U.S. Minor Outlying Islands Proverbs (11)

Traditional proverbs of U.S. Minor Outlying Islands in Khmer and English — each with its meaning and source.

“We are on the line 157 337. We will repeat this message. We will repeat this on 6210 kilocycles. Wait.”

Earhart's in-flight radio transmission reporting her position line while searching for Howland Island, shortly before contact was lost.

Amelia Earhart

Source: Amelia Earhart, in-flight radio transmission received by USCGC Itasca near Howland Island, 2 July 1937 (U.S. Coast Guard radio log)

“KHAQQ calling Itasca. We must be on you but cannot see you. Gas is running low. Been unable to reach you by radio. We are flying at altitude one thousand feet.”

One of Earhart's final documented radio transmissions as she searched for Howland Island with fuel running low.

Amelia Earhart

Source: Amelia Earhart, in-flight radio transmission received by USCGC Itasca near Howland Island, 2 July 1937 (U.S. Coast Guard radio log)

“Please know that I am quite aware of the hazards. I want to do it because I want to do it. Women must try to do things as men have tried. When they fail, their failure must be but a challenge to others.”

Written before her final round-the-world flight, the leg that ended near Howland Island, on accepting risk in pursuit of a goal.

Amelia Earhart

Source: Amelia Earhart, letter to George Putnam, published in Last Flight (compiled and edited by George Putnam, 1937)

“I have a feeling that there is just about one more good flight left in my system, and I hope this trip is it.”

Earhart's own reflection on the round-the-world flight during which she disappeared near Howland Island.

Amelia Earhart

Source: Amelia Earhart, letter published in Last Flight (compiled and edited by George Putnam, 1937)

“Adventure is worthwhile in itself.”

A guiding motto of Earhart's flying career, which ended on the leg of a journey aimed at Howland Island.

Amelia Earhart

Source: Amelia Earhart, 20 Hrs., 40 Min.: Our Flight in the Friendship (1928)

“Never interrupt someone doing what you said couldn't be done.”

A widely cited line from Earhart's personal papers on persistence in the face of doubt.

Amelia Earhart

Source: Amelia Earhart, personal papers, George Palmer Putnam Collection of Amelia Earhart Papers, Purdue University Archives

“Pearl Harbor has now been partially avenged.”

Nimitz's official assessment issued after the U.S. Navy's victory over Japan at the Battle of Midway, fought at Midway Atoll.

Chester W. Nimitz

Source: Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, official U.S. Navy communique, June 1942, quoted in Samuel Eliot Morison, History of United States Naval Operations in World War II, Vol. IV: Coral Sea, Midway and Submarine Actions (1949)

“My greatest hope is that we encounter a favorable tactical situation, but if we don't, and the worst comes to worst, I want each of us to do his utmost to destroy our enemies.”

From Waldron's letter to his squadron on the eve of the Battle of Midway, fought at Midway Atoll.

John C. Waldron

Source: Lt. Cdr. John C. Waldron, pre-battle letter to Torpedo Squadron 8, 4 June 1942, quoted in Walter Lord, Incredible Victory (1967)

“If there is only one plane left to make a final run-in, I want that man to go in and get a hit.”

Waldron's pre-battle instruction to Torpedo Squadron 8 before the Battle of Midway; every plane in the squadron was lost in the attack.

John C. Waldron

Source: Lt. Cdr. John C. Waldron, pre-battle letter to Torpedo Squadron 8, 4 June 1942, quoted in Walter Lord, Incredible Victory (1967)

“Good luck, happy landings, and give 'em hell.”

The closing line of Waldron's pre-battle letter to his squadron before the Battle of Midway.

John C. Waldron

Source: Lt. Cdr. John C. Waldron, pre-battle letter to Torpedo Squadron 8, 4 June 1942, quoted in Walter Lord, Incredible Victory (1967)

“Enemy on island. Issue in doubt.”

Cunningham's final radio dispatch from Wake Island to Pearl Harbor as Japanese forces overran the garrison.

Winfield Scott Cunningham

Source: Cmdr. Winfield Scott Cunningham, final radio dispatch from Wake Island, 23 December 1941, quoted in official U.S. Navy histories of the Pacific War, including Cunningham's own memoir Wake Island Command (with Lydel Sims, 1961)