War in the Pacific Historic Resource Study

II. Asan Inland Unit (593 acres)

Chorrito Cliff and Bundschu Ridge (Sabanan Adelup). As it was in 1944, this area is extremely difficult to explore. It remains in a natural state, with little evidence of the fierce fighting of 1944. Tall, thick, sharp sword grass, vines, tangantangan thickets, steep ravines, and rocky outcroppings, combined with heat and humidity, make travel exceedingly difficult and exhausting.

Chorrito Cliff from Adelup Point, Asan, October 1944.

Stalemate on Bundschu Ridge, Asan, July 22, 1944.

Japanese 150mm gun on Chorrito Cliff, Asan Point in distance, October 1944.

Asan Point from Bundschu Ridge, 1984.

Looking over Chorrito Cliff area to the sea, 1984.

No. 57. Natural caves and crevices. Presently privately owned but within the park boundaries. These are on a ridge above Bundschu Ridge in an area where heavy fighting occurred. Several small caves and crevices provided protection to Japanese soldiers. Unexploded shells and Japanese gas masks and mess kits were found here. Access to the area is difficult.

No. 59. Japanese observation post. This concrete post or artillery fire control station was not completed. Its roof is missing. Most of the structure is underground, which is typical of such posts. This structure may have been a fire control center for three 150mm guns emplaced lower down, on Chorrito Cliff.

No. 85. Japanese pillbox. This reinforced-concrete pillbox on Chorrito Cliff is the only substantial structure in the Asan Inland area. It has one embrasure and most likely served as an automatic weapons emplacement, wreaking havoc on U.S. Marines attempting to scale the cliff. Some slight shell damage occurred to the exterior of the pillbox. A great view of the Asan landing beaches is to be had from this site. It is recommended that if an interpretive trail is developed on Sabanan Adelup, it take in this pillbox, which is not easy of access. It is also recommended that an archeological examination be made of the area, with the view to making the interior of the pillbox accessible.

No. 85. Japanese pillbox. Asan Island, 1984.

No. 85. Japanese pillbox. Asan Island.

No. 85A. U.S. dump. Here, high on the Sabana Adelup is a dump established by the American forces. Among the artifacts are the rusting scraps of American jeeps, coke bottles, and navy china. The site is heavily overgrown with tangantangan.

No. 98. Foxholes and shell craters. An unknown number of shell craters and foxholes are scattered along the ridge. Vegetation is thick in this area and other features may exist.

No. 100. Trench, gun emplacements, and caves. There is a well-defined trench running along the forward slope of the ridge. American and Japanese grenades were found here.

No. 100. Trench, Asan inland, 1984.

No. 100. Cave, Asan inland, 1984.

No. 100. Cave, Asan inland.