Sandspit Assault

"Sandspit Assault: The Battle of Eniwetok" delves into the last battle for an atoll in military history. The furious battle on Eniwetok Atoll concluded the chapter on the Central Pacific Campaign and occurred halfway through the Pacific War in World War II. Follow the men who fought, lived, and died during the battle on the tropical islands of Eniwetok.

The Battle of Eniwetok began on February 17th, 1944, on a tropical atoll caught in between the United States and the Japanese Empire during World War II. "Sandspit Assault" follows the soldiers' planning, battlefield experiences, and post-war journeys. The Battle of Eniwetok Atoll saw battles on three islands: Engebi, Eniwetok, and Parry Island. Within one week, the entire atoll was conquered and ended in a United States victory. The inexperienced United States 22nd Marine Regiment and the US Army's 106th Infantry Regiment battled it out with the equally inexperienced Japanese 1st Amphibious Brigade in a fight to the death. As the two sides clashed, the intensity of the Pacific War emerged as surrender was not an option for either side. By the end of the battle, the United States Marines and Army soldiers were now combat veterans who moved on to bigger battles ahead. "Sandspit Assault" also examines the lessons learned at Eniwetok and how they played a part in the future battles of World War II. Through maps, stories, artifacts, and photographs, the reader dives in to one of the most overlooked campaigns of the entire war.

Ryan Lowry has worked in World War II studies for almost twenty years. He volunteers his time with World War II veterans and historical societies and gives speeches on topics regarding WWII history. He manages a large traveling museum of World War II artifacts that has premiered at a Smithsonian affiliate and preserves the war's story through his artifacts. He has a bachelor's degree in Mandarin Chinese Language Studies from the University of Florida and a master's degree in History from American Military University.