This multicache is specifically designed for visitors (or newcomers) to Guam who are interested in World War Two. It does, however, require a car or other mode of transportation as the sites are several miles apart. The sites can be done in any order, but I do recommend doing the third one last, as it is near the final.
Guam became a US possession in 1898 during the Spanish-American War. It was captured by the Japanese in 1941, only days after the attack on Pearl harbor. The US wanted to retake Guam both as a matter of pride (since it was a US territory) and because it was an excellent location for a Naval supply base for further operations. The plan called for a two-pronged attack, aimed at taking the Orote Peninsula, the mountains overlooking it, and the capital city of Hagatna. After several days of bombardment by Naval ships and aircraft, these two attacks occurred on July 21st, 1944 at Asan and Agat beaches.
The first stop is here at Asan beach, the northern of the two landing beaches. This is a beautiful place, not as much for natural beauty, as for what it has become. It is a well maintained park where families come to picnic, exercise, and play in the grass, all in the shadow of the monuments to those who paid the ultimate price for freedom. Come look around and you will see what I mean. The answers to the below questions are found on the torpedo plaque to your left. There are also some excellent caches around the park if you have a few extra minutes to find them.
What model is the torpedo on display (number after the MK?) Add 10 to this number. This is “CD”
What are the last two numbers in the year on the torpedo plaque? Add 10 to this. This is “HI”
N 13 23.230 E 144 39.490
This stage is at Agat Beach, the southern of the two landing beaches. This location is smaller and has more of a hidden park feel to it. But it does have some nice examples of Japanese fortifications, a pair of defensive guns, and the flags of the US, Japan, and Guam. You can also look to the north (right) and see the Orote Peninsula, where some of the heaviest fighting took place. This site should only take a few minutes to explore, and the questions below can be answered by the signs you find here.
How many days did it take to secure the Orote Peninsula? This number is “F”
What caliber is the anti-aircraft gun? Add 2 to this number. This is “AB”
N 13 27.595 E 144 42.936
Our final stop is at an overlook where you can see down on the Asan landing beach. Here you can get an idea of the terrain that faced US troops as they forced their way inland from the beach. Memorials here list the names of all who were killed in the invasion, as well as Chamorros who were killed at Pearl Harbor. This memorial is where the answers for the below questions can be found. Again, this stop should only take a few minutes. Take the time to look down the hill and imagine what the battle on these hills would have looked like.
How many Chamorros were killed on the USS Arizona? This is “E”
How many Chamorros were killed on the USS West Virginia? Square this number. This is “J”
How many Chamorros were killed on the USS Oklahoma? This is “G”
Final Location: N 13 AB.CDE E 144 FG.HIJ
These are only a few of the many scenic and historic sites on Guam. Stop by the National Park Service Visitor Center or email one of the local geocachers for more info. We would love to share our island with you!
***Congrats to jimp59 for FTF!***