Heroes relive epic raid on namesake ship
Makin Island slated to get commission today; WWII operation was morale boost

By Steve Liewer

Some of the vets needed canes or wheelchairs to navigate the vast decks of the new Navy amphibious assault ship Makin Island.

But for this weekend, they might as well be rock stars.

Legions of military VIPs will attend this morning as the Makin Island is commissioned at North Island Naval Air Station. None will be held in higher esteem than the World War II Marine Raiders who sacked an enemy-held island in the Western Pacific, boosting American morale during the dark early days of the war, when the enemy seemed unstoppable.

About 100 Raiders and their families will attend the commissioning, including six survivors of the original Makin Island raid on Aug. 17, 1942.

http://www3.signonsandiego.com...amesake-ship/?metro=

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Tom Holtom's uncle died in the raid. His photo, his medals and his tri-folded flag are displayed in a special memorial room.

Gerald Holtom was a Marine interrogator killed on Making by a sniper.

Thanks Gunny, a good one to read to help people understand the war and what kind of men fought it.

I have read a little about this "battle" and was impressed to the lack of tide knowledge not stopping the Marines.

Carlson's Raiders was no BS unit....

http://www.janeresture.com/carlsons/index.htm

Raider knife:



That little hollow at the base of the blade was called the thumb notch. You might say.....it was the first thumb drive....

Thanks again for sharing that bitter-sweet story.
So good to see those Marines getting recognition.
In memory to those that died,and to those captured and beheaded by the Japanese.
RIP