U.S. Soldiers Examine Wrecked Japanese Plane - This Japanese seaplane, examined by U.S. Army troops on the beech, was part of the toll paid by the enemy when American forces took Makin Atoll in the Gilbert Islands of the Central Pacific. Capture of the Gilber Atoll of Makin, Tarawa and Abemama, in which 5,700 Japanese were killed or taken prisoner furnishes the Allies with new air and naval bases from which to continue their offensive in the Pacific. April 19, 1944.