On the night of the 16th June, we carried out a large-scale night attack. One battalion broke through a portion of the enemy’s line…but we suffered great losses.

The battle evolved itself into a madhouse of noise, tracers, and flashing lights. As tanks were hit and set afire, they silhouetted other tanks coming out of the flickering shadows.

Near here about 1,000 Japanese infantrymen joined 44 tanks in a powerful counterattack against the Marines holding Red Beach. This was the first large-scale tank battle of the Pacific War. At first light the next morning, Marines counted 31 tanks burning on the battlefield.

For Our Friends Fallen and Vanished Here

I ask you, Saipan, a lonely island in the vast ocean, the Pacific. Do you ever remember those who breathed their last breaths so tragically here, those who, longing for the dear ones living somewhere in the mountainous Korean Peninsula, died so miserably here long, long ago. The war was fierce and terrible and living was hard and unbearable. We the living erect here a small stone monument to comfort your still bleeding hearts. Do come and stay with us here to share our love that is eternal.

In Memoriam

On June 15, 1944 United States Armed Forces invaded Saipan that day, on this spot. The 6th Marines encountered stiff resistance and suffered heavy losses in personnel and equipment. The island was declared secure on July 9th. Total Army, Navy, and Marine Corps personnel killed in the battle for Saipan was 195 officers and 2,949 men.This memorial is in honor of those who with unselfish devotion gave their lives in the service of their country.

May 1960

This monument was build by the people of Saipan in memory and honor of the 419 Saipanese silent heroes who lost their lives during World War 2 (1944-1945).