Winfield S. Cunningham
Winfield Scott Cunningham | |
|---|---|
Captain Winfield S. Cunningham, USN | |
| Born | February 16, 1900 |
| Died | March 3, 1986 (aged 86) |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch | United States Navy |
| Service years | 1916–1950 |
| Rank | Rear Admiral |
| Commands | Wake Island |
| Conflicts | World War II |
| Awards | Navy Cross Bronze Star Prisoner of War Medal Navy Expeditionary Medal World War I Victory Medal American Defense Service Medal Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal World War II Victory Medal |
Winfield Scott Cunningham (February 16, 1900 – March 3, 1986) was the Officer in Charge, Naval Activities, Wake Island when the tiny island was attacked by the Japanese on December 8, 1941. Cunningham commanded the defense of the island against the massive Japanese attack. After 15 days, he surrendered the island to the Japanese. Cunningham was taken prisoner and held as a POW in Japan. He was awarded the Navy Cross for his leadership at Wake Island.