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Dan and Hap at Latte Stones (Tinian)

Ben Sablan also took us to the crest of 1500 foot plus Mt. Topatchau. From there we had excellent views of all sections of Saipan, including the runways at Isley Field.

Dad and I took a day to drive around Saipan solo. He explained about the invasion and violent battles that took place before the B-29's of the 73rd wing could arrive and initiate operations against Japanese targets. We drove through Death Valley where US army soldiers were surrounded and viciously attacked by Japanese forces. The Marines from the 4th Division moved in and saved them from being completely exterminated.



Dan at Pit # 2 - Big Boy (Tinian)
 We visited the Marpi Point area at the North end of Saipan and Suicide Cliff where local Japanese and Chamorrans jumped to their death 200 feet below.

We went to Obyan beach where Dad said he and other B-29ers from the 499th and 500th Bomb Groups swam to get away from the rigors and fears of war.

Dan and Hap at Obyan Beach

 

Our return trip to the U.S. was via Tokyo. I thought this was appropriate due to the fact that Dad had never held a grudge against this culture. I have always admired his total reconciliation and peace of mind toward the Japanese people and especially those directly involved with his capture and incarceration after he parachuted into Tokyo. He befriended a former guard after the war and helped him secure entry as a student at the University of Illinois. Dad also met the pilot that was responsible for the downing of his B-29 forty years earlier. They exchange letters through interpreters to this day.

This above all was the best lesson that I could ever have learned about the human spirit. His ability to forgive his enemy when circumstances changed and the guns were silenced.

While walking around the Japanese city of Narita I thought about all of this and our trip together. I had a chance to relive this part of American history for just a week, but I am able to leave with an understanding of what he and others went through to preserve our way of life and freedom.

Hap, Governor of Saipan (Pedro Tenorio), Dan

I can now pass this on to others.

I will always remember our Pacific Journey. Thanks, Dad.