There is an unusual stone on Wake Island. It looks like a simple round stone. However, it is related to a very important event for the island.

Wake island boasts gorgeous beaches, clear waves, and cliffs, among which there are still Japanese fortifications and the 98 Rock.

It seems impossible that such terrible events could have taken place in such a beautiful place. The history of this stone, as well as the entire island, is connected with the events of the Second World War. It all started in 1941 when the Japanese attacked Wake Island.

Wake Island was a U.S. military base. Construction was still in full swing, and the soldiers still had a lot of work to do, when suddenly the Japanese troops broke all plans. There was no help for the garrison: just a few hours ago, an enemy army had attacked Pearl Harbor and destroyed several bases in Hawaii.

Wake fell, and the Japanese, although with heavy losses, gained an important strategic point. They decided to build an airfield on the island using captured American soldiers. When the soldiers' strength ran out, they were no longer needed. The Japanese decided to get rid of the garrison soldiers. Ninety-eight people were decided to be shot.

They were blindfolded. One, whose name will forever remain unknown, managed to escape. The guy ran as long as he could. His strength left him near a small rounded rock of coral. He carved an inscription on it that is still visible: "98 US PW 5-10-43". The rear admiral himself went after the fugitive soldier. When the guy was found, the rear admiral executed him with his katana.

Now a memorial plaque has been erected at this place in memory of the victims. Japanese fortifications are also preserved nearby. The 98 Rock is worth visiting to honor the memory of fallen soldiers and learn another fact of world history.