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Pacific Alamo
It happened in the shadow of Pearl Harbor—mere hours after the first attack on the day that would “live in infamy.” But few know the full story of Wake Island.
Now a prominent military historian, breaking new ground on the assault, relates the compelling events of that day and the heroic struggle that followed. Thanks to the brave Marines stationed there-and the civilian construction workers who selflessly put their lives on the line to defend the island-what was supposed to be an easy victory became a protracted and costly battle for Imperial Japan. This is the story of that battle, from survivors on both sides, and with a gallery of historic photos.
Now a prominent military historian, breaking new ground on the assault, relates the compelling events of that day and the heroic struggle that followed. Thanks to the brave Marines stationed there-and the civilian construction workers who selflessly put their lives on the line to defend the island-what was supposed to be an easy victory became a protracted and costly battle for Imperial Japan. This is the story of that battle, from survivors on both sides, and with a gallery of historic photos.
320 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2003
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
June 9, 2021
Absolutely thrilling and little known battle at the start of WW2. Of course, I enjoy learning about history, all aspects of world war 2 and this was something I was so interested in, I read with my eyes as no audio book was available. John wukovits is a really interesting writer; where he writes more like a person speaking to you, or more specifically like your grandpa telling war stories. No punches pulled and all the details are included, gore and truth. Excellent as everyone should learn the truth of history because we are destined to repeat it.
March 2, 2025
“I accept this island proudly. Because this is Wake Island. Not just any island. It was here the Marines showed us how.”
- US Navy Commander, William Masek, September 4th, 1945
“And we shall pass and be forgotten with the rest. All of us.” - John Rogge, Civilian Contractor stationed at Wake, 2002 interview
A haunting narrative, made all the more so by the fact that every single interviewee has passed on. When I wrote this brief review, there was only one American survivor left from the defense of Wake. He lived in North Carolina: https://www.ashepostandtimes.com/nc-d...
Sadly, he passed on in 2023, aged 101: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/....
May we remember them.
- US Navy Commander, William Masek, September 4th, 1945
“And we shall pass and be forgotten with the rest. All of us.” - John Rogge, Civilian Contractor stationed at Wake, 2002 interview
A haunting narrative, made all the more so by the fact that every single interviewee has passed on. When I wrote this brief review, there was only one American survivor left from the defense of Wake. He lived in North Carolina: https://www.ashepostandtimes.com/nc-d...
Sadly, he passed on in 2023, aged 101: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/....
May we remember them.
October 9, 2020
John Wukovits has done it again; he's penned another five-star book about WWII that will long linger in the memory of those who have known the pleasure of reading it. Admittedly, I didn't know much about what happened on Wake Island, though I had learned much about places such as Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima. In the same fashion as the subject of another of the author's great reads, One Square Mile of Hell: The Battle for Tarawa, what occurred on Wake is just as heroic and as memorable as anything that occurred during more highly publicized campaigns. The Battle for Wake Island is an incredible read, and should leave the reader pondering our citizens' sacrifices for freedom and appreciating more than ever what it means to be an American.
April 12, 2020
In the days leading our Nation into WW 2, we had a garrison of Navy, Marines, and US Army as well civilian construction workers stationed on an atoll known as Wake Island. Peale Island housed a way station for Pan Am Airlines. Wake Island consist of three parts- Willis Island, Peale Island, and Wake. Wake is the larger of the trio.
The construction workers were there to construct improvements to the infrastructure be it a road or a revement. The Marines came in two shades- either aviation or air defense. The Army provided communication with the B-17s that were in theory suppose to use the Island a refueling station.
As we are well aware 7 December 1941, we were attacked by the Imperial Japanese Navy at Pearl Harbor; our fleet was destroyed less the aircraft carriers, and it's escort ships. Crossing the International date line, the IJN attacked from the Marshall Islands Wake Island. They bomb the air strip for three days. On 11 December 1941, in an assault they were handed a sever defeat- two destroyers were sunk, one submarine was grievously damaged. They retreated back, and the waiting game was being played out. On 23 December 1941, a second assault occurred at 2:30 AM when the IJN landed an unit on Willies Island; with tenacity, sound tactics the IJN was defeated on Wilkes Island. On Wake there was much larger force that assaulted; yet, they lost a ship, and had a high number of their Marines killed while in comparison to the US losses. By noon, it was over. Our forces capitulated (similar to Robert E. Lee at Appomattox)
Fighting next to the Marines were several construction workers. Their acquitted themselves in action. Without their support,and assistance, our forces would not have achieved the delay that was foreign to IJN. They help slow down the juggernaut enough that Midway had time prepare for the next engagement.
Yes, the defense of Wake Island was received as boost to our Country moral. The defense caused increase in sells of war bonds, increase in enlistment. Even Hollywood git into the act in producing a movie "Wake Island."
The Marines, Sailors, Soldiers, and construction workers were taken into captivity for three one-half years. The IJA concept of treating POWS was not ours. They were worked to death, underfeed, beaten, used as slave labor in industry that was producing war implements (this is a violation of the Geneva Convention on treatment of POW)
Post war, they tried to assimilate back into their communities; yet, they struggled with what we know today as PTSD, and other health aliments .
This us a must read for those interested in the Pacific Campaign.
The construction workers were there to construct improvements to the infrastructure be it a road or a revement. The Marines came in two shades- either aviation or air defense. The Army provided communication with the B-17s that were in theory suppose to use the Island a refueling station.
As we are well aware 7 December 1941, we were attacked by the Imperial Japanese Navy at Pearl Harbor; our fleet was destroyed less the aircraft carriers, and it's escort ships. Crossing the International date line, the IJN attacked from the Marshall Islands Wake Island. They bomb the air strip for three days. On 11 December 1941, in an assault they were handed a sever defeat- two destroyers were sunk, one submarine was grievously damaged. They retreated back, and the waiting game was being played out. On 23 December 1941, a second assault occurred at 2:30 AM when the IJN landed an unit on Willies Island; with tenacity, sound tactics the IJN was defeated on Wilkes Island. On Wake there was much larger force that assaulted; yet, they lost a ship, and had a high number of their Marines killed while in comparison to the US losses. By noon, it was over. Our forces capitulated (similar to Robert E. Lee at Appomattox)
Fighting next to the Marines were several construction workers. Their acquitted themselves in action. Without their support,and assistance, our forces would not have achieved the delay that was foreign to IJN. They help slow down the juggernaut enough that Midway had time prepare for the next engagement.
Yes, the defense of Wake Island was received as boost to our Country moral. The defense caused increase in sells of war bonds, increase in enlistment. Even Hollywood git into the act in producing a movie "Wake Island."
The Marines, Sailors, Soldiers, and construction workers were taken into captivity for three one-half years. The IJA concept of treating POWS was not ours. They were worked to death, underfeed, beaten, used as slave labor in industry that was producing war implements (this is a violation of the Geneva Convention on treatment of POW)
Post war, they tried to assimilate back into their communities; yet, they struggled with what we know today as PTSD, and other health aliments .
This us a must read for those interested in the Pacific Campaign.
April 20, 2023
When the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor and many other outposts in Asia in the early part of December 1941 their forces appeared unstoppable. The list of quick victories included Pearl Harbor, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Singapore and the Dutch East Indies. Military installations considered formidable fell with what seemed to be a minimum of resistance.
However, there was one American outpost that put up a very stiff fight, and that was the American garrison at Wake Island. A small outpost that served as a transit point for Pan Am airlines, Wake was a strategic location in the middle of the Pacific. There, a small garrison of American military units augmented with construction workers that joined the fight handed the Japanese a defeat.
This book is the story of a valiant resistance against impossible odds. While there was some initial hope of being rescued by the American Navy, the American forces soon learned that there was no hope of help, resupply or relief. It is a tale of gallantry, adherence to duty, very sound military tactics and survival in Japanese POW camps.
One thing that is debunked is that when the commander of Wake was asked if they needed anything his response was, “Send us more Japs!” This was a propaganda concoction by military people safely residing in the United States, the people on Wake considered such a message to be insanity.
Since the American forces on Wake did surrender and some survived the war in captivity, the reference to the Alamo is not completely accurate. However, that reference is accurate to the extent that the battle for Wake was effectively used to improve American morale and demonstrated that the Japanese forces could be effectively resisted.
This is a great book about what was a relatively small battle in terms of the size of the forces but was huge in terms of the consequences to American public perceptions of the early course of the war against Japan.
However, there was one American outpost that put up a very stiff fight, and that was the American garrison at Wake Island. A small outpost that served as a transit point for Pan Am airlines, Wake was a strategic location in the middle of the Pacific. There, a small garrison of American military units augmented with construction workers that joined the fight handed the Japanese a defeat.
This book is the story of a valiant resistance against impossible odds. While there was some initial hope of being rescued by the American Navy, the American forces soon learned that there was no hope of help, resupply or relief. It is a tale of gallantry, adherence to duty, very sound military tactics and survival in Japanese POW camps.
One thing that is debunked is that when the commander of Wake was asked if they needed anything his response was, “Send us more Japs!” This was a propaganda concoction by military people safely residing in the United States, the people on Wake considered such a message to be insanity.
Since the American forces on Wake did surrender and some survived the war in captivity, the reference to the Alamo is not completely accurate. However, that reference is accurate to the extent that the battle for Wake was effectively used to improve American morale and demonstrated that the Japanese forces could be effectively resisted.
This is a great book about what was a relatively small battle in terms of the size of the forces but was huge in terms of the consequences to American public perceptions of the early course of the war against Japan.
October 7, 2023
John Wukovits's 2003 Pacific Alamo: The Battle for Wake Island covers the heroic stand of United States military personnel and civilian construction workers at Wake against overwhelming Japanese forces in the weeks after Pearl Harbor. At a time when the Allies suffered embarrassing swift defeat after defeat in the Pacific, the daily news of the saga of Wake riveted a nation, and showed what American fighting spirit could accomplish.
Wukovits alternates between the overall geopolitical and military picture and the personal, with the latter including both contemporary testimonies of American participants and also the author's own interviews, along with diaries and reports of Japanese combatants as well. The book covers strategic and of course tactical matters ably, but it is in the personal that it really shines. Whether it is with U.S. Marines or with Morrison-Knudson contractors suddenly thrust from high-paying jobs into grim war, or even with Japanese servicemen, the narrative moves from real-life character to character, chronicling what they did, what they saw, what they felt. We learn where people came from and why, we see them on the runup to and during the battle, and afterward we even follow some into captivity in occupied Korea, occupied China, and Japan, and then to repatriation as well.
I almost was going to outline some of the crucial parts of the battle, and hit some of the highlights of various individuals' experiences, but on second thought--no. Certain of the events, after all, will come as surprises to those of us unfamiliar with the details of the action at Wake, so I want to avoid "plot" spoilers. And regarding the personal accounts, it actually is difficult to pick and choose, so perhaps it will be better to leave the revealing to the reader.
This book's single flaw, to me, is an occasionally over-broad or over-exuberant turn of phrase, of the "All eyes were upon..." or "Every heart was filled with..." variety. When such writing occurs, it is a weakness, because that isn't how the world works. I found these occurrences annoying, pulling a 5-star text into the 4.5-star region...and yet, of course, this still rounds back up to 5, does it not?
Aside from this minor quibble that probably will be unnoticed by the majority of readers, therefore, John Wukovits's Pacific Alamo: The Battle for Wake Island, depicting of a courageous stand that rallied America by proving that its forces truly could fight, and which also helped delay further Japanese conquest a little bit, is a revealing and exciting read.
Wukovits alternates between the overall geopolitical and military picture and the personal, with the latter including both contemporary testimonies of American participants and also the author's own interviews, along with diaries and reports of Japanese combatants as well. The book covers strategic and of course tactical matters ably, but it is in the personal that it really shines. Whether it is with U.S. Marines or with Morrison-Knudson contractors suddenly thrust from high-paying jobs into grim war, or even with Japanese servicemen, the narrative moves from real-life character to character, chronicling what they did, what they saw, what they felt. We learn where people came from and why, we see them on the runup to and during the battle, and afterward we even follow some into captivity in occupied Korea, occupied China, and Japan, and then to repatriation as well.
I almost was going to outline some of the crucial parts of the battle, and hit some of the highlights of various individuals' experiences, but on second thought--no. Certain of the events, after all, will come as surprises to those of us unfamiliar with the details of the action at Wake, so I want to avoid "plot" spoilers. And regarding the personal accounts, it actually is difficult to pick and choose, so perhaps it will be better to leave the revealing to the reader.
This book's single flaw, to me, is an occasionally over-broad or over-exuberant turn of phrase, of the "All eyes were upon..." or "Every heart was filled with..." variety. When such writing occurs, it is a weakness, because that isn't how the world works. I found these occurrences annoying, pulling a 5-star text into the 4.5-star region...and yet, of course, this still rounds back up to 5, does it not?
Aside from this minor quibble that probably will be unnoticed by the majority of readers, therefore, John Wukovits's Pacific Alamo: The Battle for Wake Island, depicting of a courageous stand that rallied America by proving that its forces truly could fight, and which also helped delay further Japanese conquest a little bit, is a revealing and exciting read.
September 28, 2021
An important story is told here in a mediocre fashion. This is not a true blue factual account of events.
I was disappointed with this title for mostly stylistic reasons. The writing is clumsy at times, full of unnecessary repetition, contradictory information and far too much editorial content from the author. It feels like a lame attempt to inject drama/emotion. The story of the US stand at Wake Atoll doesn’t need that. It is compelling enough with just the facts.
I was disappointed with this title for mostly stylistic reasons. The writing is clumsy at times, full of unnecessary repetition, contradictory information and far too much editorial content from the author. It feels like a lame attempt to inject drama/emotion. The story of the US stand at Wake Atoll doesn’t need that. It is compelling enough with just the facts.
December 23, 2025
Great story relived
Learned so many interesting facts from behind the lines. So much hardship they endured for so long. Being a vet, makes me proud to honor these men, by respecting their memory for ages to come. Wish we would all take time to thank these heroes for sacrificing so much for our nation. Freedom is not free. Just ask the Wake Marines. S/F
Learned so many interesting facts from behind the lines. So much hardship they endured for so long. Being a vet, makes me proud to honor these men, by respecting their memory for ages to come. Wish we would all take time to thank these heroes for sacrificing so much for our nation. Freedom is not free. Just ask the Wake Marines. S/F
June 25, 2025
A decent book on a very inspiring part of WWII history. While I liked the read I couldn't help but wonder why I wasn't enthralled as it came down to the writer. The writing at times was repetitive, and was generally laid out in a mundane fashion. Again the story was superb, the writing was decent.
October 14, 2021
Had this on my list for a while. Decent read.
Not surprised we treated our returning POWs like crap.
Not surprised we treated our returning POWs like crap.
August 26, 2022
Great story of heroics and honor!
October 18, 2022
Excellent History of an Epic battle to hold Wake Island
July 13, 2023
Found this while in Hawaii. First historical nonfiction in a while. Enjoyed!
Read
March 18, 20253.75-4 stars...a battle I never knew of though I had heard the name of the island. Unreal what those men went through
July 10, 2025
now THIS is some kino boomer slop. no bullshit or fluff about questioning morality or the humanity of the enemy. just pure boomer walmart shelf history.
January 7, 2026
In 1941, a small force of Marines, Navy, Army personnel, and civilian workers defended Wake Island against Japanese attacks for three weeks, sinking a destroyer before the island fell.
June 7, 2012
An amazing story. Wake Island, strategically important due to its location - Tokyo was 2,000 miles Northwest, Hawaii 2,000 miles east, and the Philippines 2,800 miles west.
449 US Marines had arrived in August 1941. Undermanned and under equipped, they started to fortify the island. 1,146 civilians already on the island worked to build an airfield and facilities. On December 4th (the 5th in Hawaii, on other side of the dateline) 55 Marine aviators arrived.
On December 8th (again, the 7th in Hawaii and mainland US) the Japanese attacked Wake by air.
On December 11th, a Japanese naval attack group started the invasion. This handful of Marines (plus 68 US Navy and 5 US Army) not only beat hem back, but a US Marine artillery gun sank the first Japanese ship of the war - a destroyer. Several hundred of the civilians took up arms, while several hundred more actively supported the battle. This crew, with only 2 fighter planes - sank 2 Japanese destroyers, a submarine,two patrol boats and heavily damaged a light cruiser. Japenese killed in action were between 800 amd 900 They forced the landing back and the Japanese withdrew. Daily air raids continued until a new, larger invasion force returned. On December 23rd, with 52 US military killed, 70 civilians killed, they surrendered.
The tale of what followed is equally gripping. The mistreatment of the POWs evacuated to China, as well as the massacre of 98 civilians on Wake Island in October 1943 shows the brutality of the Japanese military.
I found the book enjoyable. The author allowed you to get to know some of the people invoved. Ocasionally would repeat the same facts without need and in several places contradicted himself on minor matters. He also spoke of the POW's use as slave labor by Japanese companies, naming several well known firms. However, he only briefly, in passing, talks to prisoner work details and never mentions work in factories or for specific companies.
449 US Marines had arrived in August 1941. Undermanned and under equipped, they started to fortify the island. 1,146 civilians already on the island worked to build an airfield and facilities. On December 4th (the 5th in Hawaii, on other side of the dateline) 55 Marine aviators arrived.
On December 8th (again, the 7th in Hawaii and mainland US) the Japanese attacked Wake by air.
On December 11th, a Japanese naval attack group started the invasion. This handful of Marines (plus 68 US Navy and 5 US Army) not only beat hem back, but a US Marine artillery gun sank the first Japanese ship of the war - a destroyer. Several hundred of the civilians took up arms, while several hundred more actively supported the battle. This crew, with only 2 fighter planes - sank 2 Japanese destroyers, a submarine,two patrol boats and heavily damaged a light cruiser. Japenese killed in action were between 800 amd 900 They forced the landing back and the Japanese withdrew. Daily air raids continued until a new, larger invasion force returned. On December 23rd, with 52 US military killed, 70 civilians killed, they surrendered.
The tale of what followed is equally gripping. The mistreatment of the POWs evacuated to China, as well as the massacre of 98 civilians on Wake Island in October 1943 shows the brutality of the Japanese military.
I found the book enjoyable. The author allowed you to get to know some of the people invoved. Ocasionally would repeat the same facts without need and in several places contradicted himself on minor matters. He also spoke of the POW's use as slave labor by Japanese companies, naming several well known firms. However, he only briefly, in passing, talks to prisoner work details and never mentions work in factories or for specific companies.
June 12, 2015
Really good account of what lead up to the incredible feat of the initial defense of Wake Island, just days after Japan attacked Pearl Harbor. As with most incidents of military disaster, poor planning and upper brass decisions played a major role in the outcome.
Wukovits interviewed many, many survivors, both military(enlisted and officers) and civilian workers who were present on the tiny atoll when Japan decided to make it hers. From the personal accounts, memoirs and well preserved histories, he puts together a complete, well-rounded account of one of the most unbelievable military events in history. Wake is referred to as the Pacific Alamo, and it stands alongside the the 1836 defense of the Alamo in Texas, Thermopylae, and the British -vs- the Zulus as the greatest "last stands" in history.
If you don't know what happened at Wake, read this book. If you think you know what happened at Wake, read this book. If you have studied what happened at Wake, read this book. You won't be disappointed.
Wukovits interviewed many, many survivors, both military(enlisted and officers) and civilian workers who were present on the tiny atoll when Japan decided to make it hers. From the personal accounts, memoirs and well preserved histories, he puts together a complete, well-rounded account of one of the most unbelievable military events in history. Wake is referred to as the Pacific Alamo, and it stands alongside the the 1836 defense of the Alamo in Texas, Thermopylae, and the British -vs- the Zulus as the greatest "last stands" in history.
If you don't know what happened at Wake, read this book. If you think you know what happened at Wake, read this book. If you have studied what happened at Wake, read this book. You won't be disappointed.
September 19, 2012
I approached this book knowing shamefully little about the Wake Island defense- only that the garrison had resisted the Japanese briefly against enormous odds. The author, deftly drawing from veteran accounts on both sides, did an excellent job describing the transition of Wake from a provisioning stop to a military base and then to the site of a heroic military and civilian effort to repel the enemy.
A better title for the book might have been "The Saga of Wake Island," for the continuing narrative of the Wake defenders' ordeals in prison camps and their eventual liberation was every bit as powerful as that of the battle itself.
This book is an excellent and easily readable account of a part of United States history that merits greater attention and appreciation. Dive in and be as moved as I was.
A better title for the book might have been "The Saga of Wake Island," for the continuing narrative of the Wake defenders' ordeals in prison camps and their eventual liberation was every bit as powerful as that of the battle itself.
This book is an excellent and easily readable account of a part of United States history that merits greater attention and appreciation. Dive in and be as moved as I was.
December 4, 2007
A very good book on the battle of Wake Island. It includes the story of the men involved during their heroic stand at Wake. It also tracks how their hopeless situation inspired a nation, in desperate need of good news early in the war. The author draws information from the many survivors that were still alive when the book was written.
October 13, 2015
In December 1941 the Japanese attacked Wake Island which was an aircraft stopping point on the way to the Philippines. On December 7, 1941, American construction workers and US Marines were beefing up the defenses. Like the Alamo in Texas history, these American forces battled a supeior enemy force while waiting for promised relief.
October 17, 2014
Wow, I wasn't aware of what went on with Wake. It's amazing what the soldiers and civilians there went through. Those guys were tough hard-asses who really went above and beyond. I keep thinking about the different people and their stories and what they all went through. I thought it was great how the Japanese perspectives were in here too. I definitely recommend it.
February 6, 2008
Great recounting of what went on in this little corner of the world, yet was so significant to the events of WWII.
May 24, 2011
This was a great book about events that I'm ashamed to admit I hadn't known about previously.
May 1, 2012
Great account of the Wake Island fight which was hopeless but gave hope to the people back home at a dark time in early World War II just after Pearl Harbor.
August 10, 2012
Wonderful Book. Hard to put down. Easy to read. Fast, yet detailed. Great Story
April 3, 2008
John Wukovits writes about WWII in the Pacific better than anyone I've read.
June 10, 2018
A moving account with much to consider toward the end (on both sides of the engagement). Honor to those who did what they were trained to do and those who joined in untrained to help the cause.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews