Island Defenses, 1942-44

Under Captain Lane, outposts were established and island defenses were set up. During the period from March 1942 to January 1944, the unit as part of the 2nd Battalion 108th Infantry, maintained guard and observation posts on the islands of Lanai, Maui and Molokai. While on the island of Lanai, Capt. Lane was the sub sector commander of the Molokai-Lanai District. He was responsible for the local defense of the island and was commander of the Territorial Guard. In addition to controlling the movements of the civilian population, he was also responsible for the radar installation that was part of the islands defenses.

With the triangularization of the 27th Division in September 1942, the 108th Infantry Regiment was transferred to the 40th Infantry Division. This was a National Guard Division from California. The 108th Infantry was eventually assigned to the island of Oahu and again performed outpost duty, although stationed at Schofield Barracks. During this period intensive training in amphibious landings and jungle warfare was conducted.

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