Winfield S. Cunningham

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Winfield Scott Cunningham
Captain Winfield S. Cunningham, USN
Born	(1900-02-16)February 16, 1900 Rockbridge, Wisconsin
Died	March 3, 1986(1986-03-03) (aged 86) Memphis, Tennessee
Allegiance	United States
Service / branch	United States Navy
Years of service	1916–1950
Rank	Rear Admiral
Commands	Wake Island
Battles / wars	World War II Battle of Wake Island
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.