Prime logo Prime members: New to Audible?
Get 2 free audiobooks during trial.
Pick 1 audiobook a month from our unmatched collection.
Listen all you want to thousands of included audiobooks, Originals, and podcasts.
Access exclusive sales and deals.
Premium Plus auto-renews for $14.95/mo after 30 days. Cancel anytime.
The Story of Wake Island  By  cover art

The Story of Wake Island

By: James P.S. Devereux
Narrated by: Joel Schrank
Try for $0.00

$14.95/month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy for $17.15

Buy for $17.15

Pay using card ending in
By confirming your purchase, you agree to Audible's Conditions of Use and Amazon's Privacy Notice. Taxes where applicable.

Publisher's summary

On December 8th, 1941, just hours after the attack on Pearl Harbor, 36 Japanese bombers attacked Wake Island and destroyed eight of its 12 aircraft. Two more raids shortly followed, further reducing the defensive possibilities for the men who were left to defend this small area of American soil in the center of the Pacific Ocean.

Major James P. S. Devereux was the Commanding Officer of the first Marine Defense Battalion who faced Japanese onslaught. The first Japanese landing attempt on the morning of December 11th was repelled by a ferocious defense put forward by Devereux and his men. Yet, although the Japanese had withdrawn without landing, they continued to bombard the island by air and sea, and there was little hope of resupply for the Americans.

For 15 days the American troops suffered endless bombardments until the second major Japanese offensive was launched on December 23rd. Against overwhelming forces the Marines and other troops that were stationed on the island fought valiantly, but after 49 men had lost their lives in the fight, the remaining American men and civilians were captured by the Japanese.

James P. S. Deveraux’s remarkable book The Story of Wake Island takes the listener to the heart of the action from the point of view of the commanding officer. It is a brilliant account of this tragic event that demonstrated the fighting spirit of the American soldier even in the face of unbeatable odds.

James P. S. Devereaux was a United States Marine Corps general, Navy Cross recipient, and Republican congressman. After the ferocious 15-day battle of Wake Island Devereux was interned for nearly four years in Japanese prison camps. His book The Story of Wake Island was first published in 1947 and he passed away in 1988.

©2022 Eternal Classics (P)2022 Eternal Classics

What listeners say about The Story of Wake Island

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    4
  • 4 Stars
    0
  • 3 Stars
    0
  • 2 Stars
    0
  • 1 Stars
    0
Performance
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    2
  • 4 Stars
    0
  • 3 Stars
    0
  • 2 Stars
    0
  • 1 Stars
    0
Story
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    2
  • 4 Stars
    0
  • 3 Stars
    0
  • 2 Stars
    0
  • 1 Stars
    0

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.