The Marines’ last stand at Wake Island | The Battle of Wake Island (WW2)

[@davidpearsall190]

Thanks for posting this video and telling the story of the heroic defense of Wake. My father was a marine on Wake. I grew up hearing the stories first hand from m my father and his Marine survivor buddies. I had the honor of traveling back to Wake attending the survivors reunion trips in 1985 and 1988. Both marines and civilian survivors attended. Walking throughout the island with these heroes and listening to their stories was an amazing experience. I will forever honor them !

[@HoH]

Thank you for sharing! Incredible stories your father must have told. Good of you to remember & share them.

[@tomjustis7237]

Dave, as a Marine who served in Vietnam, I would not only be proud and honored to buy your father a drink, I would be proud and honored to buy him the most horrendous hangover any Jarhead ever had in the history of the Corps! It was growing up with stories of men like your father that made me determined to be a Marine myself. If there is a God and a heaven, I'm sure your father is guarding the gates and still proudly wearing the eagle, globe and anchor! Semper Fi!

[@hazchemel]

Thanks for sharing. The men of Wake, and those on other islands overrun in the initial Japanese expansion are amazing examples of the Japanese callous contempt for captured opponents. Your father must have had very deep wells of resilience, may Our Sweet Lord keep him.

[@carolverloove6980]

My cousin, Marine Sgt. Lawrence Marion Byer was captured on Wake Island and taken to a camp in Japan. After the war he lived with my parents. He is a Purple Heart recipient and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery. Thank you, Marion, for your sacrifices.

[@Ckom-Tunes]

Among the massive number of useless, exploitive and badly done channels here on KZbin there are a couple (very few) channels that are absolute gems-this channel is one of those rare gems! This channel is exceptional in its content, presentation, production, accessibility and respect for the audience! These are qualities not easily found in the KZbin community today. It’s evident that you put a great deal of work into creating these videos and it shows up in the quality of the finished product. Thank-you so very much for your work! It’s appreciated!

[@HoH]

Thank you for your comment, that is very kind. I do make mistakes as it is just me working on this channel, but when viewers point it out I learn from them. It is one of the great things of working on this channel: I learn something new every day. An example: English isn't my native language and in a recent video I said "a couple", thinking it was synonymous with "several" for example. Several (ha!) People pointed it out and I won't make that mistake again. Thanks again, have a great day!

[@snully99]

You deserve way more attention than you currently have, your videos are consistently interesting, well researched, and well produced. I'm certain your channel will blow up any day now.

[@HoH]

I’m very glad you enjoy the videos! It has been an incredibly interesting project to work on!

[@mediamannaman]

In the account I read, it was Major James Devereux, the commander of the Marines, who devised and executed the plan to hold fire until the Japanese forces were intimately close in their December 11 attack.

[@leatharay3565]

It was Devereaux.

[@Brodie--lw6eb]

Yes it was Devereaux

[@chuckw1113]

The civilians on the island were all construction workers. Many of them joined Marine gun crews or received weapons and helped to defend the island.

[@leatharay3565]

Alamo of the Pacific is an awesome documentary.

[@jeffstowe4860]

Excellent content with photos and keen commontary. Thank you sir.

[@ricardolyglesiash264]

Thanks!

[@mmink9336]

Saw a military history channel on this a very interesting subject and overlooked because of the events elsewhere at that time

[@stevenv.surawski1178]

Thanks for all the work that you put into these videos, I look forward to them.

[@georget8008]

I am not american but the wake island battle is perhaps the bravest moment in american history. It is Thermopylae and Alamo combined

[@donaldclay9535]

Yeah.

[@themoocow7718]

Great video! :) I love history, especially history that is overshadowed by the bigger things, but are important nonetheless.

[@montanabulldog9687]

You "Forgot" to mention, HAMMERING HANK, a US Marine "Captain" ( Pilot ) . . . was given the MOH, the "First" Battlefield Award" of said medal, of the 2nd World War.

[@didgerb72]

I love military history. I served in the British Army. Im now disabled after breaking my back. I would love to get a degree and teach history. Unfortunately finances enabled me when I was able. Now health, as Ill never be able to work again. Even simple tasks take too much out of me. I just found your channel today sir. I watched the last German surrender in Spitzbergen video. I really enjoyed it. Not just because of how interesting the story was, but how well you told it. Just like this video on Wake Island. You know your history sir. I wonder if you have any research on the Guards Armoured Division in WW2. Ive studied a bit, cause my Grandad served. My Grandads WW2 He joined the Army in 32 and served 6yrs pre war India Lucknow, and trained Horses for Horse Artillery. Use to go into the mountains to buy horses from tribesmen with Gurkha and Sikh troops. He was also a PTI, and unarmed combat instructor, so the Sikhs taught him how to use the garot knot, and Gurkhas the Kurka knife. He returned to UK in 37or 38?, volunteered for BEF. Injured in Belgium in 1940 and casivaced from Dunkirk after 3 days in and out of the water waiting for a boat. He spent a yr in recovery at Bovington. Then as a Bombadier (Cpl), he was posted to the Gurads Depot as a PTI, cause of his training in India. He taught the first Commando unit formed in WW2 Guards Commandos (Shortly after Royal Marines trained as Commandos). He then Sgt instructor at the Depot cause the Guards were having a Division formed with Armour. So he taught Gunnery on tanks etc. Posted back to 21st Anti tank Regt RA in 44, which transfered to Guards Armoured Div and in VII Corps. They landed in Normandy 26th June (DDay plus 20). He in all the major tank battles around Caen and Villiers Bocage. Up against 12th SS Panzer Div Hitleryouth. Both sides rarely took prisoners. They then had rest and refit, transferred to XXX Corps and liberated Paris and then his own Regt liberated Brussels. Sept 44 Operation Market Garden (huge war film called Bridge to far about it). XXX Corps on the ground, US and British Airbourne in the sky. Guards Armoured Div spearhead, and his Regt in thick of it. His Regt laid down covering fire as the 82nd stormed across the river to take Nijmagen Bridge. After Arnhem. They battled near Antwerp. Then Dec 44 in battle of the Bulge. Got injured in his M10 Tank Destroyer. Returned to unit early 45 after hospital. In time to liberate the camps near Bergen Belsen.

[@828enigma6]

Thank you for your service and that of your family. You all made a difference. Mate.

[@didgerb72]

Im lucky to not have served in combat. Served during First Gulf, but our half of Regt loading the ships in UK. Other half in Saudi unloading. When our turn to swap, Sadaam surrendered. 2nd Gulf I broke my back doing a charity parachute jump on a weekend off from SAS Sigs selection 16tj March of 03. Main invasion 18th March. Gutted to not veing able to go. I wear my Veterans badge for those who were there, esp to those who gave All. My mates who did go still say I have there respect, cause I joined the Army 3 different times (1st: 16yrs old Jnr Ldrs Royal Artillery in 1988, Ruptured Achilles tendon so either backsquad or rejoin at 18. 2nd: 17yrs plus 6months as Regular RCT Maritime on landing craft and Mexeflote rafts and small fast boats etc 1990 to 93. 3rd: 30yrs old as T.A reserves in SAS Sigs Sqn 2002 to 2004). They say I had the honour and guts to volunteer for my country. I was willing to give All. So respect from them means so much. I was taught how to be a soldier from Falklands war veterans. Very tough instructors. I regret never serving in combat, but my friends say never regret making the effort to serve. Situations out of my control stopped me from going. Thank those who went, Ill thank them stood next to you Caroline. Xx

[@HoH]

Hi David, I am so sorry for responding this late. I must have missed the notification. Thank you very much for the kind words and sharing your story. Your grandfather's story is quite incredible as well, it is thanks to him we can nowadays share stories like this in freedom. I hope you are in good health, thank you again.

[@ThisisBarris]

Awesome video man! Happy to see you cover some US history because I barely have any knowledge of it despite being (half) American, which is kinda embarassing...

[@leatharay3565]

Due to no longer teaching in schools. My Dad was there

[@brendanmcdonough8964]

Another interesting and informative video, thanks for your hard work.

[@HoH]

My pleasure!

[@leatharay3565]

My Father was there...taken as a pow 4 yrs

[@codyhilton1750]

That is not Wake Island pictured in Dec 41. The aircrafts shown are Corsairs F4U and Hellcat F6F that were not available until 1943.

[@PUAlum]

Thank you for posting this.

[@HoH]

You're welcome!

[@thomasdavies5061]

One thing about history that's so fascinating is the recurrence of dates and places. 7th December the Pearl harbor attacks is also an important date in Indonesias genocide campaign in East Timor, Guantanamo bay was the site of the US invasion of Cuba during the Spanish-American war. Great video keep it up

[@HoH]

It is curious isn’t it. 8-9 November as well... the Bierkeller putsch, fall of the Berlin wall, suicide of Stalin’s wife... my birthday... 😉

[@Steveross2851]

Japan surrendered Wake Island to the U.S. on September 4, 1945 two days after the official ceremony of Japan's official surrender in Tokyo Bay two days earlier. The Americans upon repossessing Wake Island demanded to know the fate of all Americans not removed from Wake Island in 1941 on Japanese "hell ships." They had been murdered in 1943 on orders of Rear Admiral Shigematsu Sakaibara. In 1945 the Japanese initially tried to claim that those missing slave laborers had mostly been killed in a 1943 American air raid. But it was quickly deduced that Sakaibara had ordered them killed and in 1947 Sakaibara was hanged. Sakaibara's subordinate, a Lieutenant Commander Tachibana was also sentenced to death (commuted later to life in prison).

[@thomasjr8360]

Hammering hank got the CMH .. The pilet that sunk the destroyer and was killed in the inversion

[@shawnmalone9711]

I read Bill Sloan 's Given Up For Dead America's Heroic Stand at Wake Island a good book on how the US Marines and civilian contractors fought against the Japanese. They were essentially written off by the US Navy because all available naval ships had to be saved for future battles. An attempt was made to send a task force but the navy captain called it off because it was too risky. In those early days of US involvement of the war the Marines made Americans proud of their fighting ability. In 1942 , Paramount released " Wake Island" and it did well at the box office.The movie used to be on TV in the early 1970s on Channel 5 , KTLA , Los Angeles. I watched the movie with my dad and he told me all the Americans in the battle died fighting against the Japanese. When I was older and read books about World War II , I found out the Marines surrendered and some survived after the war ended.

[@varovaro1967]

I just subscribed and i am catching up with your videos. Can we take a look at your library? The videos are very good, i would suggest more changes of rhythm in your tone and some conclusions at the end and leave some open questions, just suggestions, great work. Thank you.

[@HoH]

Suggestions and feedback are always welcome! Perhaps some open questions/conclusions at the end are a good fit, thanks!

[@bigsteve6200]

Outstanding ! The World's Finest US Marines. Semper Fi

[@lawrencemyers3623]

An excellent book on the subject is John Wukovits "Pacific Alamo".

[@pdailey1950]

My uncle Leo Fraley was a civilian on Wake Island. He was captured and was sent to Japan as slave labor. He survived but died in 1957 from his injuries and harsh treatment.

[@carolverloove6980]

Great video!

[@madzen112]

Give me coffee & TV, house of history

[@DaleDirt]

This was amazing ... War is hell on earth . Humans will never be happy or satisfied .

[@L1V2P9]

Perhaps you can tell us the role of the Grumman Avenger in the battle pictured at 4:22.

[@ridgerunner5772]

That variety of aircraft was not there..., but, it is a cool image..

[@folksinger2100]

We all know about Operation Cobra and the US breakout but very few know about the UK breakout known as Operation 'Great Swan' through France into Belgium. The fastest operation covering the greatest distance in the shortest possible time in WW2

[@ryansmith8759]

I met a defender of Wake Island. He was a civilian. A charming man. As they watched this ships get closer, the marines asked him if he knew how to shoot a gun. He didn't. And it was obvious when he tried. One asked him "do you know how to throw a baseball?" He had been a baseball player. They handed him a sack of grenades and he hid in the brush above the beach and lobbed grenades at the invading Japanese marines. He killed dozens of marines that day. Later, the Japanese lined all the civilians up on the beach and made them kneel. The Japanese were going to execute the Americans, or "decimate" them, or executed a few. I don't remember the details he said. Then the commanding Admiral walked onto the beach, and with gravitas spared the POWs. He was brought to Japan as a POW for the entire war. He was thankful for the Admiral's professionalism.

[@malcolmallerton3946]

Thank you good vidio

[@K55365]

Please consider doing a video on Wilhelm Waßmuß.

[@HoH]

That's a great suggestion, thanks!

[@K55365]

@@HoH There is currently no video on him and his endeavours in the English language on KZbin. It's a pity that such an interesting character from WWI is so unknown.

[@TUMARK2]

I have heard other accounts that told of the carrier task force being recalled and the reasons why, but two questions remain for me 1. only one other account mentions two us submarines in the area of wake island, why they didnt remain to attack IJN ships? instead they were recalled back to Pearl 2. during the island hopping campaign the US bypassed Wake and not taken back until Japan's formal surrender. Didnt the Navy know there were POWs suffering and in need of rescue?

[@donaldclay9535]

Not Soldiers They Called U.S.Marines. Semper-Fi, Mac'.

[@R.boomhower]

My former employer James King was former Marine on Wake . He started his own security business in San Francisco. King Security. He passed away from natural.causes.

[@codyhilton1750]

Japan did not have Marines. They were Naval Special Operation Forces. Semper Fi!

[@robertweeks3430]

Love this channel!! Thank you for bringing to light the Japanese atrocities during WW2.. We are only taught in school about the Holecaust because of America's transformation of Japan after WW2 their war crimes are down played or outright omitted from history textbooks.

[@homebrandrules]

excellent channel because 1. no bullshit music 2. you DON'T tell us to thumbs up and subscribe AT THE BEGGINING OF YR VIDEOS 3. your attention to minor details of the story helps us to BE THERE 4. more points which my tired lazy brain can't be bothered to type now T H A N K Y O U

[@michaelmccusker159]

Thank You.. Wake Isand..

[@1pcfred]

Why didn't we reinforce the island? WTF?

[@dc76384]

Ever heard of Pearl Harbor?

[@hopatease1]

And on a side note I was born on the date on the rock May 10 1943 .

[@lawrencemyers3623]

Sorry, but the murder of the 98 American construction workers occurred on 5 October, 1943.

[@hopatease1]

@@lawrencemyers3623 If you bother to look at the rock it has the date 5 - 10 - 43 and THAT IS WHAT I WAS TALKING ABOUT !

[@lawrencemyers3623]

@@hopatease1: sorry, but the date on the rock is 5 October, not May 10, 1943. Check out the story behind the Wake Island Massacre either with the USNI or the NHHC.

[@TIMOTHYCouncil]

Why doesn't anybody talk about the brave British defense of Hong Kong

[@rexolrexol7893]

the naval force that was sent from Hawaii to rescue the marines stopped before getting to Wake they said there are two yellow races fighting this war

[@aussiedrifter]

Mate if you want to be a historian of WW2 then get your facts correct, the Japanese DID NOT declare war on any allied nation. Listen to President Roosevelt's speech to congress on the 08/12/1941.

[@badmasis]

war thunder

[@FairwayJack]

was the Japanese commander tried for war crimes ? ... en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shigematsu_Sakaibara