World War II

Saipan was the first island (in the Marianas) to be attacked, which surprised the Japanese. They were expecting Palau to be the next target. The US troops advanced past the reef on June 15, 1944 and Saipan was secured by July 9, 1944.

Tinian was invaded on July 24th, and was secured by July 31, 1944. There were still isolated pockets of Japanese hiding in sugar cane fields, caves and thickets of Masalog Ridge.

Rota was not occupied until after V-J day.

On Tinian, there is a cliff called Suicide Cliff.  Many Japanese soldiers and citizens jumped to their death rather than become prisoners of war.

Saipan has 2 cliffs, where the same thing happened. One is Suicide Cliff and the other is Banzai Cliff.

There are many memorials near theses cliffs to honor those who lost their lives.
 

*Information gathered from: Problems of Resettlement on Saipan, Tinian and Rotan Mariana Islands

By Neal m. Beal

And plaques near the sites

This is the view from Suicide Cliff, Tinian looking to the left. Can you believe how blue that water is?



Looking Directly down from Suicide Cliff, Tinian. The water is much more rough here, and it is more windy as well.

Looking back toward the parking lot and Memorials at Suicide Cliff, Tinian.

One of the Memorials here at Suicide Cliff, Tinian. Notice the small Buddha someone left near the left marker.

Walking toward the cliff.

Chris is pointing out a sea turtle swimming. Our second we saw since we have been here.
I will post more pictures of Suicide Cliff later. This is one of my favorite places on the Island. It is so peaceful here.
I will also post pictures of Suicide Cliff, Saipan and Banzai Cliff, Saipan. We visited those this past weekend.