WWII Tank Wrecks & Suicide Caves of Guam | History Traveler Episode 241

We're wrapping up our stay on Guam before moving to our last island in this Operation Forager series. In this episode, we're trekking to the Tank Farm to check out some of the pieces of wrecked armor that remain on the island before going north to find the cave where it all ended for General Obata and the Japanese 31st Army.
This episode was produced in partnership with The Gettysburg Museum of History. See how you can support history education & artifact preservation by visiting their website & store at www.gettysburg...
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Other episodes that you might enjoy:
- The Suicide Cliffs of Saipan in WWII | History Traveler Episode 235: • The Suicide Cliffs of ...
- The Bones of the WWII Dead in the Caves of Saipan | History Traveler Episode 234: • The Bones of the WWII ...
- HIDDEN JAPANESE GUNS IN THE WWII JUNGLES OF GUAM! | History Traveler Episode 238: • HIDDEN JAPANESE GUNS I...
- The Fight For Aslito Airfield in the Battle of Saipan | History Traveler Episode 231: • The Fight For Aslito A...
- WRECKED TANKS & THE WWII INVASION BEACHES OF SAIPAN | History Traveler Episode 230: • WRECKED TANKS & THE WW...
All drone flights conducted by a Part 107 licensed drone pilot.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

If you've watched a few episodes and feel like I've earned it, be sure to subscribe so that you don't miss any new content when it comes out. Also be sure to check out The Gettysburg Museum of History and their store at gettysburgmuseumofhistory.com. Thanks!!!

[@realboss604]

I've watched 'em all brother.......

[@InvisibleCitizen]

When I was stationed on Guam I hiked all over the island. I walked past many of the raised huts that locals lived in along the walking trails. These were where the poor lived. I felt sad for them because it was so hot and humid. A hard rain could blow through so fast and it was obvious that with the wind there was no way for the families to stay dry.

[@MikeV671]

Håfa Adai from Guam🤙🏽🇬🇺 Fun fact: back in 1972 a couple of island locals were trailing through the jungle and happened to stumble upon a cave… turns out it was occupied by a Japanese WWII Sergeant, Shoichi Yokoi. After the defeat of Japanese occupation, Yokoi ended up being left behind. Instead of surrendering to US Forces, he went into hiding. For 28 long years he remained on the island, making he’s own tools and living off the land. He’s cave was named after him, “the Yokoi Cave.” When he finally was brought back home to Japan, he was hailed as a War hero. He ended up marrying and had he’s honeymoon back on Guam. He’s handcrafted tools and WWII uniform is on display at the Guam Museum in Hågatna, the island capital.

[@DannyPepprs]

Håfa Adai! Former US Navy stationed at Polaris Point on the USS Proteus AS-19 back in the late 80s , I miss Guam !

[@davidtuttle508]

JD - remember - War is a Young Man's Game, as well as being a Blood Sport. As a retired Army officer, who fought in the Persian Gulf War at age 28-29, and then went back to Iraq from age 41 - 49 (over 4 additional tours), being in a warzone gives your body a beating. What once you could laugh off - e.g. a sprained ankle (at age 20, with a 4 day recovery time), now equals a 6 week recovery time at age 60 plus.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

I'll bet. Kind of feeling that myself as I get a bit older.

[@stephenrrose]

Thank you so much for your Service!!! That's said from my Heart!!!! My Dad was Army, at the end of the Korean War! Much Respect!!!!

[@rebelsixtynine1]

You got that right, problem is my brain still thinks I'm 20

[@dimwitt461]

As a history buff this series has shown me that I have a serious lacking in my knowledge of the Pacific theater. I guess being of European decent, and having served in the 101st, it’s easier to associate with the places and people of that theater than those in the Pacific. A shortcoming I will have to correct. Thank you for educating me further. Another wonderful video.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

You aren't the only one. Most people focus more on the European Theater. As far as Guam, go to Amazon and see what you can find on the Battle of Guam. There isn't much.

[@gardenNlawntips]

Lol. What does serving in the 101st and being white have to do with your knowledge of the Pacific Theatre... if you just wanted someone to acknowledge that you served in the 101st just say that.

[@MrDlt123]

I lived on Guam from 1992-1995 while in the U.S. Air Force, and although there are LOTS of fascinating historical sites and artifacts there, I dont remember much of it. (30 years ago, go figure). However, I remember that, because the island is so small, just about EVERYTHING rusts fast - because youre never really very far from the salty sea spray (along with the oppresive heat and humidity). I stood guard duty many nights in that environment, and I cant imagine slogging that island with 75 pounds of gear in WW2 uniforms (while being shot at, no less). Thanks for the fascinating history lesson. Brings back memories!

[@rockstarJDP]

Fantastic work JD, this is your finest yet. You capture the claustrophobia and heat/humidity so well, it really makes it tangible to the rest of us just how hard a slog it was for those lads that fought for islands we would never otherwise have heard of. Excellent work as always 👏

[@san4993]

The military stripped and dumped all the tanks used in the invasion to recover Guam right there. The entire pacific is littered with the tanks from WWII. It was cheaper to remove the components and leave the armored hulls than to ship them back to the United States. There were several tanks and half tracks, but most were removed to be restored for museum displays and monuments. We locals like to call it the tank farm because they were all planted there left to rot and used for training targets. You are lucky to have hiked it when it was dry. To my knowledge there were no American tanks knocked out from direct combat, but there was likely mechanical issues from the beach landing and tropical environment. Thank you for showing the beauty of my Island and sharing a part of our history.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Interesting. Thanks for the extra info!

[@jimlathroum8040]

I am a fan of your drone footage. Understated yet effective in this video.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! Appreciate that.

[@danferrell674]

Who flies the drone?

[@mollybrooo2104]

I stay on guam and I love when people come here to talk about the history of the island

[@timol437]

Still think there is a need for the History Underground Bump-Cap.....plus if you load yourself down with 80 pounds of equipment you can feel like a grunt....Thanks for the swing through the Pacific Theater, I can cross that off my bucket list.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! I've enjoyed sharing the experiences. Just a few more episodes in this Pacific series.

[@JOSECANUCCJ]

Guam is the most beautiful Pacific island I have seen, loads of history. I remember taking to old trek to get to Talofofo Falls in 1975. I returned in 2004 (what I thought was my last ANG TDY) and was pleased to ride the tram!

[@docmccoy1928]

When I was stationed there at the Naval Hospital on Guam you could drive your 4wd vehicles out to the tanks and even further. One of the best tours i had during my 25 years in the Navy. There was a ton of history on the island. There are two ships in the harbor that were sunk. One in WW1 and one in WW2. They actually touch each other. The Cormoran and the Tokai Maru. I dove on both often.

[@dangercloseusmc6902]

The place you were at is sometimes called the "tank farm", and it's very interesting. You aren't far from the War in the Pacific museum, which is very underrated. I was stationed there for over a year, up at NCTAMS just south of Andersen AFB. We would stand post for 6 hours at a time, and of course you had to be on your feet. Even with the lightweight uniforms we wore (compared with the canvas dungarees worn in WWII), the polish on your boots would melt quickly and destroy the spit shine, and your uniform would be soaked with sweat. The heat and humidity were incredibly oppressive. The only thing that broke it up was the monsoons or the occasional typhoon (I went through supertyphoon Omar and Bryan), and the rain was like bathwater.

[@vanceb1]

I lived there for 3 years and also went through Omar. It was interesting to see my Toyota pickup sliding sideways across the driveway when the eye passed.

[@dangercloseusmc6902]

@@vanceb1 I was on post for that entire thing, and I couldn't believe how much damage the flying coconuts did. lol I think the sustained winds were over 200 MPH at the eye wall, I forget. It was certainly an experience.

[@vanceb1]

@@dangercloseusmc6902 I was in the USCG and one of our missions was pollution response. 13 foreign flagged fishing vessels sank in Apra Harbor during the typhoon. They all had refrigeration systems that used anhydrous ammonia as the refrigerant (a very common occurrence). When the higher-ups heard about that they called and asked what we were going to do about this deadly toxic spill. I told them we weren't going to do a darn thing since the ammonia was on its way to the Philippines at 150 mph. Their response was something to the effect of, "Oh, never mind...".

[@dangercloseusmc6902]

@@vanceb1 You gotta love when the trash takes itself out. lol

[@stephenrrose]

Great Video JD, you wouldn't of known if it was worth it or not until you made the Trek in! Glad you did! Thank you for the educational History, I learn something from you every time! Love the real vintage footage as well. Gives us a little more insight! Well done!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks 👍

[@markpalmer6760]

Fascinating the beliefs of different cultures. The Japanese believed commiting suicide was the honorable thing to do and western culture would consider it the cowardly way out. You should consider getting a straw hat in that environment. Take care.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Definitely.

[@Shimerville_Sheik]

Always great learning experience with JD. He brings history to life like few can. Keep up the great work.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@hacksaw434]

My grandfather was a SeaBee on Guam. When we would ask him about what he did, he would only say he was on the "clean up crew". In other words, digging mass graves.

[@chriskimtyler]

My grandfather was also a SeaBee on Guam. He passed when I was around 4. I really wish I had been old enough to have a conversation with him about his time there.

[@hacksaw434]

@@chriskimtyler the one thing my grandpa brought back with him from Guam was that he couldn't handle bad smells, especially meat. If it had the slightest oder he would puke. Considering the amount of dead Japanese soldiers in the heat and humidity of Guam, for days in end, it's easy to understand why he was like that

[@bethromanetto6279]

Love your videos as I love history! Amazing how you find new pieces of history that many of us never knew about! Well done!!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching.

[@bradmiller3367]

It is always amazing to me to think, not only in the South Pacific but in theaters such as Gettysburg, the equipment and clothing the soldiers wore ON TOP of the insanity of battle with bullets and shell whizzing about, people going down and so forth.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Agreed.

[@ladylily3079]

I’m from Guam. I hope you’re having a great time here !! ❤

[@sportcardcollector9599]

I'll tell you what my friend they really need to put you on the national geographic Channel your programs are 100 times better than just about any military show I have ever seen on the History Channel national geographic etc I'm telling you I always enjoy watching your channel I was probably one of the first couple hundred subs you had you know a lot of times I don't leave comments but I'm watching every video believe me and you always get a thumbs up my friend thank you for taking the time and effort to make all these awesome and I mean unbelievable programs thanks again my friend you have yourself a wonderful weekend lots of love from Tinley Park Illinois God bless the United States of America and her allies 🇺🇲🇺🇲 👍👍

[@robertmoore2049]

I’m with you, JD. I’m no fan of heat and humidity or the beach and I live in Florida! We do have some nice woods, forests. And there are plenty of springs, lakes and rivers and other inland waterways and wetlands. Can’t wait until Winter when it gets a bit cooler.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Oh man. Don't know if I could hack it in Florida. The summers are brutal.

[@anonymousm9113]

Great as always (okay, just started watching but I expect nothing less).

[@mannie1952]

Wonderful video, it brought back so many happy memories of boonie-stomping when I was a sailor stationed on the island in 1971-72. For many years, that cluster of vehicles was known as "the tank farm." over the course of fifteen years both of my brothers and I served on the island, and each of us had taken photos of the tanks and LVTs. Your footage reveals the level of deterioration that has occurred in the intervening 50 years. Our understanding of the tank farm was that these vehicles were towed to that location for the specific purpose of target-practice...explaining the five penetrating hits on the front of one of the Shermans - at the time that I was there, there were two Shermans and three or four LVTs. The tank farm was a favorite destination for GIs boonie-stomping during time off from work. Back then, it was a very rigorous hike. We'd hitch-hike from NCS Finegayen to the trailhead and then move inland. By the end of the day we'd be dehydrated and exhausted...much like you were...it was a blast. Thank you so much for this glimpse of a place where I spent an important part of my formative years. Hafa adai.

[@TheZX11]

Interesting that it was a practice range. As a kid, I visited the tank farm in the late 70's a few times. Big cone shaped holes in the thick Sherman turret armor. What we thought was a Japanese tank was very thin armor mostly buried in the ground. Talafofo (spelling?) falls was by there and often the main object of the hike. Us kids found an old grenade. Parents wouldn't let us keep it so us kids threw it to see if it would go off. Fortunately it was very rusty and likely missing parts.

[@ianaspen1760]

Are you possibly still on Guam? I've been here for some time and missed all of these great sites. Hoping for some guidance to see everything I can before I leave this great island.

[@drewlear1585]

Dad was shipped to Guam after being shot on Okinawa. Thanks for doing this JD.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🇺🇸

[@Shawnroberts1980]

Japanese mentality was/is so different. You CAN surrender, its ok. Fine line between honor and stupidity in my opinion. Thanks again JD

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Hard for us to wrap our minds around.

[@tomsmietana61]

I was stationed on Guam in 1986 with the Navy Seabees there is a lot of history on that little island thanks for showing the history of it

[@brianadams6628]

Was on guam all of '86 also. I remember talkin to some seabees that were working on the marine barracks & naval base there. Probly ran across u at some point. Yes beautiful island there. 😁

[@thomassavitsky3577]

My father fought on Guam. He was assigned to the 706th Tank Battalion which supported the 77th Div. I also interviewed two tank commanders from his company who participated in the battle of Yigo. One of them was in a platoon that lost two Sherman tanks. I believe those tanks can still be seen in Yigo. One of that tanks is missing a turret.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🇺🇸

[@pascualaguon5324]

Great video... Awsome work... the hills where tanks were are the same hills the Japanese had villagers hump thru to the Mengon Massacre...

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Rough country, for sure.

[@jessiraemeno]

Thank you for being respectful to our land and showcasing the history behind the island. Hope the heat didn’t burn ya too bad and please enjoy your remaining time on Guam!! 🥳

[@jamesbarclay1300]

Stationed on Guam for 4 years while on active duty and remember these boonie stomps well. Tons of great history on Guam.

[@ronaldyoungberg9933]

The war could have turned out very differently than it did. Had the Japanese not been subject to the suicide charges. It might have taken a lot longer and been bloodier.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

I've thought about that quite a bit.

[@raymondmanderville505]

The Japanese soldiers were as brave as the soldiers who fought at the Somme in WW1 . Charging at machine guns in waves didn’t work in 1917 & it didn’t work in 44 or 45 . But that seems to be the only plan that they repeatedly came up with . Such a waste of good brave & obedient young soldiers .

[@taliwaholi]

Man, I love watching your videos! You sir, produce high quality videos with beautiful scenery and landscapes, while teaching about history! As a fellow history buff myself, learning mostly about The American Civil War, WWI, WWII, Vietnam, and The Gulf War/Desert Storm. You show so much more than beautiful landscapes, you actually tell the history and stories about what happened for us and younger generations. I love how in each of your videos you go in depth and tell us about all sides of war while showing honor and utmost respect to those who have fought, survived and fallen on all sides. I'm also truly thank you and appreciate how you mention the innocent cilivians who were caught in the crossfire during those times. You're videos are truly amazing and I thank you for doing what you do! Though, I do wish they were longer lol, I still appreciate and enjoy every one of them!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@susiepittman601]

Thank you. My father was a pilot in this theater of the war but never saw combat. I love learning more about it.

[@ual737ret]

I was based in Guam for several months with the airline I worked for back in the 90s. I remember stepping off the airplane and getting hit by the heat and humidity. I got used to it after a while. I didn’t get to see a lot of what you are showing on this video so I appreciate it. It is kind of nostalgic for me.

[@davidhenson5876]

And the mildew smell…

[@vanceb1]

@@davidhenson5876 Especially in the old airport terminal.

[@HafaTalo]

Really appreciate your efforts and this series for more depth to the war in the pacific. To be honest that resort needs to chill out with their security. There’s some great hiking spots and waterfall access as well as the tank access that’s easily accessible after you enter. Thank you for visiting this small island I called home for 20 years and for this series, Si Yu’os Ma’åse 🙏🏽

[@birdman5223]

Too bad U couldn’t arrange access to resort roads, there is a nice Japanese tank relic there also. The heat and humidity there is unpleasant at best. Great content JD😎

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Yeah, that certainly would have been nice.

[@agospelminuteonguam]

​@@TheHistoryUnderground Just an FYI, that resort is not "yuppy" owned.

[@jameshunter5485]

We cannot forget the sacrifices of the living and the dead that endured these awful events in the most hellish of circumstances. This is an excellent series. Thank you.

[@connierosario9474]

Thank you for covering the battles of my home. Next up....Tinian?

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻🙂

[@johnmarlin4661]

Fantasic video JD !! Thanks for enduring the heat and humidity !! Did you see any famous Guam Brown snakes in the boonies ??

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! Can't say that I came across any snakes.

[@leesherman100]

Being an amateur WWII history follower, you have me hooked on your channel. I just can't get enough. Thanks. 😊

[@charlesberlanga4452]

I was stationed there in 1972. The last Japanese soldier was finally captured there just before I got there. I was renting out in the town of Yona and up the hill behind the house was a Japanese small tank.

[@vforvendetta275]

Shoichi Yokoi. In 74 there were two more Hiroo Onada (Phillipines) and Teruo Nakamura (Moratai island Indonesia).

[@johnpower8356]

Love these stories taking back the islands and Philippines all the way back to Japan. Japan started a war they had no chance of winning, none, the industrial strength of the USA was too massive and the higher ups in Japan knew it, their oil and other resources were shut off so they felt compelled

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Definitely got in over their heads.

[@PJ-bv9tc]

Wow! That red dirt reminds me of my home state of South Carolina. Or my college state of Virginia.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@robertmorey4104]

Wow you have covered Guam very well. Beautiful place, that orange dirt reminds me of Schofield Hawaii, you never get that red dirt out of your uniforms. It was a badge of honor. That Sherman tank looks like it was knocked out by Japanese 47mm AT guns, small caliber, but they worked over Sherman's pretty well. Doubtful that tank would be moved there, a disabled 32ton hulk is no easy move. Likely it was used to blast those caves and got taken out by a AT gun right where it is. The Japanese were viscous against tanks on Okinawa as well. Great video, love the series.

[@JimDandy49]

This seems like a tourist video without much exploring. Here we are... we came, we saw, and then we left.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

I had a whole lot of things go sideways that day. Probably one of the worst days I’ve ever had since starting this channel. Hope that the rest of the content meets your expectations. Thanks for watching.

[@GhostofSicklesleg]

Another great video on a subject that is ignored mostly. You shining the spotlight on it is great. And I appreciate the views and respect shown for both sides. I am US Navy veteran and my father was a Marine in the Korean Conflict. But I love hearing both sides versions of events and that also teaches the true story. Thank you again

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!

[@13bravo72]

Love these videos!👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼 Extremely fascinating, the Pacific Campaign. When I was very young, about 5, our whole family was stationed on Guam. My father was a CPO radioman in the U.S. Navy. He used to take me for bike rides all over the island. I remember seeing some those tank wrecks. Even though I was just 5, I can still vividly remember all wrecks, Japanese and American and buildings that were still standing on various parts of that island. I enjoyed my time on Guam and the neat adventures my dad took me on. Good times..👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽

[@michmvp]

My father, BM1 John Petersmarck USN, was there on Guam as part of operation Lion. That operation gathered, transported, off loaded, stored and distribute all of the materials needed to build an airfield on Guam. They began off loading while the battle was still going on. If you think it was hot walking just imagine how it was when doing the back breaking labor that they were doing. The work went on 24/7 in that heat, bugs, tropical downpours and knee deep mud that swallowed the materials that they were off loading. Many were affected by tropical diseases. The enlisted men were driven like animals by the officers who lived in, relative, luxury giving themselves kudos and medals for the great work that they did. My dad came home from Guam after the end of the was with life long PTSD.

[@6502Assembler]

Great episode! Always informative. I long for the day when humanity figures out that war isn't the way to go about solving it's issues. It ends up killing a lot of innocent people, a few truly guilty ones, and in the end, almost always just ends up giving us places to vacation and go see.

[@mgunny05]

Love the “tactful” sarcasm JD of the “tanks” 😁…but I do appreciate the effort and professionalism you show in these videos 🍺🍺!

[@mark-ib7sz]

Thank you for the wonderful videos you have been putting out. Just excellent.

[@jefferyfowler7860]

Another outstanding video JD. We never get tired of them. 🇺🇸

[@lthom5158]

Never knew the facts about the battle for Guam. Excellent video!

[@georgepangelinan54]

You missed the other 2 tanks not to far from the Sherman tank

[@georgepangelinan54]

There’s a total of 4 to 5 tanks in the area next to Leo palace. Before Leo Palace resort was built there was 2 Japanese tanks that were dug out from the ground.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

I was in such a hurry that day that I didn’t spend more than 15 minutes back. Wish I’d had more time to do it properly.

[@swgeek4310]

Just a thought. Imagine if the Japanese redeployed their surviving troops instead of encouraging suicide. I wonder how it MAY have changed a battle or other invasions. Appreciate the hike!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

I've thought about that often.

[@diggerlenny4836]

"At least we can walk in the footstepsnof the 77th boys" Love that statement☺️🍻💯👍

[@rickbee1674]

Really enjoy your videos of all the war history. The young kids now days should watch these. For respect for our service personnel and our flag.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you. Hopefully people are sharing these videos with a younger crowd.

[@rruuserious]

Thanks again for the wonderful video, and helping me to learn more about One of the campaigns my father endured.

[@chrisfrancis455]

I think it would be interesting to hear about the Japanese soldiers who held out, some for over 20 years.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Briefly touched on that in the last episode.

[@TheSiddy74]

Thank you, JD. Very enjoyable and educational, as always. Respect to you, from England.

[@markrinehart7224]

That's the tank farm. That resort that you mentioned was where my daughter and her family lived for 3 years. I was able to hike to the Sherman from the resort, but when I returned, was harassed by those guards. Still not sure why they cared. The tanks were dragged there and used as targets for training. Looking at the holes and damage, I determined the direction they were fired upon from and going to that area found expended brass.

[@Ro6entX]

As someone pointing out, had the Japanese gone with redeployment of their troops, perhaps even guerrilla tactics, they would have delayed the big one (invasion of Japan itself). At same hand, more soldiers on both sides would have died though. Also, do you and the team have plans to visit the Aleutian Islands? Lot of historians consider it as a background battle but American blood was spilled so it is still sacred ground all the same.

[@FLRailroaddog]

I been watching and liking all your videos, first time commenting. Your team has done an amazing job and have shown us some amazing locations which many of us would never be able to see. Keep up the great work you are doing.. 👍

[@fredv7487]

Awesome job JD. Thanks for doing all the hard work for us. Always enjoy your videos. Keep up the good work and stay safe. 👍👍👍👍👍

[@greylion629]

Thanks for your videos on this island, my dad's 5 kids enjoyed it very much.

[@lbindert]

My dad was with the 305th infantry regt, 77th division. It was with his unit too that Ernie Pyle was killed.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Those guys were something else.

[@stevenstovall4491]

Hope you've enjoyed the stay over there. Nice to visit.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@fishintime4715]

I believe that location was used for a range during the remainder of the war after the battle. If the engine and components where not on the vehicles, that’s normally range tanks you don’t want oil and crap leaking to the environment.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!

[@josephanderson4470]

Keep up the great work!

[@dontana671]

Leo Palace trail where the AB tanks are located, they were broken down and were used by US military for target practice. The land actually is owned by Texas A&M. If you want to do your research on how it came to be, it’s really interesting.

[@algray1195]

Love your work, Subscribed!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Awesome, thank you!

[@dolphinguam9552]

I admire and appreciate your dedication to sharing some of our history. Continue right on. I’ll share a short story: My wife and I and freshman friends from the University of Guam in 1972, hiked to that very location where Sgt Yokoi was found and finally surrendered. We crawled through his underground tunnel. It was a very tranquil forest, I felt that I’d survive in it all as well; running rivers with shrimp, eel, etc., and lots of nuts, fruits and veggies too. Discovery was shortly before our hike and there were several press crews there already. 🦎🌴🐬

[@stingginner1012]

I was tempory duty on Anderson in 1972. The jungle was off limits because of unexploded ordinance. After a while it didn't stop GIs from exploring during off time. Bugs bugs, and more bugs. I've never seen it rain any harder then on Guam. Heat almost as bad as the desert but with humidity. Even the Black guys got sun burns. Many Air Force personnel were doing 179 days on Guam and 1 month in the states then back to Guam for 179 days. Some had been doing that for 7 years. The Museum was staffed by High School Students who did a great job. I was there when the Japanese Division's Officers Rice bowl was donated by one of the divisions officers who invaded Guam at the beginning of the war. The ocean around Guam is filled with things that can kill you. Even small things. The best of times and worst of times.

[@jefferywylie4456]

I was stationed in Guam in the mid seventies, Air Force law enforcement 43rd security police squadron. Often I was assigned jungle post or patrol and part of the area was the runways used by B-29 bombers during World War Two to bomb Japan. My father was stationed there as a B-29 bomber gunner during the war. My father was an early Datsun car dealer when I was a kid, I married a Japanese women ,we were married for over 40 years and our youngest daughter was born in Guam . Seems like we all had important history and purpose to the South Pacific area. It was eerie driving on those old runways at night.

[@mcamicut]

Wow, I never knew there was a battle sherman tank and I live here.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@carlsanders4680]

I know most of your content is places you can travel to and shoot content about ground troops for. For some of your content can you cover some of the air conflicts in WW II or later. From the 101'st airborne in Europe, Pappy Boyington or the Red Tails. My father was an aircraft mechanic in WW II on Guam and European Theater. I know it will be hard to film, but I went to the Air Force Museum in Ohio and saw the real ( restored ) Memphis Belle. What a piece of history. What a story about the air campaign for WW II. Just a few miles from there was the Wright Brothers Museum. We went thru Ohio and planned on 3 days on our trip, got stuck there for a week. So much history. Did not know until we got there that Dayton, Ohio in the day was the Silicon Valley of the US. Memphis Belle was beautiful. Wright Brothers museum shop was smaller than we thought. National Museum of the United States Air Force few miles away. Good lord, what a place. We spent 1 day there and had to not rush through but did not take our time and just got trough. The first hanger ( and there are 4 ) we had to see and read the starting of the history of flight. OMG !!! Did it evolve fast. Another stop we took was at Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park. This is the town where Orville Wright started his Wright/Patterson aircraft engines manufacturing plants. I know you are all about history. This might give you some more content. I know we loved it.

[@jaratt85]

That first one wasn't a Sherman, it was a Hellcat or a M39 AUV.. a very lightly armored (3/4 inch) version of the Hellcat scouting vehicle (they technically weren't tank hunters) with no turret or top at all. Guys would pile in them and they could tow pretty much anything, often a 105mm cannon (sometimes a 155 in Korea) you can tell because it has a radial engine instead of a big diesel. They literally used an aircraft engine.. My grandfather was in command of a M39 in Korea.. Anything 50cal and up would go straight through the armor plating... In the winter you either slept on the ground and choked on exhaust or slept inside and froze from the cooling fan pulling air through.. They couldn't shut the engine down long or the cylinders would freeze and you'd literally have to build a fire under it, and hope it didn't catch on fire, to get it to turn over and start again.. Needless to say frostbite and carbon monoxide poisoning were par for the course.. all without proper winter clothing.

[@allandavis8201]

I appreciate that private land is private and that the owners have the legal right (in some if not most countries) to deny or restrict access, and you have consistently respected that right, I don’t think you have ever knowingly disrespected that/those law(s). In this case I think 💭 that the law is wrong in that the “yuppie” resort owners are restricting access to an area of historical interest, it might be ok for able bodied people to walk 4 miles to access the area but for those of us with mobility issues it would be, in most cases, impossible to walk that distance, it appears that the track you have been forced to use would be unsuitable for wheelchair user’s, powered or manual, electric powered disability vehicles, or buggy’s as we term them in the uk, would need to be the off-road type and they are not usually available to hire at holiday destinations, the smaller wheeled types would sink into the ground and probably not have enough power for the distance or inclination of the track, so we disabled people would be excluded from visiting the site because a bunch off “yuppies” don’t think about anyone but themselves, in the UK they are sometimes called “NIMBYs” or in full the Not In My Back Yard brigade. Sorry for the rant but I do like to mention the disability divide, not enough thought is given, if at all, for disabled persons access to many many places or attractions. Rant over and soapbox put away, spleen vented. Just thought 💭 I would throw an opinion out for debate, we are consistently told that the ritual suicide of officers like Gen Obama was a matter of honour and because they failed the emperor, but maybe they committed suicide because the knew that they had committed so many atrocities and heinous acts, personally or through their orders, that they didn’t have the courage to face a military court and be punished for their crimes, it doesn’t matter whether, like senior Nazis, it was a cyanide capsule or a bullet, and in the Japanese case a knife in the stomach and head removed by sword, it was still a way to cheat the executioner or the gaoler (jail/imprisonment) the Axis leadership, in my opinion, only committed suicide because they were cowards and took the easy way out. Excellent episode as always JD, not so much to see in this one but it brought the Guam campaign story to a fitting end for us viewers. I was wondering if or when you might come back to Europe, I think you would love exploring the Channel Islands, the only British territory (referred to as a Balywick I believe) invaded and held by the Nazis, there is a lot of WWII history and infrastructure to be explored, there are many documentaries about the islands available but I think that you would bring a unique perspective to the story, and quite unashamedly I admit it would put another tick ✅ in the box of my bucket list that you and Erik have been fulfilling for me. Thanks again JD keep up the good work 😀👍🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇺🇦🇺🇸

[@stevemahoney6493]

My father was a Marine on Guam when the war ended and very happy there was no invasion of Japan. He turned 19 on August 15, 1945. Had finished Parris Island when he was still 17, July 4th, 1944.

[@stubi1103]

Was the winner so good or the loser so bad? A question every winner should ask themselves. When I think about the death defiance with which the Japanese fought, what would have happened if Japan had slightly better and more modern weaponry, less Banzai and more tactical and strategic thinking from the leadership and Generals. I know it's just speculation. Thank you for these excellent and factual contributions to military history and heartly greetings from Germany. 👍

[@lizaibanez]

On top of Mt. Lam Lam, during low tide you can see a sunken ship. Not sure if it’s an American or the enemy. 5th generation Chamorro. Growing up in Alupang Cove, as a young child we explore caves and have seen large arteries. Several occasions we would have to evacuate cause still live EMO, from the war.

[@countrytxrose]

I find your videos of Guam even more interesting. My daughter is a Seabee and did a deployment there for 6 months

[@murielsmith8922]

HEY JD, With your lust for history and with your accompanied vedios, you would make a hellofa great history teacher..

[@reloadncharge9907]

Mosquitos, humidity, heat and now yuppy security guards are added to the dislike list……agreed. Enjoyed the episode, thanks, Andrew

[@andreguillette6293]

@2:25 2.5 up and back ?? reminds me of Currahee Mountain 3 miles up and 3 miles back =)

[@hatersinc.]

you should have gotten in contact with some of the locals who would have gotten you there really quick.

[@PeterOkeefe54]

JD! tell Eric to spring for an small ATV rental next time..much respect for NOT outing the yuppie idiots.

[@ChimChim812]

Nice hook at the end... Now I'm intrigued by which one you mean. Is it Iwo? This battle was Aug 44 but Iwo wasn't until Feb 45. I'll stay tuned to find out. Great work as usual!

[@fangslaughter1198]

I love your channel. Please consider doing a show on, "The Maisy Battery". I think it is the most important yet underreported event of Operation Overlord.

[@markallen8203]

Fantastic video,expertly done,your videos are brilliantly done,looking forward to more of your videos

[@skimmer8774]

Great episode. 17500 haps dead. Wow ! Any idea what American casualties were?

[@bryondevine4224]

I lived on Guam 86-90.if u went out in the bonnies u would bump into tanks 1 day my friend found a rifle we had to call the police & whenever they did road work they would find an unDetonated bomb.☮️ hafa adai

[@timwirasnik5878]

Man, I love your stuff! Glad you hooked up with Thw Gettysburg museum!

[@simonrichards6739]

That’s so sad that security made you do that, but like the men before you that you’re paying tribute to, you persevered! 👏🏻👏🏻

[@kiyu6717]

That place is called Tank Farm, you have to park before Leo Palace, you should have went to Sigua Falls while you were down there

[@steveoconnor7069]

I remember the first day I was on Guam in 1978 and I was amazed that I sweat completely through my clothes in about 5 minutes. I got conditioned to it after awhile and it took about 15 minutes after that!

[@Keifsanderson]

Ah...the tank farm. I wheeled my truck through there back in the mid 2000s. Fun time.

[@stevem3413]

I am a long time subscriber and glad to be here. Thank you sir for sharing your adventures and taking me along to see places I would otherwise not even know about .stay safe and stay well. Wishing you and your family many wonderful blessings.

[@gregsayre4700]

To my way way of thinking Obata showed cowardice by committing suicide. Why would a leader not lead his men into battle honorably? But then again it's hard to understand the Japanese mindset.