U.S. Minor Outlying Islands Proverbs (17)

“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.

“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.

“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.

“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.

“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.

“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.

“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.

“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.

“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.

“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.

“Enemy on island. Issue in doubt.”

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

“Amelia is a grand person for such a trip. She is the only woman flier I would care to make such a trip with because, in addition to being a fine companion, she can take hardships as well as a man – and work like one.”

Noonan's tribute to Earhart's resilience as a flying partner, written in a letter shortly before the pair disappeared near Howland Island.

“We have taken a whale of a wallop, but I have no doubt of the ultimate outcome.”

Nimitz's frank acknowledgment of American losses at the Battle of Midway, fought at Midway Atoll, paired with confidence in eventual victory.

“Through the skill and devotion to duty of their armed forces of all branches in the Midway area our citizens can now rejoice that a momentous victory is in the making.”

Nimitz's communiqué to the American public announcing the scale of the victory being won at Midway Atoll.

“A man's judgment is best when he can forget himself and any reputation he may have acquired and can concentrate wholly on making the right decisions.”

Spruance's reflection on command under pressure, drawn from his experience commanding Task Force 16 at the Battle of Midway, fought at Midway Atoll.

“It was easy. I couldn't have missed it if I wanted to because all I had to do was to give her about a ship's length lead.”

Gay's matter-of-fact account of releasing his torpedo at a Japanese carrier during the Battle of Midway, fought at Midway Atoll, moments before his squadron was wiped out.

“My main difficulty was keeping my eyes open. The salt water finally got in my eyes to such an extent that I could only with very great difficulty open my eyes.”

Gay's account of hiding beneath a floating seat cushion in the water near Midway Atoll for over a day, watching the battle continue around him, after his squadron was shot down.