Our Chamoru history on the Mariana Islands began over 4500 years ago. The journey came with a plethora of obstacles and hardships. This includes the oldest Pacific Ocean long distance navigation journey inhabiting remote Oceania using moon and stars, surviving off the land, withstanding natural disasters, Spanish colonization/war and Catholic Inquisition (Spain discovered us in 1521 by Ferdinand Magellan and colonization ended 1898 when US took ownership after winning Spanish-American War) (Spanish claim starting 1565 by Miguel Lopez de Legazpi)(native Chamoru population estimated to go from nearly 100k to 5k, 95% killed by end), U.S. Navy Command Governor (1898 to 1950), Japanese occupation during WW2 (1914-1944 across all Mariana Islands) (Guam one of the only captured inhabited American territories from 1941-1944) (almost 12,000 native Chamorus killed), Liberation of the Mariana islands, Guam Chamorus becoming American citizens (Organic Act, 1950) (Gov. Manuel F. Leon Guerrero being the first Chamoru civilian elected Governor in 1963-1969), rest of the Northern Mariana islands Chamorus becoming a U.S. Commonwealth in 1978 (Gov. Carlos S. Comacho is first civilian elected Chamoru for the office from 1978-1982) (U.S. citizenship granted in 1986), and navigating through a more unpredictable world.
Our inspiration of this organization came from the incredible sacrifices made from our ancestors will to survive. Men like Francisco Jesus Cruz (Founders Great-Grandfather), whose actions before joining the Guam Combat Patrol (GCP) probably saved thousands of Chamoru and U.S. Marines lives during the recapture of the Island by blowing up the Japanese underground cave Headquarters and 10 machine gun bunkers by himself, eliminating an estimate of 600 to 800 Japanese fighters. He was promised the Medal of Honor from the infamous U.S. Navy Admiral Chester Nimitz (80 years later and still trying to get him his Medal of Honor). He went on and earned a bronze star (signed by U.S. secretary of the Navy James Forrestal) for his actions during his time serving in the GCP. After the war, he continued to serve Guam as a police officer and retired as a Sergeant. His family is still trying to get his Medal of Honor awarded.
The Guam Combat Patrol was a native Chamoru fighting group that proved to be vital members to the U.S forces during the Battle of Guam. They knew the island like the back of their hands and served by scouting the enemy, guiding the U.S troops, and fighting alongside. They were crucial to the success of the liberation of Guam.
The original 16 GCP members were: Francisco Jesus Cruz, Juan U. Agoun, Ignacio R. Rivera, Alfred F. Taitano, Agapito S. Perez, Pedro R. San Nicolas, Jose S. Bukikosa, Goerge G. Flores, Joaquin S. Agoun, Pedro A. Perez, Vicente L. Borja, Felix C. Wusstig, Antonio P. Manibusan, Ramon N. Ignacio, Jose P. Salas, and Jose S. Tenorio.
FOREVER REMEMBER THESE HEROES AND ALL LOST DURING THE OCCUPATION AND LIBERATION OF OUR ISLANDS.