Asmall force of american marines turned away an invasion of island before being overwhelmed by a second, much larger, japanese invasion force.

Wake Island

Explanation:

A small force of American marines turned away an invasion of Wake Island before being overwhelmed by a second, much larger, Japanese invasion force.

However, with fear of an imminent invasion, the Japanese reinforced Wake Island with more formidable defenses. But on 24 February 1942, aircraft from the carrier Enterprise attacked the Japanese garrison on Wake Island. The U.S. forces periodically bombed the Wake island from 1942 until Japan's final surrender in 1945.

because it took place after the war of 1812 had come to an end.