US Raid on the Marshall and Gilbert Islands

On February 1, 1942, US Naval forces under Vice-Admiral Halsey and Rear-Admiral Fletcher launched a surprise attack on Japanese air bases at Kwajalein, Wotje, Roi and Mille in the Marshall Islands and Makin in the Gilbert Islands. The result was, according to one source, severe damage to airport installations as well as damage to the Enterprise and the Chester [2,194 Days of War]. Another source cites “the raids have minor effects but were more practice for US carrier forces.” [www.ww2pacific.com]