OT: How is this possible?

[bradfordkay]

I keep hearing and seeing references to BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier's grandfather participating in battles at Midway, Guadalcanal and Wake Island (!). I did not think that anyone who participated in the fight for Wake Island managed to escape and continue to participate in the war. Does anyone here know differently?

[BBfanboy]

There could have been a second battle for Wake Island if the US took it back from the Japanese before war's end.

[WEXF]

There could have been a second battle for Wake Island if the US took it back from the Japanese before war's end.

I think Wake surrendered after the war actually ended without any "battle". Of course some American troops might have been there for the surrender.

[bradfordkay]

Yes, the US reclaimed Wake Is after Japan surrendered. There was no battle at that time.

[Seacat54]

I think a small number of people, mostly civilians, where evacuated after the first invasion attempt.

Some left with the Clipper flying boat that survived the first attack, dont know if any got out via sea, I dont think the submarines picked anyone other than maybe pilots.

Military personnel taken out would have been wounded and those with access to classified material such as codes and radar equipment.

[bradfordkay]

The only Marine to have been evacuated on the sole PBY to visit the island after the first invasion was Lt Col Walter Baylor - a radar expert. No Marines were on the Philippines Clipper which left after the first bombing attack, only PanAm employees and passengers.

My only guess as to how grandpa Bachmeier could have been involved in those battles would be that he served aboard the Enterprise and the claim about being involved in the Battle of Wake Island is mistaking the March 24, 1042 raid on that island conducted by said ship as the battle.

[RangerJoe]

I do believe that Wake was used for gunnery practice for ships moving West.

[CaptBeefheart]

You gents ever hear of this search thingie called Google on the interwebs? You should try it.

His grandfather was a Navy fighter pilot.

Cheers,
CB

[BBfanboy]

You gents ever hear of this search thingie called Google on the interwebs? You should try it.

His grandfather was a Navy fighter pilot.

Cheers,
CB

The "participate in the fight" and "managed to escape" phrases of the OP implied a person ON Wake Island, not on a carrier dozens of miles away. I never saw anything saying the carrier aircraft intervened at Wake and AFAIK that detachment of Wildcats at Wake did not fly off to the carrier so there is some missing info still.