During December 1941, Marines defended Wake Island until forced withdrawal, delaying the Japanese advance. Which battle is this describing?

• A. Battle of Guadalcanal
• B. Battle of Wake Island
• C. Battle of Coral Sea
• D. Battle of Midway

Answer: (B)

A small Marine garrison holding off a Japanese assault in the days after Pearl Harbor is the Battle of Wake Island. In December 1941, after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Wake Island faced a determined Japanese push. The Marines (along with civilian workers) defended the atoll for about two weeks, delaying the Japanese timetable and showcasing American resolve even while outnumbered. The defense is remembered precisely for how a lone outpost could slow a larger invasion and buy time for the Allies elsewhere.

This event stands apart from the other battles listed, which occurred later in 1942 in different locations—the Guadalcanal campaign in the Solomon Islands, the Coral Sea engagement near Australia, and the Midway action in the central Pacific.