Though it
started on the day that would "live in infamy," few know the full story of the
battle that took place on Wake Island. With extensive research into both sides
of the conflict, including interviews with survivors and Japanese reports,
military historian John Wukovits breaks new ground on the assault, offering a
complete picture of the compelling and heroic struggle.
Mere hours after the first attack on Pearl Harbor (on
December 7, 1941), Japanese planes flew over Wake
Island, wreaking havoc and massive destruction while nullifying Wake's aerial
resistance. On December 11, the Japanese invasion began. But thanks to the brave
American Marine, Navy, and Army personnel
stationed there末and civilian construction workers who selflessly put their
lives on the line to defend the tiny island末what was supposed to be an easy
victory became a protracted and costly battle for Imperial Japan. This book is a
gripping account of that historic battle末and an examination of its effect on
America and the war itself.
New softbound edition, 308 pages, 37 B/W photographs, 4 maps and an index.
Just $13.99
Copyright 2008 by R.A. Cline Publishing. All rights reserved.
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The Battle For Wake Island
by John Wukovits
New Softbound edition (9 by 6 inches)
308 pages, 37 B/W photographs, 4 maps
New $13.99
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John Wukovits is a military expert and an authority on U.S. history in the Pacific theater of World War II. He is the author of several military biographies and many articles for publications such as "Naval History, World War II," "The Journal of Military History," "The Naval War College Review," and "Air Power History."
BOOK REVIEWS
Wukovits's outstanding military history is a fitting tribute to the military and civilian personnel who fought and died on Wake Island in the dark days immediately following the Japanese attack on Hawaii. The author sets the stage by introducing key figures who fought there and describing the political situation that led to the Japanese first strike. The accounts of the battle itself are particularly well rendered, mostly told through the recollections of the defenders themselves. The accounts several Japanese soldiers are also included, helping to provide balance to the battle descriptions. Equally important, Wukovits doesn't end the book with the American surrender, but instead goes on to describe the experiences of the survivors in Japanese captivity. The description of their three-plus year ordeal of beatings, starvation and appalling living conditions are as harrowing as the accounts of the battle. In the final chapter, Wukovits describes the fates of the survivors of the battle after the war. In the end, the picture that emerges is of a group of reluctant heroes who did their duty when their country called. Overall, "Pacific Alamo" is a compelling work of narrative military history that should appeal both to history buffs as well as to general readers." Brian D. Rubendall
"How often do you read a history book that's so engrossing you hate to set it down? Only as an exception, and this book is exceptional. The background is so well established that you'll feel like an island resident yourself by the time that first wave of bombers hit. The occasional humor further lends itself to making the book multi-dimensional and realizing the normality of the civilians and servicemen who became Wake heroes. I was also touched by some attention being paid to what a person's first taste of combat is like. 'It's okay to shoot at these guys, right? To actually try and kill them, right?' It's just an amazing account. Read it末you'll think you lived through the whole thing." W.B. Needle
