It's obvious that numerous government entities were involved in creating this film, seemingly intended to lift spirits within the United States as D-Day approaches, and it doesn’t shy away from its purpose. Across the globe, a group of marines stands on the deck of a warship for a church service. They know that the following day will find them beginning a dangerous operation to reclaim an airfield from the Japanese on Tarawa, a location of significant importance. A lengthy sequence of naval and air strikes lasting three days is planned to weaken the opposition beforehand; however, even with this preparation, their determined foe promises to be formidable and will challenge these brave troops with strong resistance. The visuals and particularly the sound design effectively communicate the actual risks involved as bombs, grenades, and bullets are fired without discrimination, leaving the attacking forces feeling powerless against the well-equipped and entrenched defenders. Amidst the sand and smoke, they must simply continue forward, rely on faith, and wish for a positive outcome. This film serves as an acknowledgment of many things, but especially to the wartime cinematographers who managed to record the horror of this battle while under fire; their efforts certainly warrant praise.

Source on TMDB