17th Regimental Combat Team Lands on Carlos Island

Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 17th Regimental Combat Team, 7th Infantry Division, approaches Carlos (Ennylabegan) Island in Kwajalein Atoll. Carlos was needed as a supply dump, and to protect Cecil Pass, the deep water entrance to the lagoon, so that the invasion fleet was protected from submarine attack and could operate closely to operational targets. The 1st Battalion, US Army Lieutenant Colonel Albert V. Hartl commanding, was to attack Carlos in six waves between 0910 and 1040 Hours. The Japanese who survived the bombardment and didn't commit suicide were cut down by the advancing American infantry. The force found an observation tower and sheds with a radio in working order. At 1615 the 1st Battalion reported the island secured. No casualties were reported. No prepared defenses had been found.