About this Unit
**Wake Island** is a small atoll in the Pacific Ocean that gained significant military importance during World War II. In December 1941, shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor, a small garrison of U.S. Marines, Navy personnel, and civilian contractors bravely defended the island against a massive Japanese assault. Despite being heavily outnumbered and bombarded, the defenders managed to repel the initial invasion before being overwhelmed and forced to surrender after a two-week siege. The heroic stand at Wake Island became a symbol of American resilience and valor during the early days of the Pacific War. The island remained under Japanese occupation until it was surrendered back to U.S. forces at the end of the war.
Historical Facts
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Strategic Location: Wake Island is a tiny atoll in the Pacific Ocean, strategically located about two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to Guam, making it a key refueling and military outpost for the United States.
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Early U.S. Possession: The United States annexed Wake Island on January 17, 1899, after it was formally claimed by a landing party from the USS Bennington.
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Pan Am Clipper Stop: In the 1930s, Wake Island served as a vital refueling stop for Pan American Airways’ trans-Pacific “China Clipper” flying boats, which made it a symbol of progress in aviation.
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Pre-WWII Garrison: In 1941, the U.S. began fortifying Wake Island and stationed a small force of Marines, Navy, and civilian contractors to build defenses.
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Battle of Wake Island (1941): Just hours after Pearl Harbor, Wake Island was attacked by Japanese aircraft. The 16-day siege and defense by a small contingent of U.S. Marines, Navy personnel, and civilians became legendary.
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David vs. Goliath Defense: The outnumbered U.S. defenders managed to destroy several Japanese ships and aircraft, and even repelled the first Japanese landing attempt, marking the only time in WWII that a Japanese amphibious assault was initially defeated.
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Heroic Leadership: Major James Devereux and Commander Winfield Cunningham became famous for their leadership during the battle, inspiring their men under dire circumstances.
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Famous Surrender Quote: When asked to surrender, Marine Commander Devereux reportedly replied, “Send us more Japs!” (though the authenticity is debated), symbolizing the defenders’ tenacity.
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Japanese Occupation: After Wake Island fell on December 23, 1941, it remained under Japanese control until the end of the war. The Japanese executed 98 American civilian prisoners in 1943, a tragic war crime.
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Present-Day Use: Today, Wake Island is an unorganized, unincorporated U.S. territory administered by the U.S. Air Force. It remains off-limits to the public and serves as a military airfield and emergency landing site.
