The Battle of Wake Island 1941 - Animated

Summary by Krater

This video details the strategic battle of Wake Island in December 1941, recounting the initial Japanese amphibious invasion attempts, aerial bombardments, naval battles, and the ultimate surrender of the island after reinforcements failed to arrive.

From the video

Answers: How did the battle of Wake Island unfold during World War II?

• Battle of Wake Island
• World War II Pacific Theater
• Japanese amphibious assault
• US Marine defense
• Naval bombardment of Wake Island

What it concludes

• Hayate became the first Japanese surface vessel to be sunk by the US Navy during World War II.
• The initial Japanese invasion attempt on December 11 was a total failure, resulting in two destroyers lost and 407 casualties.
• Task Force 14 and Task Force 11 were ordered to abandon their relief mission to Wake due to the risk of superior enemy forces.
• Major General Kajioka's heavily reinforced fleet launched a second, successful amphibious assault on the night of December 22.
• Wake Island ultimately fell to Japanese forces, resulting in 52 American deaths, 12 aircraft lost, 433 captured, and the posthumous award of the Medal of Honor to Captain Henry Elrod.