Battle of Guam (1941)
Guam is the southernmost part of the Mariana Islands in the Pacific Ocean. It covers an area of 225 square miles with rugged interior terrain. Heavy tropical forests grow in the north while wooded hills occupy the south. Much of the coastline features coral reefs and cliffs, though beaches suitable for landing troops exist in the center of the west coast. The island has a tropical climate where December forms part of the dry season.
The United States captured Guam from the Kingdom of Spain on the 21st of June 1898 during the Spanish, American War. The next year Spain sold the other islands in the Marianas chain to Germany. The United States Navy established a facility near the village of Piti in 1899. A U.S. Navy captain served as both governor of Guam and commander of the naval base from 1899 onwards. A battery of six guns was emplaced to strengthen defenses in 1909.
In 1941 the island received a Category F defense rating that ruled out construction of new defenses. This classification meant defenders were to destroy all facilities of military value and withdraw if war broke out. The United States government did not believe it would be possible or practical to defend Guam if attacked. The island was not seen as being useful in efforts to reinforce the Philippines. It served only as a refueling point for Pan Am flying boats and one of the relay points for the Pacific Cable Company's telegraph cable linking the Philippines to the US West Coast.
A contract for minor improvements to military facilities issued in April 1941 saw work begin the next month. The Guam Insular Force Guard, a local militia responsible for protecting the naval base, expanded slightly in May. On the 17th of October dependents of American military personnel evacuated to the United States by transport followed by more than 1,000 construction workers. The US Navy's General Board provided Secretary of the Navy Frank Knox with a report on the 23rd of October recommending against reinforcing the island due to difficulties of defending it and need to allocate resources elsewhere.
From March 1941 Japanese aircraft flew photo reconnaissance sorties over the island. Plans for the invasion completed in September 1941 selected the South Seas Detachment as the main unit responsible. This detachment included the 144th Infantry Regiment and other units detached from the 55th Division totaling 4,886 men. The force concentrated in Korea during November 1941 before sailing for Chichi-jima in the Bonin Islands late that month.
The 370-man strong 5th Company of the 2nd Maizuru Special Naval Landing Force based at Saipan joined the assault. These units transported to Guam by nine transports escorted by minelayer Tsugaru and four destroyers. The 6th Cruiser Division composed of four heavy cruisers remained available to provide support if needed. The landing force and naval units supported by the 18th Naval Air Corps equipped with obsolete floatplanes based at Saipan.
At 04:44 on the 8th of December McMillin received word of the attack on Pearl Harbor. At 08:27 Japanese land-based aircraft from Saipan attacked Marine barracks, Piti Navy Yard, Libugon radio station, Standard Oil Company, and Pan American Hotel. During the air attack USS Penguin sank after shooting down at least one Japanese airplane. One officer died and several men wounded while air raids continued into morning and afternoon before subsiding at 17:00.
At 08:30 on the 9th of December Japanese air attacks resumed with no more than nine aircraft attacking at a time. Targets included Government House in Agana and several villages alongside previous day's objectives. That evening a Japanese invasion fleet left Saipan for Guam containing four heavy cruisers, four destroyers, two gunboats, six submarine chasers, two minesweepers, two destroyer tenders, and ten transports including Yokohama Maru, China Maru, Cheribin Maru, Clyde Maru, Daifuku Maru, Kogyoku Maru, Matsue Maru, Moji Maru, Nichimei Maru, and Venice Maru.
The Japanese landed about 400 troops of the 5th Defence Force from Saipan on Guam early morning of the 10th of December 1941 at Dungcas Beach north of Agana. They quickly defeated Insular Force Guard in Agana then advanced on Piti moving toward Sumay and Marine barracks. Principal engagement occurred at Agana's Plaza de España at 04:45 when Marines and Insular Force guardsmen fought attackers. After token resistance Marines surrendered at 05:45 under McMillin's orders while he officially surrendered at 06:00.
A few skirmishes took place all over island before news spread causing rest of forces to lay down arms. YP-16 scuttled by fire while YP-17 captured by Japanese naval forces. American freighter damaged by Japanese during fighting. Meanwhile South Seas Detachment about 5,500 men under Major General Tomitarō Horii made separate landings at Tumon Bay in north, southwest coast near Merizo, and eastern shore at Talofofo Bay.
Thirteen American civilians died by Japanese hands during battle. Six US Navy seamen evaded capture but five eventually taken and beheaded while Radioman First Class George Ray Tweed survived with help from local Chamorros. They moved him from village to village sometimes endangering their own families for his protection. Japanese knew unknown American could not hide without some form of help so Chamorro suspects questioned tortured and beheaded despite abuses.
Chamorros loyal to United States protected Tweed who managed evade Japanese during occupation for two years and seven months until rescued prior to Second Battle of Guam. US Marine losses totaled five killed and 13 wounded including prior air assault bringing total to 13 dead and 37 wounded. US Navy lost eight killed while four Guam Insular Force Guardsmen died and 22 others wounded. One Japanese naval soldier killed and six wounded. Private First Class John Kauffman killed by Japanese after surrender.
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Common questions
When did the Battle of Guam 1941 begin?
The Battle of Guam began on the 8th of December 1941 when Japanese aircraft attacked Marine barracks and the Piti Navy Yard. The main invasion landing occurred early morning on the 10th of December 1941 at Dungcas Beach north of Agana.
Who commanded US forces during the Battle of Guam 1941?
Major General George McMillin served as governor of Guam and commander of the naval base from 1899 onwards until his surrender in 1941. He ordered Marines to surrender at 05:45 on the 10th of December 1941 after token resistance against the South Seas Detachment.
What was the outcome for Chamorro civilians during the Battle of Guam 1941?
Thirteen American civilians died by Japanese hands during the battle while local Chamorros protected Radioman First Class George Ray Tweed for two years and seven months. Chamorro suspects were tortured and beheaded by Japanese forces who knew an unknown American could not hide without help.
How many troops did the South Seas Detachment deploy to Guam 1941?
The South Seas Detachment included the 144th Infantry Regiment and other units totaling 4,886 men before sailing for Chichi-jima in November 1941. Approximately 5,500 men under Major General Tomitarō Horii made separate landings at Tumon Bay, southwest coast near Merizo, and eastern shore at Talofofo Bay.
Why was Guam considered undefendable in 1941?
Guam received a Category F defense rating in 1941 that ruled out construction of new defenses or practical reinforcement efforts. The United States government determined it would be impossible to defend the island if attacked due to its distance from the Philippines and lack of strategic utility beyond refueling points.