"Kwajalein" - This official U.S. Marine Corps photograph shows Marines advancing cautiously through the ruins of a coconut grove and village on Kwajalein Atoll during the Battle of Kwajalein, part of Operation Flintlock in early 1944. The utter devastation of the landscape, stripped and shattered palm trees, smoldering debris, and destroyed structures, illustrates the intensity of the naval and aerial bombardment that preceded and accompanied the American assault. The capture of Kwajalein was a pivotal victory in the U.S. Central Pacific offensive, demonstrating improved amphibious assault tactics after the costly lessons learned at Tarawa. Project: 218719