The Kolekole Pass was defended by an underpowered American garrison during the Japanese invasion of Hawaii, as most military resources were transferred to the fighting north of Wahiawa and Schofield Barracks. Airman Jim Peterson was sent to defend the Kolekole Pass. U.S. Army personnel believed that the Japanese wouldn't be able to bypass the Waianae Range without going through Kolekole Pass. However, the next day after Peterson was sent to the Kolekole Pass, the Japanese landed on Oahu's west coast and managed to climb over the Waianae Range, trapping the U.S. Army in a pincer.