WWII’s ‘Last Mission’ Started, Ended On Guam
Posted by Michelle Moquin on August 30th, 2010
WWII’s ‘Last Mission’ started, ended on Guam
by Airman 1st Class Anthony Jennings
36th Wing Public Affairs
8/22/2010 – ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam — – Guam’s history is one of bloodshed and celebration, hardship and prosperity. It’s also one of significant events that would later alter the course of history.
Sixty-five years ago, on August 14, 1945, Northwest Field saw the launch of 143 B-29 Superfortress aircraft assigned to the 315th Bombardment Wing for what would become the last combat mission of World War II.
The mission would be the longest continuous mission ever attempted by the Twentieth Air Force, logging more than 17 hours of flight and covering a distance of 3,760 miles to destroy the largest remaining oil reserves in Japan at Akita.
At a time when most servicemembers and Americans were hoping for a swift end to the war, an air raid seemed unavoidable.
“There was little doubt on the part of the 20th Air Force commanders, B-29 bomber crews, or even ordinary Americans that the bombing of the Japanese homeland was an inevitable part of the war,” said Dr. Andreas Fischer, 36th Wing historian. “Few on the Allied side doubted it was necessary.”
The Japanese situation during this period of time was desperate. The major cities were devastated by atomic or conventional attack while the casualties numbered in the millions. Millions more were refugees, the Japanese fleet of naval vessels was lost and merchant shipping could not leave home waters without braving submarine or mine attacks.
Clearly the time to surrender had come. Incredibly, many in the military urged the Showa Emperor Hirohita to fight on, preferring death to capitulation. The idea the Emperor would support surrender was inconceivable to many in both the Japanese Army and Navy.
Twenty minutes after midnight, the bombers from Guam reached their target of processed crude oil from the fields around Akita and released their payload. The after-mission damage assessment on all structures averaged 86 percent with no part of the refinery complex untouched.
During their approach to the target, Japanese radars picked up the 315th BW B-29s as they neared Tokyo and the city went into a blackout. This occurred as a number of militarists attempted to kidnap the Emperor and prevent him from recording a speech announcing Japan’s unconditional surrender. Their plans were foiled and some attribute this to the blackout and utter darkness after the 315th BW aircraft were pinged on the Japanese radar.
Jim Smith, a member of the crew and writer of the post war narrative “The Last Mission,” was a proponent of the theory that the 315th BW’s mission thwarted the Japanese militarists’ plans.
After the blackout in Tokyo, “the B-29s continued north to Akita, but it seems that the blackout happened precisely at the moment when a number of militarists bent on keeping the war going were about to kidnap the emperor and put a stop to the effort of recording a surrender speech,” Smith said. “With flashlights and candles, soldiers searched all night for the recordings, but were unsuccessful, and the speech aired on Aug. 15, 1945 as planned.”
Whether or not the theory is accurate will surely be debated for years. However, it is undeniable the 315th BW crew members from Northwest Field played a vital part in the Second World War.
“The crews of the 315th BW were on their way back to Guam when the bulletin [announcing Japan's surrender] was repeated over and over,” said Fischer. “They yelled, for they knew that they would not have to test their luck over Japan again.”
Lastly, greed over a great story is surfacing from my ‘loyal’(?) readers. With all this back and forth about who owns what, that appears on my blog, let me reiterate that all material posted on my blog becomes the sole property of my blog. If you want to reserve any proprietary rights don’t post it to my blog. I will prominently display this caveat on my blog from now on to remind those who may have forgotten this notice.
Gratefully your blog host,
michelle
Aka BABE: We all know what this means by now :)
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August 30th, 2010 at 11:03 am
Say “No” to an Extended Warranty
Jack Gillis
Consumer Federation of America
Extended warranties are almost always a bad deal for consumers.
Warranty providers analyze product breakdown histories and repair costs, then structure their coverage to limit the number of claims — often by strategically limiting what is covered and/or how long coverage lasts.
Those tempted by extended warranties despite their drawbacks should at least read all the fine print to understand what they’re getting.
For instance, you don’t want to have to pay high shipping charges to get your item to the repair center, especially if it’s a large item, and you don’t want a warranty that allows the warranty provider many weeks to make repairs, especially if it is an item that you use every day, such as a refrigerator.
Computers are especially likely to break down during their extended warranty periods, but the warranty is likely to cost up to one-half the price of the computer — more than most repairs.
Also, many problems turn out to be software problems, which are not covered. And many laptop warranties do not cover damage sustained in falls.
ALTERNATIVES
Instead of buying an extended warranty, consider the following…
Use a warranty-extending credit card, such as American Express (800-225-3750, http://www.americanexpress.com) or Visa Signature (800-882-8057, http://www.visa.com/signature), which automatically doubles manufacturers’ warranties up to an additional year.
Self-insure. Ask how much the extended warranty costs, then put that amount into an interest-bearing account. Use this account to pay for repairs if something breaks.
AUTOMOBILES
Automotive extended warranties can easily cost more than $1,000 — yet most modern vehicles do not experience expensive problems during their extended-warranty periods, which rarely go beyond seven years or 100,000 miles. (Toyota offers coverage for ten years or 150,000 miles.)
If an extended warranty is worthwhile to you because it helps you sleep at night, bypass the dealership and opt instead for the “mechanical breakdown insurance” now offered by many major auto insurers.
This serves a similar function but usually at a much lower price… and buyers can pay for their protection as they go, for increased flexibility.
Example: GEICO Mechanical Breakdown Insurance is available for vehicles less than 15 months old that have been driven less than 15,000 miles.
It typically costs less than $100 per year — sometimes considerably less, depending on the vehicle. The coverage can be renewed for up to seven years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.
There’s a per-repair deductible of $250 (800-861-8380, http://www.geico.com).
When considering any auto extended warranty or breakdown insurance…
Make sure the coverage allows you to select your own repair shop. Call your preferred shop to make sure it accepts the coverage before signing up.
Scan the contract for a list of parts that are not covered. Good coverage should include everything except parts that regularly wear out, such as brake pads, batteries and tires.
Avoid extended warranties offered by third parties other than large insurers.
The terms might sound attractive, but these providers often hide important limitations in contract small print… try to deny valid claims… and/or go out of business, leaving customers with worthless warranties.
Bottom Line/Personal interviewed Jack Gillis, director of public affairs for the nonprofit Consumer Federation of America, one of the nation’s largest consumer advocacy organizations, Washington, DC. He is author of The Car Book 2009 (Gillis). http://www.consumerfed.org
August 30th, 2010 at 11:04 am
Wow, I love it when I see articles on Guam. Thanks for telling the rest of the USA that we are an important part of the United States of America.
Wayne
August 30th, 2010 at 11:09 am
Hafa adai
Thanks Michelle for the Guam story.
Peter, I agree with you about the kudos to the GPD. But I read this article and I think we need to upgrade our police department here on the island.
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Guam needs DNA capability: Solved cold cases highlight importance
BY FRANK ISHIZAKI • AUGUST 30, 2010
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Hello armchair CSIs. For this column, I want to share my thoughts concerning the recent successes of our Cold Case Unit, which resulted in the conviction of Edward Megofna for the 1998 murder of Huen Sun Kennedy and the arrest of another suspect in the 1988 murder of William Mesa.
The Megofna conviction is a landmark event in Guam because it is the first conviction based on DNA evidence. The fact that the CSI was well-trained and during the initial investigation had noticed a scratch on the suspect and collected appropriate evidence was fortunate, because during the years that these old cases languished, science and technology improved by leaps and bounds. DNA has become the gold-standard forensic tool to help solve violent crimes across the nation.
These accomplishments are the result of hard work by many officers, volunteers and partner agencies over many, many years. Their work must continue until the remaining 90-plus cold cases are closed.
The challenge for GPD and our partners — which over the years have included the Pacific Daily News, attorney general’s office, Medical Examiner’s Office, ATF, FBI, Department of Corrections, Guam Customs and Quarantine, WonPat International Airport Police, Port Authority Police and court marshals — is to sustain the effort until each case is properly and completely investigated.
Many people gave of their time to work these cases. They include D.J. Sablan, P.C. Santos, J.T. Leon Guerrero, S.C. Ignacio, J.M. Celis, A.V. Camacho, Al Manley, Joseph Sablan, Manny Tiong, J.R. Meno, B.K. Flores, J.P. Lizama, A.T. Gallo, J.A. Perez, J.M. Dodd, J.V. DeChavez, E.G. Piolo, Joseph Lopez Sr., Ron McNinch, John Mantanona, Rose Fejeran, Rey Hormillosa, Frank Tenorio, Al Pierce, Zenobia Lynn, Gil Mondia, John Tyquienco, Erlinda Valencia, Monica Salas, Manny Babauta, Kim Santos and Dr. Aurelio Espinola. For their collective efforts, I applaud everyone involved and others I may have missed.
The resolution of these cases is the result of the investigative work which was passed forward with each change of assignment. Their professional ability to transfer cases forward and skill to conduct investigations in a consistent manner is a credit to all involved.
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Think of all the cases we could solve present and old if we had a more modern PD.
Jean
August 30th, 2010 at 11:13 am
A mother was preparing pancakes for her sons, Kevin 5, and Ryan 3.
The boys began to argue over who would get the first pancake.
Their mother saw the opportunity for a moral lesson.
So she called them over and said to them.
‘If Jesus were sitting here, He would say,
‘Let my brother have the first pancake, I can wait.’
Kevin turned to his younger brother and said,
“Ryan, you be Jesus !”
August 30th, 2010 at 11:14 am
Michelle
I want to thank you too for the article. This may be dumb, but I never knew that Guam was a part of the US.
Kevin
August 30th, 2010 at 11:19 am
The Right is still hammering away with the lies about the muslim building being planned for Manhattan.
It seems that anything that will keep the news in front of the people is what they are aiming for.
———————————
Responsible media outlets in the New York/New Jersey area are not giving the Ground Zero mosque imam wannabe a pass. New reports from The Record out of Hackensack, N.J., and the New York Post today reveal Feisal Abdul Rauf is a slumlord, owning several rat, roach and bedbug infested apartment buildings in New Jersey with no heat or hot water. Among other things. Rauf just settled a lawsuit alleging fraud in June and the developers owe hundreds of thousands of dollars in back taxes. Yet the city of New York is considering a grant of $70 million in public funding to build the mosque at Ground Zero. And there is much, much more! Read all about it in my story here.
And make sure to check out the Glenn Beck “Restoring Honor” rally coverage in our Human Events hotlinks just a short scroll down the page! — Connie Hair
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Truth is but a necessary casualty for these liars. As long as they can inflame the people against Obama they are happy.
Mike
August 30th, 2010 at 12:08 pm
Hafa adai
It seems the Chief of the Butt Rustlers on Guam, Archbishop Anthony Apuron is at it again. He seems to forget about a little Constitution amendment separating Church and State.
Of course that is not the only thing that seems to have escape his memory. When he named the “five non-negotiacle issues that concern actions that intrinsically evil and should never be promoted by the law:” he conveniently left out Pedophiliac abuse of children by priests.
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by Janjeera Hail
Guam – If you haven’t made up your mind, it seems some advice is coming from an unlikely source.
Every Sunday the island’s Catholic community receives mass in churches across the island. This weekend they also received advice on how to vote in the upcoming election. Archbishop Anthony Apuron has written a letter to the Catholic faithful, reminding them of their civic duty to participate, but to vote with a well-formed conscience.
Deacon Jeff Barcinas, spokesman for the Archdiocese of Agana, told KUAM News, “Look beyond just family relationships, party affiliation, and look at what the person stands for that are consistent with the church teachings as well as the moral issues that are before us.”
In his letter, the Archbishop cites five non-negotiable issues that concern actions that are intrinsically evil and should never be promoted by the law: abortion, euthanasia, embryonic stem-cell research, human cloning, and same-sex unions.
Two of those issues – abortion and same-sex marriage – are addressed in a survey by The Esperansa Project, a concerned citizens group that promotes a pro-life agenda. All gubernatorial and senatorial candidates were given survey questions related to the issues and asked to respond with yes or no answers.
Representative for the group Dr. Marjorie DeBenedictus says she’ll be bringing the survey results with her when she goes to the polls on Saturday.
“The Esperansa survey does touch on a couple of issues the archbishop mentioned. I know that what the archbishop said is that Catholics do have an obligation to follow catholic teaching when voting,” she explained.
Apuron’s letter instructs catholic voters unsure of where their conscience is leading them to turn to the catechism as an excellent source of authentic moral teaching.
But Barcinas adds that the Esperansa survey could also be a guide. “I think it’s a guide, but that’s done independently of the archbishop and the church,” he noted.
It should be noted that the survey results only include the candidates yes or no answers, not the comments that they included.
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I continue to believe that if he concentrated on more on what his priest are doing with our children and the administration of the communion he would have his hands full.
His meddling in the politics of Guam should be followed by the Church having its tax exempt status removed.
I like to think of myself as a good Catholic. I also like to think of myself as a thinking adult who is above allowing a manipulating pompous ass like the archbishop to use religion to influence who I will vote for in ANY election.
It remains to be seem if others feel that way. Personally I refuse to believe that our Lord Jesus Christ would permit another human to have that much power over us.
What is the difference from having our archbishop telling us who to vote for than the muslim having their imams telling them who to vote for.
America is not a religious run democracy. It is a free democracy that allows the people free will to vote on their own. Without the influence of someone else’s moral opinions.
Especially someone whose own moral platform is shaky. My advice to the archbishop is for him to check his own house before he invades those of others.
Get a grip on the butt bandits that are wearing your priestly robes. Get on your knees and ask God for advice. Stop protecting the evil that exist now within your domain.
you may command a high position of respect while your promenade around the island in your robes. But God warned us against worshiping idols when Moses came down form the mountain top.
You sir are guilty of using you position for your own political motives. Those adornments will hold no wait when you have to appear before you maker.
And don’t bother trying to excommunicate me for disagreeing with you. I don’t recognize your claim to be speaking for God when you yourself are sinning.
There is another part of the Bible that I refer to when I say that. If you remember it is the part that says all who cry to be acting in His name may not be.
And as God is my witness, I am VERY sure that you are not acting in God’s name when you purport to be giving us the “five non-negotiable issues that concern actions that are intrinsically evil and should never be promoted by the law:”
You are using your religious status to promote a particular candidate and party of YOUR choosing. That is using religion to interfere in Guam’s politics
Peter
Peter
August 30th, 2010 at 12:38 pm
Zen Lill
You bring up an very pertinent point when you said that those things Robert brought up we as women should bring up. Well my question to you is why hadn’t you brought one or two of them up?
If it is so easy to bring up stuff, then bring it up. Me, I was surprised that most of the things Robert mentioned hadn’t been broached by women on Michelle’s blog. But I was happy that they were out in the open.
This is not a reproach towards you. Just a thought as you made earlier in your observation.
Fran
August 30th, 2010 at 12:55 pm
Hafa adai Peter
This is in reference to your article about Statehood or independence for Guam. I love Guam the way she is. I have lived here for 43 years.
This article says it all for me, and possibly a great many others.
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Guam is reliant on military money
BY CHARLES ADAMS • AUGUST 31, 2010
One of the reasons I moved to Guam was because it has the lowest overall tax rate of any place in the USA. Also, the federal government spends more per capita on Guam residents than any other place in the USA.
I think I get a lot more on Guam than I give up. I might not be eligible for SSI, but I don’t pay for it either.
I don’t have representation in the Senate, but I don’t pay federal taxes and I get all the federal agencies on Guam without paying for them.
Congressional representation is based on population and Guam doesn’t represent a very substantial part of the U.S. population.
The Bronx has a better chance of influencing Congress than the entire population of Guam.
Who is going to pay for the “spine highway” if the military leaves the island? Is there a need for the highway without the military?
Fifty percent of the population will be unemployed without the military, so they won’t need to commute to work.
As for tourism being able to sustain the economy, try to find another island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean that can live on tourism only.
A lot of islands in Caribbean and Mediterranean that are near the wealth and the population centers can’t make it on tourism.
Why does anyone think Guam could survive on tourism alone? The tourist industry is seasonal, at best, and tied to the world economy and the ever-changing centers of wealth.
Tourism has a lot unskilled jobs that pay minimum wages. They can barely survive in good times and are the first people let go in a downturn.
There is a cap on the number of tourists that will want to come to Guam.
It is hard to determine what that cap number is, but if the hotels aren’t full and there aren’t new hotels being built, then Guam may have already seen the peek of foreign tourists.
The military buildup brings a “transient tourist” to Guam.
Assuming 25,000 soldiers (have a permanent change of station, or PCS) every year and they stay an average of 10 nights in a hotel, that is 250,000 room nights in the tourist hotels,
Assume three people per PCS — that is 500,000 restaurant meals and 150,000 airline tickets in and out of Guam.
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I can understand the emotional reaction you have about Guam’s status, but others may see it differently.
David
August 30th, 2010 at 12:56 pm
Peter
I was referring to this article Peter Says: ?August 29th, 2010 at 2:55 pm
Hafa adai
David
August 30th, 2010 at 1:07 pm
An Easy Way to More Peaceful Relationships
Andy Feld
Stop assuming that you know what someone else is thinking. Whatever you think another person is thinking, you are wrong.
Assuming and acting on what you think another person is thinking leads to misunderstandings and upset. If we remember and accept that we’re all different and that we each see the world in our own way, relationships improve and we are happier.
August 30th, 2010 at 9:13 pm
President Obama visited Xavier University in New Orleans today. I got to meet him. It was a thrill beyond belief.
August 30th, 2010 at 9:56 pm
Fran, I catch the drift of your question and dint feel reproached but I also do reel like I take up quite a bit of space here already, I’m thinking of getting back to blogging myself bc I have lots to say on many subjects. I’ll admit that I would rather just be the change I want to see bc talk here is good and healthy to get it all out though that won’t ever be enough for me so I tend to just live it and my life is a full one, I tend to speak up lots in person though I’m gracious about it – and to write in, well I won’t say my life is ‘busy’ bc that implies that I fill it with unfulfilling things and I do not do that any longer either…I just threw the idea out there as a Quasi- reminder that we dont really need even articulate males to do our speaking up. I’m ok if you just live it too, in fact maybe it’s better that way…thanks for your comment.
Luv, Zen Lill
September 1st, 2010 at 10:14 am
[...] Karen: Lucky you, that you got to meet President Obama. I found this photo that was taken at Xavier University – Could this be you perhaps? This lovely woman looks just as excited as you must’ve been. I’m envious. I would love to meet our president and the first lady. [...]