Earlier this year, our family PCS’d to the beautiful island of Guam. Other than the obvious notion that it was drastically different from our home in Pennsylvania at the time, I had little knowledge about the island’s significance to our country’s history and the connection as a Marine Corps family.
Guam’s liberation from Japanese occupation during World War II occurred on July 21, 1944. The island had been captured by Japan in December 1941 and its people endured nearly three years of harsh occupation until American forces launched a decisive campaign to retake it.
The United States Marine Corps played a pivotal role in the liberation of Guam. Operation Forager, which aimed to recapture the Mariana Islands, including Guam, involved intense amphibious assaults and land battles. The 3rd Marine Division and the 1st Provisional Marine Brigade were among the units tasked with liberating Guam.
The liberation of Guam marked a significant turning point in the Pacific Theater of World War II, providing a strategic base for further American advances towards Japan. It also brought an end to the suffering endured by the people of Guam under Japanese occupation, restoring freedom and paving the way for the island’s recovery and development in the post-war era.
One notable figure during the liberation was Cpl. Frank Wright, a WWII Marine Corps Veteran. This week he returned to Guam to join in the celebrations of the 80th liberation date. Our family had the honor of welcoming him as he landed at Antonia B. Won Pat International Airport.
Frank S. Wright was born on July 5th, 1925. On January 21st, 1942 he entered the U.S. Marine Corps by lying about his age. He was only sixteen years old at the time. In order to meet the weight requirements, he added 5 pounds of bananas to his pants pockets while processings at MEPS. He reported to boot camp on January 24th, 1942 at the 12th Recruit Battalion MCRD Platoon 150 in San Diego, California. He fought in four major battles: Guadalcanal, New Georgia, Guam, and Iwo Jima.
During the recapturing and liberation of Guam he was wounded by a bayonet in the stomach, and was shot in the chest and arm by machine gun fire on the island of Iwo Jima.
Wright’s personal awards include a Purple Heart with two stars, the Presidential Unit Citation with two stars, Navy Unit Commendation, the American Campaign Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign with three service stars, the Fleet Marine Force with four stars, the Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal, Combat Action Ribbon with four stars, the Victory Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.
Not only does he carry the titles of published author, Marine Raider and Liberator, but also of father, grandfather, and great grandfather.
It was evident from the moment he laid eyes on our boy (his birthday twin – just a difference of 93 years), that those titles are what he carries near and dear to his heart. He took the time to shake Finn’s hand and leave a lasting profound impact on our family. During the conversation, Cpl. Wright asked Finn, “Are you going to be a big Marine too?” Finn answered with confidence, “One day!” I can tell you in that moment, my mama heart swelled with such pride and my eyes may have leaked a bit too.
The encounter allowed us to bridge a generational gap and provide a tangible connection to history that textbooks, documentaries, and monuments cannot fully convey. It was an honor to welcome him back to the island.
As a Marine Corps military family living on the island of Guam today, the liberation holds a profound personal connection and significance. Understanding the sacrifices made by Marines like Corporal Frank Wright and many others who fought to liberate Guam from Japanese occupation helps us appreciate the historical context of our current home.
Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, named in honor of retired U.S. Marine Corps Brigadier General and former U.S. Congressional Delegate, Congressman Ben Blaz, is being constructed on Guam to address strategic military objectives and enhance the U.S. military’s presence in the Indo-Pacific. Reflecting on the values that motivated Marines to fight for Guam’s liberation have given our family a sense of pride in contributing to the island’s community and supporting its continued growth and prosperity.
What started out as just our next assignment on a tiny island in the Pacific, has quickly turned into an intimate connection to the island’s history and the Marine Corps’ enduring commitment to defending freedom.
May we always honor and remember the sacrifices made by those who came before us. Semper Fi and “Todu i Tiempo i Pås Para Hita” – Peace for Us Always.
References: Corporal Frank S. Wright Biography
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