It was fought on and around the atoll formed by Wake Island and its minor islets of Peale and Wilkes Islands by the air, land, and naval forces of the Japanese Empire against those of the United States, with Marines playing a prominent role on both sides.
Det blev udkæmpet på og omkring atollen der består af Wake og småøerne Peale og Wilkes af styrker fra Kejserriget Japan mod styrker fra Amerikas Forenede Stater, hvor marinesoldater spillede en fremtrædende roller på begge sider.