PACIFIC ISLAND DAYS (1965-1966)        (Next Page)

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Woleai Atoll (Introduction)

Pacific Map

(The above map does not show all of the Federated States of Micronesia.)
Woleai in World War II


Woleai Atoll is about 420 miles south, south-west of Guam.
It is part of the Federated States of Micronesia and is part of
the State (or District) of Yap. (See the information about the Federated
States of Micronesia on the first page about Yap.)

I was only at Woleai Atoll for about two weeks in August, 1965.
During that time I did see many interesting things on the larger
island where our tracking station was. There were several reminders
of World War II as the pictures will show. I also remember an overgrown
airfield with bomb craters in it. The large lizards on the island were
also quite interesting, and really didn't seem to be afraid of people.
Needless to say, our living conditions on Woleai were quite primitive.
(Searching the Internet on Woleai these days, it looks like there is an
operating air field there now and electricity available on the main island.)
Getting adequate rest was not easy when there were several "track runs"
and they were often in the middle of the night. Then of course there was
the heat and humidity to contend with.

Late one afternoon I took a walk to the beach and then decided to walk
around the island. As I came to the "back side" of the island, I found
it to be exposed to the open ocean and I thought I saw sharks in the water.
As time passed, I discovered that the island was bigger than I realized and
dusk soon approached. Coming back around to the inlet side of the island
it was almost dark but I was able to find the trail leading to our camp.
Passing by some of the native huts, I remember the dogs barking at me,
but I kept going and was finally able to reach our tracking station.

World War II

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During World War II, Woleai, although small, played a part in the fight
for the Central Pacific. The Japanese had an important airfield here
which served as a connecting point between Yap and Truk. Woleai Atoll
was bombed by US Army Air Force and Navy planes many times during 1944
and also into early 1945. These actions effectively neutralized the islands.
Surrender of the islands did not take place until September 19th, 1945.
(See Link: Surrender of Japanese Garrisons.) According to the May 1967
issue of National Geographic, one of the most tragic episodes of
World War II took place here. (Read pages 727-729). The Japanese
could not supply their garrison and thousands died here.

Wolea Map 1
A 1944 Map of Woleai Atoll. Courtesy
of the National Library of Australia.
(Some enhancements by Larry Leach.)



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