War in the Pacific Cultural Resources Inventory

PART 3a

The U.S. Military pre-invasion bombardment varified for the Japanese that American forces would land and invade from Asan and Agat beaches (USMC 1998:14). Therefore, their arrangement of defensive positions clustered around the Orote Peninsula and the ridgelines and limestone outcrops that overlooked Asan and Agat beaches.

These outcroppings, within the Asan and Agat beach areas, extended out into the bays providing perfect cover for pillboxes, caves, and gun emplacements. The pillboxes at the ridge-tops offered alternative views and positions. Caves extending from ridge-tops to the beach below allowed Japanese soldiers to position along the beach during the landing phase then retreat up to the ridgeline for perfect sniping positions.

Today, most of the remaining structures are Japanese defense structures clustered within these ridge points; Bangi Point, Ga'an Point, and Apaca Point in the Agat Beach area, and Asan Point and Adelup Point in the Asan Beach area.

The cluster arrangement of structures clearly retains the historic integrity of strategic positioning in relation to the natural terrain and to each other.

Interpretive displays and signs are scattered throughout both beach units. Some gun emplacements are interpreted in original positions. Signs explaining the Japanese strongholds are also placed in relationship to site.

Monuments and associated interpretive signs are scattered throughout both park units. Some are associated with and commemorative of WWII. Others are not. There is no specific clustering or formal arrangement of monuments in either Asan or Agat beach units.

Cluster arrangement of the Japanese defense positions retains integrity and is contributing to the historic scene of the War in the Pacific National Historical Park.