Military Veterans

Marine Corporal Mack McCormick was in Special Weapons Group, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Division at the Invasion of Tarawa Atoll in the Colbert Islands 20 November 1943, on Tarawa's northwest shore. 

The Marines hoped to land a three-battalion front on the Red Beaches 1, 2, and 3, sweep across the island (a total distance of about 600 yards), capture the airfield and pin the enemy down on the island's west end.

The most violently opposed landing was that of 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marines on Red 2. Some of these troops were driven off course by machine gun and anti-boat fire and forced to land on Red 1. The remainder, who reached Red 2, managed to carve out a beachhead only about 50 yards deep.

Campaign Results

After four days of fighting, the victory was ours.

Strategically, the victory at Tarawa opened the way to the Marshall Islands. Tactically, it established the amphibious assault as the method used thereafter to defeat Japan in the Pacific campaign.

Tarawa was the first major amphibious assault in the Pacific in which U.S. troops faced sustained opposition on the beach. The American people were deeply disturbed by reports of high casualties suffered by the 2nd Marine Division (1,027 dead, 88 missing and 2,292 wounded). The high casualties were a result of making a direct assault against a determined, well-armed and deeply fortified enemy.

Other Information about Corporal McCormick:

He is the son of Claude and Velma Bothwell McCormick; brother of Harry H. and Jack R. McCormick.  Educated at El Dorado Junior College, University of Kansas and University of Illinois.  Occupation:  Research Scientist.  He married Thirza Harris; had two sons—Mack Junior and Charles.  Married Barbara Reed McLaughlin.  Current address:  2361 North 22nd Court, Florence, OR 97439.

Corporal

World War II—1942 - 1946