America at War: The Battle of Wake Island

On the same day that the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, they also launched air attacks on Wake Island, an important American naval base still under construction. Three days later a Japanese invasion force was repelled by a scratch force of marines, sailors and construction workers. Despite American attempts to relieve the island the Japanese launched a much greater invasion a few weeks later. Despite a gallant defense, the Americans were forced to surrender. Join Duane E. Shaffer as we discuss the strategy and tactics of this important battle.