Marines TV

Chief Quartermaster Raymond Chavez, the eldest surviving member of Pearl Harbor, passed away. His ceremony was held at the St. Michael’s church in San Diego, Dec. 13. Chavez was aboard the USS Condor during the attack on Pearl Harbor, Dec. 7, 1941, and passed away at the age of 106 on Nov. 21, 2018. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Preston Hightower)

On July 10, 1941, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing was commissioned. Shortly after, 2nd MAW began taking the fight to the enemy. They assisted their allies during WWII by providing offensive air support and aviation ground support. Since then, 2nd MAW has been a prevalent fighting force, and continues to innovate and prepare to engage their future enemies. 2nd MAW continues to modernized and revolutionized how the Marine Air-Ground Task Force will operate in the future. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Sgt. Jessica Etheridge)

Capt. Henry T. Elrod became the first American aviator to be awarded the Medal of Honor during World War II due to his efforts in the defense of Wake Island against the Japanese. Elrod shot down two enemy aircraft and became the first man to sink a major warship by small caliber bombs delivered from a fighter-type aircraft. After his plane was disabled by hostile fire, Elrod took control of a flank on the ground in defense of the island and he and his men fought vigorously against the Japanese. On 23 December, Elrod led his men with bold aggressiveness until he fell, mortally wounded. His superb skill as a pilot, daring leadership and unswerving devotion to duty distinguished him among the defenders of Wake Island. He gallantly gave his life for his country. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Cody Lemons/Released)

Hours after the attack on Pearl Harbor, 36 Mitsubishi G3M3 bombers attacked Wake Island on December 8, 1941. The island was defended by 449 Marines from the 1st Marine Defense Battalion with aid from a detachment of 50 Marines from VMF-211 with 12 F4F-3 Wildcats. Wake Island remained under Japanese control until it was surrendered to the United States on September 4, 1945. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. Alexia Lythos)