World War II Japanese Grenade Safely Removed in Guam
CISR
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(Stars and Stripes) An unexploded World War II-era Japanese grenade was recently removed from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. The Type 97 grenade, used by Japanese forces during the war, was discovered on a construction site in the Munition Storage Area 1 by a contractor. The base's explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) team, including an airman and a Marine, swiftly rendered it safe on August 21. According to the 36th Wing, the general public was never in danger due to the rapid response of the EOD team.
Brig. Gen. Thomas Palenske later acknowledged the team's efforts on social media, humorously noting the safe disposal of the grenade. The Type 97 grenade dates back to Japan’s occupation of Guam during World War II, when two major battles occurred on the island. Although the battles ended in 1944, some Japanese forces remained on the island until the last survivor was found in 1972.
