This is another cache for the rest of the WWII
history buffs on Okinawa. The cache is a camoflaged very
well, in fact the container istelf is the camoflage. The original contents of the new
container include a pen, log book, trackable and a few small toys
for the kids. Muggles
shouldn't be an issue where the cache is hidden but the hilltop is
visited by locals occasionally. They seem to be fond of dropping
their McDonald's garbage on the hill so please bring a trash bag
with you and do your part to keep this significant landmark looking
nice!
During World War II's Battle of Okinawa, the western flank of
General Mitsuru Ushijima's Shuri Defensive Line was anchored by a
squat, nondescript hill that would be dubbed 'Sugar Loaf
Hill.' The American
ground force commander, General Simon Bolivar Buckner, was opposed
to an amphibious landing as a way to out flank Ushijima's defenses
so a straight forward attack to seize Sugar Loaf Hill became the
Sixth Marine Division's mission from 12-18 May, 1945. During those seven days, the
6th MarDiv would loose over 2,000 Marines during 11
separate assaults in order to achieve their objective.
During the fight on Sugar Loaf, one 19 year
old Marine Corporal, James L. Day, held his position virtually
alone for three days. During that time he dispatched over
100 Japanese attackers and was instrumental in the ultimate success
of the 6th Marine Division's assault. Over 50 years later and after
retiring from the Marine Corps as a Major General, James Day was
awarded
The Congressional Medal of Honor for his actions at Sugar Loaf
Hill.
While Cpl Day was defending his position on
Sugar Loaf, the Executive Officer of 2/22, Major Henry Courtney,
led his Marines by example in a night assault to the crest of the
hill. After getting
permission to conduct the assault, Maj. Courtney simply told his
Marines he was going and they followed him all the way.
Maj. Courtney was
killed after taking the crest of the hill when he was moving
between defensive positions, encouraging his Marines with his words
and actions. Maj.
Courtney's decisive leadership earned him
The Congressional Medal of Honor as well.
For a well written, very detailed account of
the 6th MarDiv's fight for
Sugar Loaf, pick up a copy of James Hallas's Killing Ground on Okinawa:
The Battle for Sugar Loaf Hill.