Amphibious tanks (LVT-1's) cluster along the length of the beach on the eastern end of Emirau on 22

U.S. Navy Official photograph, Gift of Charles Ives 2011.102.299

"File No: 250299 April 15, 1944 Invasion of Emirau-- Swarming ashore in landing boats (Amphibious tracked vehicles LVT-1 derived from the Roebling Alligator of 1936), U. S. Marines on March 22, 1944 overran Emirau Island in the St. Matthias group, provided the allies with a potential air and sea base less than 600 miles from Truk, Japanese "Pearl Harbor" in the Carolines. A mighty armada of U. S. Navy warships ushered the Marines to the scene of the victory--- an old story for many of the troops, who had earlier fought on Guadalcanal and New Georgia. Second stage of the invasion—after the shock troops have landed, supplies and equipment are shipped ashore. Amphibious tanks (LVT-1's) cluster along the length of the beach on the eastern end of the heavily-wooded little Pacific isle." 22 March 1944