WWII War In The Pacific Museum, Piti Guns, Asan Overlook, & Pacific War Museum

This was probably the most exciting portion of this vacation for the simple fact that I am a history teacher and LOVE history!!! The devastation that occurred in Guam is not talked about often. Sure the battles are mentioned but there is simply not enough time in the curriculum to discuss in detail every major battle that occurred in the Pacific. It is a shame but it is the truth. I learned things that I didn't know as well. Some might say that I am obsessive when it comes to the War in the Pacific but it is truly fascinating to me. I have my Dad to thank for that. He LOVES all things having to do with WWII Pacific War. He can talk your ear off about most incidents and which ships were where being commanded by whom and had this many casualties... Its crazy how knowledgeable he is. When we got home the other day I could not wait to call dad and tell him all the cool things we saw. It wasn't about the vacation, the shopping, the beaches.... No I wanted to tell my dad that I walked on the beaches of two major US amphibious assaults, that I walked through Japanese strong hold fortresses, climbed on Japanese anti-aircraft weapons.... I am so lucky that he shares this same passion and we can talk for hours on this stuff. To some it may seem boring but to us it is so much more.

First stop was the National Historical Society's National War in the Pacific Museum. It is located right outside the Naval Base Guam. I have to say... It was weird to not have access to the base. This is the first time I have been near a Naval Station since getting out and not being able to drive right on was very surreal.

Right outside the museum is a Japanese two-man submarine

I really do love maps like these and the fact that in the 1930's the bottom portion of Sakhalin Island (where I live) was under Japanese control.

We started with a 10 minute video on Guam and it's significance to the war. I have to say..... Man, I learned alot!!!!! Right after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor they came to Guam and heavily attacked for 2 days forcing the Americans to surrender December 10, 1941. For almost 4 years the Japanese would control this country.

After the American's surrendered, the island nation of Guam was renamed to Omiyajima

Most of the Chamorro's (Guam Natives) were fored inland into the jungles and placed into concentration camps to stop any aid or warnings they try and send to the Americans.

Many of the defensive systems in place were built by the Chamorro's due to forced labor

There was a box filled with old US and Japanese helmets and hats that kids like putting on. It was funny because as soon as the boys put on the helmets they started humming the Darth Vader enterence theme and saying "Im like Vader!"

They look adorable

Next stop was the Piti Guns sites

It was a little bit of a hike but not strenuous. 

Gun number 1 - In the words of Ash & Mike "We found War treasures!"

Anti-Aircraft weapons... They were huge!!!

Gun number 2 - This one was inoperable 

Last one. The concrete reinforcements were built by the Chamorro's and they also hauled the weapons up the hill. According to the facts, the weapons were put in place the Americans had started their invasion on Asan and Agat Beaches so these specific guns were never used

A little bit further up the road is the Asan Beach Overlook. It was a rainy yucky day when we were up there so we did not get the best view of the beach but it was still amazing to see

I found this memorial to be the most fascinating. This is the "Son's of Guam - Pearl Harbor Memorial" - The names listed on this stone are the Chamorro's who lost their lives on the USS Arizona, USS Oklahoma, USS Nevada, & USS West Virginia. 

The names depicted on this wall are the American service members who lost their lives during the first battle of Guam (1941) and second battle of Guam (1944) - Approx. 2000 names, give or take. 

American Flag and Guam Flag

The last stop was the Pacific War Museum - It is a private museum and had a very small fee to enter. It was filled with WWII vehicles both American and Japanese

CJ wanted to be in this car SO bad!!!! It was roped off and off limits

It was so interesting to see all of these US Marine Corps vehicles

Medical Transport Vehicles

More Japanese Anti-Aircraft weapons

Japanese "VAL" Dive Bomber - Most notably participated in Pearl Harbor, Coral Sea, and Midway

I couldn't find out but I am pretty sure that these pieces had to have been recovered from the waters around Guam. There are so many wrecks in the South Pacific waters especially around Guam.

Semper Fi!!