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    Wilkes Island United States Minor Outlying Islands United States
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USN February 24, 1942
Location
Wilkes Island is located at the western edge of Wake Atoll surrounded by the Pacific Ocean. To the southeast is Wake Island and across the lagoon to the northeast is Peale Island. In 1899 the United States took possession of Wake Atoll. Today Wake Island is unorganized, unincorporated territory and is considered part of the United States Minor Outlying Islands of the United States of America (USA).

Prewar
Wilkes Island was connected by causeway to the northwest tip of Wake Island.

Wartime History
On December 11, 1941 in the early morning, Japanese destroyers Yayoi, Mutsuki and Kisaragi attempt to bombard Peale Island and Wilkes Island but are engaged by shore batteries. Afterwards, the Japanese invasion is suspended and withdraws. On December 23, 1941 occupied by the Japanese for the duration of the Pacific War.

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Last Updated
February 24, 2021

 

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