Tarawa Talk

Tarawa Talk => Tarawa Photographs and Film => Topic started by: TRGodwin on July 07, 2020, 02:36:06 pm

Title: Norman Moise story History Net
Post by: TRGodwin on July 07, 2020, 02:36:06 pm
I realize it is nothing more than speculation at this point but when I look at this story by Norman Moise (A Company 2nd Amphib), it makes me wonder if there isn’t a connection here between the story and this aerial; one that was somewhat haunting actually when I first saw it.  The locations are the same in the picture and the article by Moise. Pretty difficult to substantiate anything at this point but it sure resonates beyond just coincidence ;at least to me.

Other ‘facts’ : Moise also said there were four amtracs with his ship (Middleton housing 3/2 as I understand it) with 13 Marines from his company on board. Records check substantiate number of Marines from his company on board but I have the Middleton showing only 2 LVT-1s. Seems like number of Marines would roughly correspond to 4 tracs though. Anyway, just passing it on…

https://www.historynet.com/terror-survival-tarawa.htm
Title: Re: Norman Moise story History Net
Post by: gunnygp on July 07, 2020, 10:55:33 pm
A thought provoking pic showing two LVT-1s facing each other and floating dead on the reef.
As far as the Middleton goes, Amtrac battalion records do show two tractors on deck and two in a hold. Those in the holds of the ships were not to be a part of the initial assault but in fact a number were hastily brought up and lowed over the side to make up for some early mechanic losses.
Title: Re: Norman Moise story History Net
Post by: TRGodwin on July 08, 2020, 11:20:13 am
Thanks George. My info did not have but 2. So Moise was right on the number of amtracs. All happened between early morning and mid afternoon on D-Day according to Norman. Picture was a little after 14:00. Also, one of the tracs looks to be smoking as he had mentioned as well. I looked up the description of his and Brodowski's wounds and the info aligns there as well. Of course, will never know with any certainty but it's still interesting to contemplate and add some  dots on the board...