Location
Wake Atoll that consists of three main islands: Wake, Peale and Wilkes.

American Surrender
Japan launched an air raid Wake beginning on December 7, 1941. Japanese forces depart Kwajalien for Wake on December 8, 1941. They attempt to land on December 11th, but were repulsed. In the early hours of December 23, 1941 they land again. After a short battle, captured 1,603 men with the fall of the island garrison. Among those were 1,150 civilian contractors employed with Morrison-Knudsen Company

Missions Against Wake
December 8, 1941 - August 6, 1945

American Strikes on the Island
The first Pacific B-24 mission flown by four planes, against the island on June 26, 1943. Yorktown carrier planes flies attacked Wake with a devastating raid of 5 October 1943. Admiral Sakaibara saw this operation as an indication that an invasion was imminent and ordered the execution of the 98 Americans "to eliminate any threat they might pose".

Today
Some World War II facilities and wreckage remain on the islands.

Wake Island Airfield
Runs the length of the island, built by civilian contractors. Occupied by the Japanese until the end of the war.

"98" Rock
The "98 rock", a large piece of coral standing in the lagoon inscribed "98/U.S./P.W/5-10-43", a message carved by one of the 98 POW's later executed on Wake Island.

Command Posts and Fortifications
Other significant remains include USMC command post and hospital bunkers, and the Japanese command post bunker. Numerous Japanese pillboxes, fighting positions, tank traps and aircraft revetments remain on the island.

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Last Updated
October 1, 2009