Building for War

Bonita Gilbert's "Building for War" offers a compelling examination of one of World War II's lesser-known yet significant chapters: the story of Wake Island's civilian construction workers and their unexpected transformation into combatants. The book chronicles the experiences of approximately 1,200 civilian contractors employed by Morrison-Knudsen Company who found themselves on the front lines when Japanese forces attacked the remote Pacific atoll in December 1941, just hours after the strike on Pearl Harbor.

Gilbert brings meticulous research to bear on a subject that has often been overshadowed by larger Pacific Theater narratives. Wake Island, a tiny coral atoll located roughly 2,300 miles west of Hawaii, had been selected as a crucial point in America's Pacific defense network. The civilian contractors were there to build an airfield and establish military infrastructure, working alongside a small contingent of Marines and naval personnel. These workers, many of whom had signed on for what they believed would be routine construction jobs in a remote location, suddenly found themselves in an active war zone with minimal military training and limited defensive capabilities.

The narrative structure effectively balances personal accounts with strategic military context, allowing readers to understand both the intimate human experiences and the broader significance of Wake's defense. Gilbert draws from a range of primary sources, including personal letters, official military records, and survivor testimonies, to reconstruct the events leading up to the Japanese invasion and the subsequent sixteen-day siege. The civilian workers' response to the crisis forms a central theme, as these men took up arms and fought alongside Marines in a defense that surprised Japanese forces and temporarily halted their advance.

One of the book's strengths lies in its attention to the civilian perspective, an angle often neglected in military histories that traditionally focus on uniformed personnel. Gilbert illustrates how these contractors, many of whom were skilled tradesmen seeking steady employment during economically uncertain times, adapted to extraordinary circumstances. Their contributions to the defense effort extended beyond combat; their technical expertise proved invaluable in maintaining equipment, constructing fortifications, and keeping essential services operational under bombardment.

The book also addresses the aftermath of Wake's eventual fall to Japanese forces. Gilbert documents the harsh reality faced by those captured, including the years of imprisonment endured by survivors and the fate of civilian contractors who were executed by their captors. This portion of the narrative serves as a sobering reminder of the Pacific War's brutality and the vulnerability of non-combatants caught in military conflicts.

Gilbert's prose remains accessible throughout, avoiding excessive military jargon while maintaining historical accuracy. The pacing keeps readers engaged, moving from the initial construction phase through the mounting tensions of late 1941, the fierce battle, and finally the long ordeal of captivity. The author successfully conveys the isolation and vulnerability of Wake's defenders, helping readers appreciate the psychological as well as physical challenges they faced.

The research underlying this work appears thorough and well-documented. Gilbert has clearly invested considerable effort in tracking down surviving records and testimonies, some of which had received limited attention in previous historical works. This dedication to primary source material lends credibility to the narrative and provides readers with confidence in the account's accuracy.

While the book excels in its coverage of the civilian experience, some readers might wish for more extensive analysis of Japanese strategic planning and decision-making regarding Wake Island. However, this represents less a flaw than a reflection of the author's chosen focus on the American civilian and Marine defenders. The book achieves what it sets out to accomplish: telling the story of the contractors who became unexpected warriors.

"Building for War" makes a valuable contribution to World War II Pacific Theater historiography by illuminating an often-overlooked aspect of the conflict. The book serves multiple audiences well: general readers interested in World War II history will find an engaging and informative narrative, while those specifically interested in the Pacific War will appreciate the detailed treatment of Wake Island's defense. The emphasis on civilian contractors also makes this work relevant for readers interested in the broader role of non-military personnel in wartime.

This work stands as both a tribute to the civilians and Marines who defended Wake Island and a solid piece of historical scholarship. Gilbert has crafted a narrative that honors her subjects while maintaining the rigor expected of serious historical writing. The book ensures that the contributions and sacrifices of Wake Island's civilian defenders receive the recognition they deserve in the historical record.