Today in World War II History—Nov. 30, 1943 POSTED: Friday, November 30, 2018 by Sarah Sundin US flag on Tarawa, Gilbert Islands, Nov 1943 (US Marine Corps photo) 75 Years Ago—Nov. 30, 1943: US takes unoccupied Abaiang and Marakei Atolls north of Tarawa in Gilberts.