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Two World War II veterans visiting Tinian, Saipan
Two World War II veterans who saw action in the Marianas will be visiting Tinian and Saipan this week, CNMI historian Don Farrell and Pacific Development Inc. director Gordon Marciano.
“They will be coming back here for the first time since the war based on the information we got so far. They served in the U.S. Navy during the time,” Marciano told Saipan Tribune last night.
One of them is Jesse Loma, who served aboard a destroyer that shelled Saipan, Tinian, and Guam during the war, said Farrell.
The second one is Claud B. “”CB” Martin Jr., who served with the 56th Naval Construction Battalion or the Seabees, he added.
They are part of a 14-member group that will be brought here by Military Historical Tours, Marciano said.
Marciano said retired U.S. Marine Maj. Rick Spooner was supposed to be a part of the tour too but had to stay behind because of health concerns. He said Spooner plans to join a March 2013 tour.
Spooner was part of the 2nd U.S. Marine Division that, along with the 4th Marine Division, invaded Japanese-held Saipan on June 15, 1944. He visited the Marianas last year.
Marciano said the veterans will be on Tinian for three days starting tonight and will be on Saipan on Wednesday night. He said there will be a wreath-laying ceremony at American Memorial Park on Thursday at 2:30pm, and he’s inviting the public to join.
“On Saipan, they will be staying at Pacific Islands Club. PDI is the one handling the ground tours. The American Memorial Park and Marianas Visitors Authority are assisting as well. We also thank private land owners for opening their sites [for the military tour].
Farrell said one of the two veterans is a “Seabee who was present for the surrender of Rota and has some photographs with him, including one of the Japanese officer in charge saluting and American officer at the surrender.”
“The other veteran was on a destroyer that took part in the shore bombardment of all three islands, Saipan, Tinian and Guam,” he added.
By Haidee V. Eugenio
Reporter
