands. This operation was characterized by multiple objectives aimed at destabilizing enemy forces and collecting critical intelligence.

Mission Objectives

The strategic goals of the Makin raid included:

• Destruction of Local Installations: Targeting Japanese military assets to disrupt operations.
• Capturing Enemies: Securing prisoners for interrogation to gather intelligence.
• Intelligence Gathering: Assessing the overall situation in the Gilberts for future strategic planning.
• Diversion of Enemy Focus: Redirecting attention from ongoing conflicts such as those at Guadalcanal, Tulagi, and Gavutu-Tanambogo.

The 2nd Marine Raider Battalion

The special unit responsible for this operation was the renowned 2nd Marine Raider Battalion, commanded by Lt. Col. Evans Carlson. Arriving via submarines Argonaut (SM-1) and Nautilus (SS-168), the Raiders disembarked using Landing Craft Rubber Large (LCRL).

Among the ranks of this exceptional battalion was Sergeant Clyde Aristide Thomason, whose distinguished service would later be recognized with the Medal of Honor.

Clyde Aristide Thomason: A Profile

• Background: Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Thomason enlisted in the Marine Corps in December 1934, eventually simplifying his name to “Clyde Thomason” during his military tenure. He was honorably discharged in 1939 but re-entered service following the outbreak of World War II, ultimately joining Company A of the 2nd Marine Raiders.
• Physical Stature: At 6’4” and weighing 190 pounds, Thomason’s size initially raised concerns, yet his unwavering resolve led to a special waiver that allowed him to join the Raiders.

The Engagement

On the evening of August 16, Argonaut and Nautilus surfaced near Makin Atoll. At 0330 hours on August 17, the Raiders deployed, swiftly engaging the Japanese 62nd Garrison Force.

Leadership and Valor

Thomason commanded A Company during the assault, demonstrating significant strategic insight and bravery. Eyewitness accounts highlight his decisive actions:

• Neutralizing Threats: At one critical juncture, Thomason advanced towards a building under sniper fire, neutralizing the threat without hesitation.
• Sacrifice: Tragically, he was killed while leading a follow-up assault, a loss that underscored the risks taken during this complex operation.

Tactical Assessment and Outcomes

The Makin raid concluded with mixed results:

• Destruction Inflicted: The Marines inflicted considerable damage, claiming at least 83 enemy lives and destroying key military resources including two flying boats.
• Failures: No prisoners were captured, nor was any actionable intelligence gathered, rendering the operation less impactful than intended. The anticipated diversion from the Solomon Islands never materialized.

Evacuation and Casualties

The withdrawal at midnight on August 18 was fraught with challenges:

• Casualty Figures:
  • 19 Raiders killed
  • 17 wounded
  • 2 missing
  • 9 captured, who were ultimately executed by Japanese forces. The commanding officer, Admiral Koso Abe, faced justice for this atrocity after the war.

Recognition and Legacy

Despite the operation’s shortcomings, Thomason was honored for his keen judgment and leadership during combat. On January 20, 1943, his stepmother, Amie Thomason, received his posthumous Medal of Honor from U.S. Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal, with Marine Commandant Lt. Gen. Thomas Holcomb in attendance.

Notably, Thomason stands as the first Marine non-commissioned officer to receive such distinction during World War II.

In 1999, Thomason’s dog tags were discovered in a mass grave on Makin Island, leading to the recovery of his remains. He was reinterred on August 17, 2001, at Arlington National Cemetery, a site befitting his exceptional service.

Conclusion

The Makin Atoll raid reflects the complexity of amphibious warfare and the valor exhibited by individual soldiers like Clyde Thomason. As defense professionals analyze historical military operations, the lessons learned from Makin highlight the importance of strategic planning, operational execution, and the profound costs of war.