Piti, Guam — Pacific Ocean (Marianas Archipelago)

Silent Guns

Courtesy of Thomas P. Martin, February 27, 2015

1. Silent Guns Marker

Inscription. From this high ground the Japanese had a clear view of their targets — American landing craft approaching Asan Beach. But the Piti guns were never fired. With the war suddenly turning against them, the Japanese had only a few months to bolster their defenses on Guam. Although the concrete emplacements were ready, the guns were not completed when the American assaults began.

Using tree trunks for rollers, Chamorros were forced to haul the guns up the steep slope you have just climbed. Forced labor was one of the many hardships native islanders experienced during the war.

Caption: When the guns were discovered weeks after the battle, they were found camouflaged with palm leaves and brush.

[Non-English portion of marker not transcribed.]

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, World II. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1944.

Location. 13° 27.703′ N, 144° 41.679′ E. Marker is in Piti, Guam. Marker can be reached from Assumption Drive, 0.4 miles north of Highway 6, on the right when traveling north. Marker is in War in the Pacific National Historical Park. Parking is available at the church social hall. Marker is accessible via a short walk from the parking lot. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 314 Assumption Dr, Santa Rita GU 96915, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers

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are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. War in the Pacific National Historical Park (approx. 1.3 miles away); Attack, Occupation, Liberation (approx. 1.4 miles away); Guam 1941-1944 (approx. 1.4 miles away); The Inland Offensive (approx. 1.4 miles away); Banzai Charges (approx. 1.4 miles away); Japanese Two-Man Submarine (approx. 3 miles away); Hidden Defenses (approx. 4.6 miles away); Japanese Anti-Aircraft Gun (approx. 5.7 miles away).

Also see . . . Piti Guns Unit. Details on the guns' history by the National Park Service. (Submitted on November 14, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Photographed By National Park Service

2. Silent Guns Marker

View of a Piti gun and marker.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 26, 2021. It was originally submitted on November 14, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 116 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 14, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.