Justin Taylan
Pacific Wreck Database
& Pacific Ghosts founder
in Papua New Guinea

Justin's grandfather: WWII Pacific Veteran Carl R. Thien served in Australia, New Guinea and the Philippines with the US Army 201st Counter Intelligence Corps

No Place For A Picnic
Thien's WWII Pacific service

Pacific Ghosts
Books & DVDs

The Swamp Ghost DVD
B-17E Flying Fortress

I have been captivated by the Pacific War since childhood. My interest began with my grandfather, Carl R. Thien who was a combat photographer and soldier in the Pacific during WWII.  

In 1993, I had the opportunity to travel with him back to the places he served while writing a book about his experiences, No Place For A Picnic During this trip, we visited Papua New Guinea. There, I was shocked that war relics from half a century ago still existed where the war had left them. From that point forward, I became fascinated with the history of these wrecks, and when I searched the internet was surprised that there was no website dedicated to this topic. In 1997 I founded Pacific Wrecks. In 2000, I founded Pacific Ghosts.

Pacific Wrecks
This website has connected with millions visitors all over the world who share this interest, or have a connection to the Pacific during WWII. Today, the site contains thousands of pages, and incorporates the memories, recollections and photographs from both the present day, and WWII, credited to contributing sources. It is my hope that the site continues to grow and maintain its reputation as the definitive site on this topic.

The Legacy of WWII Wrecks
For Pacific islanders, the legacy of the war continues to this day through the memories of older people, and daily contact with relics of the war. A crashed airplane, and the story of how villagers assisted the pilot or witnessed his execution are vivid in their minds. Some even remember the names of American G. I. or Japanese soldiers they befriended during the war.  "Wrecks" are a topic that spans both history and the present day. For instance every year, a few Pacific islanders are hurt or killed by unexploded WWII munitions. Previously undiscovered wrecks are found. Wartime mysteries are solved from new discoveries or interviews.

Most wrecks are preserved by their remote locations and the fact that they are rarely disturbed by outsiders. It is my hope that this information will not be abused by potential visitors to these regions. Although these wrecks are only rusting hulks of aluminum, brass, paint and rubber, their historical value to the generation that saw them used makes them priceless, as monuments to the past, and often as the graves of their crews. If removed, they should be done in accordance with the law, and be bound for bonafide museums.

Helping this Project
Pacific Wrecks is a non-profit public charity 501(c)(3). Donations are 100% tax deductible. Learn about how you can help this project.  New information, expertise or monetary donations help this project to grow. Also all purchases from Pacific Ghosts help this site.

Contact Me
This project has brought me in contact with people from all over the world, including: WWII Pacific veterans, their relatives, descendent, historians, travelers, authors and explorers. Some, I have even met in person. If you are one of the above, or have information, recollections related to this topic, tell your story, share photos or wartime memories.

Yours in history,
Justin Taylan