Max Peck (1920-1987) - World War II Veteran

Tinian is close to Saipan. This is the view of Saipan from Tinian. We flew from Saipan to Tinian for a day of learning and honoring Max and other servicemen who served here.

The beach where Max landed, fought, and earned a Bronze Star "For heroic service while serving as a Rifleman of Company A, First Battalion, Twenty-fifth Marines, Fourth Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Tinian, Marianas Islands, 25 July 1944. When his corporal had been wounded and his fire group's movement suddenly and effectively harassed by hostile rifle, grenade and mortar fire from unknown positions,

"Private First Class Peck assumed leadership of the group, methodically proceeded to reduce these small units of resistance and, working in conjunction with fellowgroup leaders, was instrumental in completely destroying the enemy in the group's zone of action. Although without previous experience as a group leader, Private First Class Peck, by his organizational skill, initiative and leadership, upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Tinian was a critical acquisition in the plan to end the war. From Tinian, the planes were finally within range to bomb Japan. The atomic bombs were loaded into planes and flew from Tinian to both Hiroshima and Nagasaki to end World War II.

No. 2 Bomb Loading Pit
Atomic Bomb Loading Pit

On August 10, 1945 at 0300, The Japanese Emperor without his Cabinet's consent, decided to end the Pacific War.

From this loading pit the second atomic bomb ever to be used in combat was loaded aboard a B-29 aircraft and dropped on Nagasaki, Japan, August 9, 1945.
The bomber was piloted by Major Charles W. Sweeney, USAAF of the 509th Composite Group, Twentieth Air Force, United States Army Air Forces.

Models of the bombs.

Suicide Cliffs
Civilians were coerced by the Japanese military to take their own lives.

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