page_title: Shelling of Johnston and Palmyra
section_title: Aftermath
hierarchical_section_title: Shelling of Johnston and Palmyra / Aftermath
caption_attribution_description: English: LtGen w:James M. Masters, Sr. as a major on Johnston Island in 1942
context_page_description: Johnston and Palmyra are two US-controlled atolls located in the Pacific Ocean. Johnston had been claimed for the US in 1858, Palmyra in 1859; both under the Guano Islands Act. Following the Attack on Pearl Harbor, Japanese navy forces attacked Allied possessions across the Pacific, including Johnston and Palmyra.
context_section_description: Following the Japanese naval attacks on Johnston and Palmyra, both were heavily reinforced. Johnston was given more heavy guns, machine guns, and an infantry company. Similar precautions were taken with Palmyra. Although they were isolated, the Marine, Navy, and civilian garrisons became the front line of Pearl Harbor's defense while it recuperated. Both islands continued to be garrisoned by Marines throughout the war.
caption: Maj. James Masters, USMC on Johnston, 1942
exif: {}