Wake Island
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Gone but not forgotten.
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Wake Island
I watched a feature on the History Channel yesterday called "Wake Island - the Alamo of the Pacific" - it was great. I must confess to a tear in my eye when I saw six survivors of the battle (all frail in their 80's) as they returned to the island after 61 years. Some 430 marines and some civilian volunteers turned away the first invasion with heavy Japanese losses - giving the U.S. their first victory in the war. The Japanese came back with a large fleet and pounded the island by sea and air for days before trying a second invasion. The defenders sunk or damaged 7 Japanese ships, shot down several planes, turned back 2 attacks with heavy Japanese losses and were still in control of the island when their commander ordered them to surrender. Most of those old boys are gone now but they set a standard to be proud of.
Dono
Dono
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From: Where they take the census by counting the appliances on the front porch and multiplying by five
Wake Island
Dono,
Definitley one of the finest moments in Marine Corps history. The story of Wake should be an inspiration to all Americans. It's one of my favorites as well.
Chuck
Definitley one of the finest moments in Marine Corps history. The story of Wake should be an inspiration to all Americans. It's one of my favorites as well.
Chuck
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Gone but not forgotten.
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Re: Wake Island
Watched it again tonight, and was moved just as much as before. Soon they will all be gone, but hopefully never forgotten - makes me very proud of my father's generation.
Last edited by dono; Feb 29, 2004 at 09:47 PM.
More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Boise, ID
My friends grandpa was interviewed and is featured on that show. His last name is Rosendick and his first name escapes me for some reason. He was a civilian working for MK I believe and spent the duration of the war in a prison camp. Truly a gut wrenching story.
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