Bookshelf: The forgotten CHamoru hero

 By Ron Rocky Coloma

A book about a CHamoru World War II hero is drawing new attention to Guam's wartime history while introducing more readers to the experiences of the CHamoru people during the Japanese occupation and liberation of the island.

Aaron Quitugua's “The CHamoru American Warrior” was published on July 21, 2025, coinciding with

Guam's 81st Liberation Day, and has earned recognition through the International Impact Book Award.

The book tells the story of the author's great-grandfather, Francisco Jesus Cruz of Asan, whose actions during World War II are central to the narrative.

"The CHamoru American Warrior’ was born from sacrifice, heroism and a promise that I believe should never be forgotten," said Quitugua, a CHamoru veteran who served in both the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Air Force. "I felt a personal responsibility to preserve his story before it faded from public memory."

Adm. Chester W. Nimitz, commander in chief of the U.S. Pacific Fleet during WWII, promised Cruz a Medal of Honor after helping clear Japanese defenses at Asan Beach during the liberation of Guam.

While Cruz later received the Bronze Star as an original member of the Guam Combat Patrol, he had never been awarded the promised Medal of Honor, Quitugua said.

The book also examines the broader experiences of the CHamoru people during the occupation. "It tells the story of the CHamoru people, our people's suffering during the Japanese occupation, their unwavering loyalty to the United States and the sacrifices they made to help liberate our homeland," Quitugua said.

During his research, Quitugua said one realization stood out. "The greatest surprise was realizing how many incredible stories from Guam and the rest of the Marianas remain largely unknown outside the Mariana Islands and even the American mainland," he said.

"The resilience of the CHamoru people during that occupation, and the sacrifices made during liberation, deserve far greater recognition in our nation's history."

Quitugua said reviewing military records, historical accounts and family history reinforced his belief that Cruz's wartime service warrants another look.

"It strengthened my belief that there is still an opportunity to revisit his story with the attention it deserves," he said. "For me, the award validates that there is a national audience interested in learning about CHamoru history and the Pacific theater of World War II."

Quitugua said his great-grandfather's story reflects values and virtues, such as strength, faith, family, resilience loyalty and service, which define the CHamoru people.

As both a family member and author, Quitugua said he worked to balance emotion with historical documentation throughout the writing process.

"Because this is my family's story, I wanted readers to feel the emotional weight of those experiences," Quitugua said. "At the same time, I knew the historical record had to remain the foundation of the book."

The project also supports the CHamoru American Foundation, a Texas-based nonprofit founded by Quitugua that promotes emergency preparedness throughout Guam and the Mariana Islands.

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"Our primary mission is strengthening emergency preparedness throughout Guam and the Mariana Islands by helping communities build resources (food, water, medical, other essentials) to have on-hand before disasters occur," Quitugua said.

He said proceeds from book sales help support the foundation's work with first responders, village leaders, nonprofits and community organizations to expand emergency resources throughout the region.

"I hope this book becomes a resource for schools, libraries, museums, military institutions and families throughout the Marianas, across the rest of the United States and world," he said.

"I hope ‘The CHamoru American Warrior’ serves as one example of how preserving a single family's story can help preserve an entire community's history."

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