Today in World War II History—November 20, 1943

US Marines on landing beach at Tarawa, Gilbert Islands, 20 Nov 1943 (US Marine Corps photo)
80 Years Ago—Nov. 20, 1943: In the Gilbert Islands, US Marines land on Betio Island in Tarawa Atoll, and US Army lands on Makin and takes the island the same day.
British Eighth Army launches main offensive to cross the Sangro River in Italy.
British fascist leaders Sir Oswald & Lady Diana Mosley are controversially released from prison to house arrest.
New song in Top Ten: “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’” from the musical Oklahoma!

US 165th Infantry lands at Butaritari, Makin Atoll, Gilbert Islands, 20 Nov 1943 (US National Archives: SC 183574)