TSUGEN SHIMA
This is a small island three miles off the southeast coast of
Okinawa. During World War II as the battle for southern Okinawa
intensified, it became apparent to the Americans that they had to
secure their flanks from possible Japanese attacks. Therefore the
Eastern Islands, which are located just east of Okinawa, had to be
taken. The only island in this group with any sizable force was
Tsugen Shima. A small, but dedicated force of Japanese Army troops
were dug in, heavily fortified and perfectly willing to hold the
island to the last man. The 3rd Battallion of the 305th U.S. Army
Infantry Regiment was ordered to take Tsugen Shima with the help of
U.S. Navy destroyers, cruisers and naval air power.
This Island Cache is in memory of The Cat’s father, Cdr. Richard
C. Young, USNR Ret. and the following is an excerpt from the
“NARRATIVE OF THE U.S.S. KINZER by Cdr. Richard C. Young, USNR
Ret.
My name is Richard C. Young and the Commanding Officer of the
USS KINZER APD-91 and participated in “Operation Iceberg” the
capture of the islands of Kerama Island group five days before the
invasion of Okinawa during WW II. The U.S.S. KINZER’s job was to
land and pick up Reconnaissance Marines about 3500 yards off their
landing site.
This night operation on Tsugen Shima was the roughest for the
Marines due to fact that a heavy fire fight ensued with guns and
mortars in which two Marines died and eight wounded. With
difficulty the Marines withdrew to their boats with their wounded,
while we pulled in as close to the beach as possible to facilitate
their early pickup. With daylight coming and the last man aboard,
Major Marquardt of the marines reported to me that we have been
sitting dead in the water in front of TWO six-inch coast defense
guns. We departed PDQ!!!
If you would like to read more on the U.S.S. KINZER, you can
email The Cat via the geocaching.com website.
MOGA MMVIII (2008)
Welcome to Mark Twain Lake -
John F. Spalding Recreation Area.
John F. Spalding Recreation area is located
on the North side of Mark Twain Lake. This area has many different
attractions and a quiet, remote location. There are many
opportunities for hunting, hiking, fishing, horseback riding, or
bird watching.
(Source for information
can be found on the Clarence Cannon Dam
website.)
Out here, we have placed a number of caches
for your hunting pleasure. The area is accessible year round with
the exception of a special Handicap Hunt. During off season, you
must check in at the district office and let them know you are
hunting caches. Some areas of the recreation area can be gated so
you would have to park and walk in. Letting the office know will
prevent a meeting with a ranger and having to explain why you were
back there in the first place. During regular season, usually from
April - October, the area is wide open. Check the website for more
information. US Army Corps of
Engineers - Mark Twain Lake.
These caches were placed by Eagle Scouts Kyle
Jones and Kevin Linn, both from Troop 760, Boone Trails District,
Greater St. Louis Area Council. Please remember to trade up when
trading items. Check out the local businesses while in the area and
make sure you check out the South side of this beautiful
lake.
This cache is placed in the John
F. Spalding Recreation Area which is managed by the U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers, St. Louis District, Mark Twain Lake. A special thanks
to Allen Mehrer, USACOE Forester, who provided the Ammo Cans and
recommended where to hide them.
