In tribute to the Wake Island Memorial and all servicemen who fought or perished in World War II’s South Pacific theater, VFW Post 3656 Auxiliary members recently purchased three books for donation to the Bristow Public Montfort & Allie B. Jones Memorial Library. Books were chosen and purchased in accordance with the auxiliary’s “Patriotism through Literacy” program activities.
The first book, “South Pacific Cauldron: World War II's Great Forgotten Battlegrounds” by Alan Rems, describes the oft ignored World War II battles of the war’s South Pacific theater. The book specifically focuses on battles in and near the Solomon Islands and New Guinea. Battles of the South Pacific theater proved to be some of the most hostile of the war, albeit far less remembered than those of Europe. According to its description on Amazon, “South Pacific Cauldron is the first complete history embracing all land, sea, and air operations in this critically important sector of the oceanic conflict”. Published in 2014, all 444 pages of Rems’ book highlights the toll and contributions of the Pacific’s battles during the war.
“A Magnificent Fight: The Battle for Wake Island” by Robert J. Cressman, the second book chosen by auxiliary members, centers around the valiant efforts of the determined, outnumbered hodgepodge of defenders on Wake Island at the time the Japanese attacked. Those brave defenders included a group of marines and a small aviation unit aided by sailors and civilian construction workers, staff, and volunteers stationed on Wake at the time. The garrison proved inadequately stocked and manned throughout the attack, yet its American defenders continued to fight. As noted in its description and in an American first,
See VFW, Page Three Cressman utilized extensive Japanese materials in his research for the book, presenting a new perspective of how battle events unfolded and the detailed opposition Wake defenders encountered during the battle.
The third and final book chosen by auxiliary members, “Pacific Alamo: The Battle for Wake Island” by John Wukovits, offers historic photos of the atoll and battle as well as its story. Survivors of both sides also shared their stories throughout the book. Given its photo gallery, the book provides an additional visual account of the story for readers and researchers alike.
Auxiliary members Virginia Ray, Sheryl Cortez, Mary Stubblefield, Carolyn Kuykendall, Maria Harris, Letha Caudle, Deborah Grady, Ruth Jaytanie, and Norma Carman presented the books to librarians Justice Sweger and Elsie George on Wednesday, March 8, at 1 p.m. at the library.
Finally and for those unaware, my grandfather, George Lynch, served aboard the U.S.S. Lexington on its Tarawa to Tokyo tour in the 40s. He did not often speak of the things he and his fellow sailors endured, but when he did, it was clear the Pacific theater of World War II was neglected in retellings of the war despite the truly gruesome battles and astounding cost of human lives lost there. Only through historians’ research and resource compilations such as these valuable books do we learn about the atrocities and victories our families, friends, and countrymen endured in securing and maintaining our freedom. In honor of their sacrifices, please thank a veteran, serviceman or woman, and their families today. The lessons of our struggles long passed propel us through our future tomorrows; as such, a prudent mind learns from those lessons. Be sure to stop by the library and Wake Island Memorial to learn more.