Wake Island reinforced
In December 1941, Wake Island was attacked following Pearl Harbor. The small Marine garrison repulsed the first Japanese assault, inflicting heavy losses. Task force 14, including the USS Saratoga and Lexington, was dispatched towards the island.
Controversially, Admiral Pye recalled this force before it could complete its mission, citing the extreme danger the ships would be in and need to preserve what was left of the Navy. In effect, this decision condemned the Marines on the island to death or capture.
What if Pye decided otherwise, declaring that no matter what the risk, the Navy would not abandon the Marines?
I'm thinking that this was exactly the Japanese strategy, to draw in the U.S. fleet piecemeal, negating the long-term American advantage in numbers. Their forces would launch a devastating attack on the task force, sinking several more capital ships. The U.S. still would have bounced back eventually but it would have taken another year. In summary, Pye was right.
Anyone have any other ideas?
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