Dedication of the 40th Division US Army at Grotto Hill, 2005

BHS Search for Remains of Japanese Soldiers, circa 2004.

Pilgrimage to Hill 1700, Circa February 2005.

BHS Exploration Team led by Romel Dela Cruz conducted a pilgrimage to the site of the flag raising in Hill 1700 (February 25, 1945) which the Aetas called Gusi Hill. This was the actual site where the three soldiers of Company D, 185th Infantry raised the Old Glory while there was still stiff fighting (actually it took the 185th 10 days of fierce combat against Japanese Naval Defense forces). The drama of the flag raising, in actual combat, was captured by the Signal Company of the 40th Division, US Army. A copy of the flag raising photo was already presented to the US Embassy in Manila and now a part of the exhibit inside the halls of the embassy. However, the three soldiers who took part in the event are still inknown up to this date. Efforts are already being made along with contacts in the U.S. to identify the three soldiers.

Ohnishi Shrine, 2001-2002

Ohnishi Shrine is dedicated to the airmen and aircrews of both the Amnericans and Japanese who died in air battle during WWII. The area was used to be the headquarters of Admiral Takijirio Ohnishi of the Japanese First Air Fleet and later of the Combined Naval Air Forces commanded by Admiral Fukutome; from November 1944 to January 11, 1945. It was researched by Rhonie Dela Cruz as to the authenticity of historical data and provided by aide of Ohnishi, Mr. Moji Chikanori, formerly a commander in rank in the Japanese Navy. The two tunnels, the headquarters of Ohnishi and Fukutome and the Communication Tunnel were located and identified. Lighting were provided and an exhibit was established inside the tunnels. The shrine is maintained by Mr. Dionisio Manipon who owns the land where the site is located.

Japan Research Mission, October 2000-2001

BHS President conducted a one-year research mission to Japan on the Japanese Study of WWII that will be used in publishing journals, books, and museum information. From October 2000 to October 2001, while working as a technical trainee for Philippine Shinei, the president conducted extensive interviews with Japanese survivors who were assigned in Bamban during WWII. Many visits were conducted with various veterans and pilots associations of WWIIwhich provided adequate materials consisting of diaries, maps, and photos of Bamban and Clark Field during the war. An unforgettable moment of this writer was his stay and numerous visits with Mr. Moji Chikanori. Mr. Chikanori was used to be the aide of Admiral Ohnishi of the famous father of the kamikaze. They stayed in the Combined Naval Air Forces at the Bamban tunnels in Asahiyama (present Rolling Hills, San Nicolas) from November 19, 1944 to January 10, 1945. Mr. Chikanori provided the complete information of the kamikaze and Admiral Ohnishi and their journey at Bamban. He died last August 16, 2008. Please pray for the repose of soul of Mr. Chikanor. -Rhonie-

Bamban WWII Peace Memorial, circa June 6, 2000

On the occasion of Bamban Day, BHS unveiled the Bamban WWII Peace Memorial dedicated to all the Filipinos, Americans, and Japanese who died in Bamban. It was situated on the top of the dike overlooking the Bamban River near the bridge. However, in 2003 at the height of a very strong typhoon, the memorial was toppled by the winds. Only the two stone are now left. Plans are on the way to move the memorial to the Bamban Museum of History.

BHS at Araw ng Kagitingan, Capas National Shrine, circa 2002