Battery MONJA

Monja is situate towards the terminus of the South Shore Road as it arrives at Wheeler Point, though due to erosion and bombardment, this route to it is impassable. The only means to locate it is by an approach over the beach, and to climb the cliffs. During the siege, it was manned by Philippine Scouts of G-92nd CA, under command of Lt. Ulanowitz.  Due to its isolated location on an outcrop of the steep cliffs, it was the scene of multiple attempts by members  of the 503rd PRCT to retake it from the Japanese Marines, and it alone amongst the Batteries was never reoccupied.   For the stories of these attacks, see Don Abbott's  "E" Company attack on Btty. Monja and Tony Sierra's description of the attack by "D" Company on 24 February 1945 in the page dedicated to S/Sgt Robert V. Holt - KIA. It is believed that many of the "New Year's Day 20" ( a group of Japanese holdouts who surrendered on 1 January 1946) sheltered there.   It's also been the scene of some more recent attempts by treasure hunters, though some consider it more likely that a Japanese survivor had returned to locate human remains. We have visited the tunnels and the powder magazine and there's nothing there, except adventure and a difficult climb.