It happened in the shadow of Pearl Harbor—mere hours after the first attack on the day that would “live in infamy.” But few know the full story of Wake Island.

Now a prominent military historian, breaking new ground on the assault, relates the compelling events of that day and the heroic struggle that followed. Thanks to the brave Marines stationed there-and the civilian construction workers who selflessly put their lives on the line to defend the island-what was supposed to be an easy victory became a protracted and costly battle for Imperial Japan. This is the story of that battle, from survivors on both sides, and with a gallery of historic photos. “John Wukovits has given this epic drama new meaning for a challenging time…. Pacific Alamo is an engaging, fascinating account of bravery in a desperate situation.”—WWII History

“A remarkable chronology of a nearly forgotten episode in the early days of World War II… celebrates the heroism of the Marine defenders and the civilian construction crew that elected to stay and fight alongside the military.”—The Virginian–Pilot

“[A] skillful blending of highly detailed research and a host of first-person accounts.”—Flint Whitlock, Author of The Fighting First: The Untold Story of the Big Red One on D-Day