Carlson's Raid: The Daring Marine Assault on Makin

Led by Lieutenant Colonel Evans Carlson, the 2nd Marine Raider commandos were the celebrated "Gung Ho Battalion." In August 1942, as a diversion to the invasion of Guad-alcanal, the 219 Raiders traveled 2,000 miles by submarine to Makin Atoll. In one of the most daring attacks of World War II, they caused substantial damage to the Japanese-before making a nightmarishly hazardous withdrawal.

To an America badly in need of heroes, Carlson's Raid was the answer to a prayer. But the raid's long-term consequences were bloodier than anyone could have imagined. And, ultimately, the controversial Carlson's high profile would be his undoing.

This is the full story of that daring mission, its unforeseen consequences, and the decision made when the fighting was toughest-kept secret for fifty years-that would have brought a far different conclusion to the famous Makin Raid.