We don't know the issue, but it was in either 1944 or 1945. We also don't know if it was in LIFE or in LOOK. Each one had 52 copies each year. Really, I have just begun my search in earnest. As I said, I have several copies of LIFE headed my way. Each of them mentioned some aspect of Tarawa. :-) Dad's 87, so I'm looking harder than before.
bannie could you describe the photo to me. I have some time on my hands later in the week and as I said our local library has ALL the Life and Look magazines on microfilm. I remember looking through them a few years ago.