Piti Guns, Military installation in Piti, Guam.
The Piti Guns are three Japanese Vickers Model 3 coastal defense guns measuring 140mm that sit on hills overlooking Piti village. They are positioned within earthen mounds and concrete reinforced emplacements built into the terrain.
These guns were manufactured in 1914 and installed by Japanese forces during their occupation of Guam from 1941 to 1944. They were positioned to defend Apra Harbor against naval threats during the Pacific War.
These guns represent the Japanese occupation period and the heavy toll it took on local people who were forced to move and install such massive weapons. They stand as reminders of hardship endured by the Chamorro community.
Access to the site begins behind a church social hall in Piti village, and a trail leads upward to reach the gun positions. The paths are steep and can be slippery when wet, so sturdy footwear and caution are recommended.
Interestingly, these guns were never fully operational and were never fired when American forces arrived in 1944. Despite their ability to strike targets from about 10 miles away, they remained non-functional throughout the occupation period.
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