|
Objective:
The
Marauders will survey these distant outer isles of Yap and the waters
between them, to identify and photograph the remains that are found,
then turn the findings over to the Japanese government.
Background:
Numbering in the thousands, the
sons of the Rising Sun on Woleai (part of the Yap group of
islands), gallantly prepared to meet the enemy, the enemy that
never came. The U.S forces by-passed these outer islands of
Micronesia, all except Ulithi (also part of the Yap islands).
|
Throughout the summer of 1944,
Ulithi became known as "flattop row," a central staging area for
the U.S. invasions of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. Still, before the
Americans arrived, the island was a Japanese military
stronghold.
In June of 1944, in preparation
for the perceived invasion of Yap, the Japanese military forces
on Ulithi moved to the central island in the Yap family of
islands, leaving behind a small contingent to defend Ulithi's
airstrip and radio station . Together with the thousands
on Woleai, these men died of starvation and disease during
Japan's post-war rebuilding era, whehn there was no means
available to repatriate these proud defenders of their homeland.
It is the intent of the Marauders
to do all that we can to repatriate them now. The
Marauders will survey these distant outer isles and the waters
between them, to identify and photograph the remains that are
found, then turn the findings over to the Japanese government
who we pray, with the help of Yap officials, can at long last
bring their lost brethren home to their loved ones. |
Former U.S.
Marine Corps Battalion Recon Sergeant Gerry Flowers looks over WWII
vintage maps of Yap island in preparation for the recon mission.
|
Moore's
Marauders is a non-profit organization that receives no government funding. We
rely solely on your contributions to help us locate the 35,000
