Along with the rest of the Marshalls; Enewetak was captured by the Imperial Japanese Navy in 1914 during World War I and mandated to the Empire of Japan by the League of Nations in 1920. The Japanese administered the island under the South Pacific Mandate; but mostly left local affairs in hands of traditional local leaders until the start of World War II.

During the Battle of Eniwetok in February 1944; the United States captured Enewetak in a five-day amphibious operation; with major combat on Engebi Islet; the most important Japanese installation on the atoll. Combat also occurred on the main islet of Enewetak itself and on Parry Island; site of a Japanese seaplane base. Pictures From History