North Tonawanda in Niagara County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Massacre On Wake Island

Photographed By Craig Doda, June 30, 2018

1. Massacre On Wake Island Marker

Inscription.
On December 23, 1941, with the fall of the island garrison, the Japanese captured 1,603 men. 1,150 were civilian contractors employed by Morrison-Knudsen Co. they were part of the Contractors Pacific Naval Bases who were hired to build air, seaplane, and submarine bases.

In September 1942 all captives except 97 American civilians and one doctor were sent to Yokohama.

October 7, 1943 the Americans were seated facing the sea, blindfolded, hands and feet bound. They were shot, and dumped into a ditch and covered with coral. One had escaped, and was caught and beheaded personally by Japanese Admiral Sakaibara three weeks later.

In 1945 they were dug up and put in the U.S. cemetery (Peacock Point). In 1953 the remains were moved to Punchbowl, Hawaii.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, World II. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1942.

Location. 43° 2.34′ N, 78° 53.236′ W. Marker is in North Tonawanda, New York, in Niagara County. Marker is on River Road (New York State Route 384) north of Wheatfield Street, on the left when traveling north. Located in Raymond P. Klimek Veterans Park, on the Navy Seabees Memorial Wall. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: North Tonawanda NY 14120, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Navy Seabees Vietnam Memorial (here, next to this

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marker); Navy Seabees World War II Memorial (here, next to this marker); Island X-8 NSVA (here, next to this marker); U.S. Navy Seabee Veterans (here, next to this marker); In Memory of Stephan Butski, U.S.M.C. (a few steps from this marker); In Memory of Joseph E. Darlak, SKIc (a few steps from this marker); U.S. Navy Seabees - Where They Served (within shouting distance of this marker); Admiral's Way (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in North Tonawanda.

Navy Seabees Memorial Wall image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Doda, June 30, 2018

2. Navy Seabees Memorial Wall

Photographed By Craig Doda, June 30, 2018

3. Navy Seabees Memorial Wall

Credits. This page was last revised on December 15, 2020. It was originally submitted on December 12, 2020, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 298 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 12, 2020, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Michael Herrick was the editor who published this page.