028 - Wake is Lost

In the dawning days of the War, there seemed to be very little good news for America without a big dose of bad news to go with it. So, too, it was with Wake Island just before Christmas.

Those same Marines who defended that small spot of land from a handful of Japanese bombers and destroyers on the 8th now had to beat back a much larger attack force, including two Japanese carriers from the Kido Butai and their full compliment of bombers and fighters.

However, there was a ray of hope. Admiral Kimmel had dispatched two task forces to stage a rescue operation of Wake. Task Force 14 left Pearl harbor on December 16^th and included the carrier Saratoga the heavy cruisers San Francisco (pictured right), Minneapolis, Astoria, ten destroyers, and a fleet of support ships.

Before Task Force 14 could finish it’s mission, Admiral Kimmel had been relieved of his duties and replaced by substitute Commander-in-Chief, William Pye. Pye received scouting reports indicating a heavy Japanese invasion force near Wake Island. Admiral William Pye (who had not been in favor of Task Force 14) ordered the Saratoga and her escorts back to Pearl Harbor.
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On the morning of the 23^rd, the Japanese invasion force stood unopposed as it brought the Soryu, the Hiryu, their complete set of attack planes, escort ships, and two Marine Patrol boats.

Soon after the Patrol Boats landed on Wake, the Marines invaded the island with all their firepower. By nightfall of the 23^rd, the U.S. Marine had lost the battle. U.S. Marine Commander Devereaux was forced to surrender.

As American forces lined up in front of the Japanese forces, they were unsure of their fate. There had been stories that the Japanese did not take prisoners. Instead, they would line their prisoners in front of a firing squad and dispatch every last enemy. It was some surprise when 1,500 American Prisoners of War (POWs) were marched into barracks and held captive by the Japanese garrison. The American POWs would remain captive at Wake until the end of the War.