IWO JIMA: World War II Veterans Remember the Greatest Battle of the Pacific.
Click the photo to buy the book.
The battle for Iwo Jima lasted five long weeks and involved three Marine Corps divisions (the lst, 3d and 5th). The amphibious assault began on the morning of Feb. 19, 1945, and by the time the island was declared secure, 36 days later, 28,686 men had died or were wounded in action, making it one of the costliest of the Pacific Island campaigns.
There were 27 Medals of Honor earned during the struggle for possession of the island. Much of the time, success of a mission boiled down to one or two ordinary individuals, committing extraordinary acts of courage.
Many of the stories involved in those heroic battles have never been reported. Today, most of the Marines, who fought there and survived, have passed on. Those still living are in their 80s or 90s. Many who died took their memories of the fight with them to their graves.
However, 22 of those still living agreed to be interviewed by author Larry Smith, and their stories are told in his book “Iwo Jima: World War II Veterans Remember the Greatest Battle of the Pacific.” The result is a long overdue work—one of many that should have been written to capture the first-person recollections of those who survived this and other historic fights. A few of those who were interviewed died before this book was published.
Smith’s book also gives glimpses of the fight as seen by the enemy, through captured documents and diaries, and includes an interview with the daughter of one of the island’s defense commanders, who survived the battle.
Japanese Lieutenant General Tadamichi Kuribayashi, the island’s overall commander, had ordered a departure from the norm in his defense of the island. Instead of trying to defeat the landing Marines on the beaches, he organized his defenses into interlocking fields of fire and myriads of interconnecting tunnels and pillboxes, which did devastating damage to each of the divisions. Also addressed is the mystery surrounding Kuribayashi’s own demise.
The book takes a look at the controversy about the two flag raisings on Iwo Jima and includes an interview with Corporal Charles “Chuck” Lindberg, who helped put up the first flag. He died a few weeks after being interviewed by the author.
One chapter tells how Private First Class Samuel Tso saw the war and gives his views on the importance of his role as a Navajo Code Talker. Two Medal of Honor Marines tell their stories in modest prose, underlying the horrors and harrowing events that earned for them, the nation’s highest decoration for valor.
The real value of Smith’s book lies in the fact that the stories we read are told in the voices of those who experienced the fight. Smith does very little editing in what or how it is said. While the memories might be dimmed or distorted by the expanding years between the event and now, most of the survivors tell their tales as if the events had occurred yesterday, instead of nearly 60 years ago.
After reading Smith’s book, I recently was dining at a local restaurant. Seated nearby were two older men and their wives. Both men wore baseball caps that were monogrammed with “WW II Vet” on the bills. As I was leaving, I felt compelled to thank the men for their WW II service. They thanked me for remembering … modest men, who undoubtedly could be the chapters in another author’s book about WW II experiences. I hope their own stories will be told before they, too, pass into history.
IWO JIMA: World War II Veterans Remember the Greatest Battle of the Pacific.
By Larry Smith. Published by W. W. Norton & Co. Inc.
320 pages. Stock #0393062341.
$24.21 MCA Members. $26.95 Regular Price.
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Historic Leatherneck Magazine Covers
Leatherneck Staff Artist, Technical Sergeant Robert Fleischauer, felt that our July cover should be commemorative of the Fourth of July. Since the members of the missile units are probably the Corps' best rocketeers, he picked them to perform a standard Fourth of July action. Whether or not the "Honest Johnny" is useful as a combat piece is a matter for debate, but you can't beat it for morale." [July 1957.]
“The Join Up on the Nick” by Major Alex Durr, USMCR, a member of the History Division, Marine Corps University, Quantico, Va.
Hospitalman Daniel T. Bobic, assigned to Headquarters and Service Company, 3d Battalion, Second Marine Regiment, rappelled at the Jungle Warfare Training Center in Okinawa, Japan, in late April, 2002.
The oldest post of the Marine Corps, Washington, DC, is celebrating 200 years of excellence. Posed near the Barracks main gate were members of the official Color Guard of the United States Marine Corps (left to right): LCpl Joseph N. Keough, rifleman; Sgt Blake L. Richardson, Color Sergeant of the Marine Corps; Cpl Gerardo A. Guajardo, organizational color bearer; and LCpl Gregory A. Serwo, rifleman.
Photo of Candidate Kenneth Williamson of Company C, Officers Candidate School Class 173.
GySgt Verlando Frazier, East Coast Food Service Management Team, looked ready to dig into some of the new items included in MREs.
This photo by Sgt Earnie Grafton of Marines from Fox Co., 2/4 shows varied emotions as they greeted the coalition forces outside Kuwait city.
A fleet of trucks was needed to transport Dr. Felix de Weldon’s original model of the Iwo Jima flag-raising statue from the sculptor’s home in Newport, R.I., to the grounds of the Marine Military Academy at Harlingen, Texas. After the statue’s arrival, a nearly around-the-clock effort by skilled workmen was required in order to have the memorial reassembled and ready for dedication ceremonies on April 16, 1982.
In April this year (1981), two squadrons of AV-8A “Harriers” sailed for the Mediterranean aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Nassau. Purpose of the cruise was to demonstrate the Navy/Marine Corps team’s capability to augment naval forces in any area of the World on short notice and to provide at-sea training for Marine Harrier pilots.
The cover of Leatherneck’s Bicentennial issue is an oil painting by the late Colonel Donald L. Dickson, USMCR. The painting depicts General George Washington’s Colonial troops at Gadsby’s Tavern in Alexandria, Va., during the French and Indian War.
Sightseeing tours for the men of the Marine Barracks, San Juan, Puerto Rico, include a trip to the El Morro Fortress. San Juan is now retired as a Post of the Corps.
The Marines in Vietnam have found that the programs which work best are those which operate close to the people. Our July cover is a mixed media (acrylic and charcoal) by Art Editor James L. Hopewell. It catches the spirit of Marines who enjoy their relationship with the Vietnamese around them.
In Naples, Italy, Marines are responsible for the internal security of the Headquarters of NATO’s Southern European Command, while the elite Carabinieri Corpa provides external security. PFC Robert M. Mallard’s NATO shield was admired by a Carabiniere as the two men prepared to take up their side-by-side posts at the entrance of the imposing NATO Headquarters, which appears in the background of this cover.
"We've Fought In Every Clime And Place": Stamping out the Caco Insurrection in the Republic d' Haiti.
"From Dawn To Setting Sun": Marine Occupation in Defense of Shanghai, March, 1927.
"Our Flag's Unfurled To Every Breeze": Punitive Expedition against Qhallah Battoo, February, 1832.
"We Are Proud To Claim The Title Of United States Marines"
"And To Keep Our Honor Clean": The fight to the finish at Bladensburg, August, 1814.
"First To Fight For Right And Freedom": The Marine expedition in Cuba in June, 1898.
"On The Land As On The Sea": The "Bon Homme Richard" encounters the "Serapis," September 23, 1779.
"We Fight Our Country's Battles": The fall of Fort Fisher, North Carolina, in 1865.
"On The Land As On The Sea": The "Bon Homme Richard" encounters the "Serapis," September 23, 1779.
"We Fight Our Country's Battles": The fall of Fort Fisher, North Carolina, in 1865.
"First To Fight For Right And Freedom": The Marine expedition in Cuba in June, 1898.
“To The Shores Of Tripoli”: Storming the fortifications at Derne, Tripoli, 1805.
"From The Halls Of Montezuma": The assault on Chapultepec Castle--Mexico City, 1847
Marine patrol fired on while fording the Coco River.
FROM OUR ARCHIVES: U.S. Marines And Miskito Indians: The Rio Coco Patrol Of 1928, published in the Marine Corps Gazette, November 1996.
“To The Shores Of Tripoli”: Storming the fortifications at Derne, Tripoli, 1805.
"From The Halls Of Montezuma": The assault on Chapultepec Castle--Mexico City, 1847
Marine patrol fired on while fording the Coco River.
FROM OUR ARCHIVES: U.S. Marines And Miskito Indians: The Rio Coco Patrol Of 1928, published in the Marine Corps Gazette, November 1996.
January 2002: The Marines engraved another mark in the rich history of the Corps when they came from more than 400 miles offshore to establish a forward operating base south of Kandahar in the war on terrorism. The Marine CH-46 helicopter on the cover, photographed by PH1(AW/SW) Greg Messier, USN, fought in the desert sand to land and resupply Marines such as the ones (inset) photographed by Sgt Joseph R. Chenelly.
January 2001: This firefight during the Frozen Chosin Reservoir Campaign of 1950 was painted by “Chosin Few” veteran Jack Cannon, who served with Company B, 1st Battalion, Seventh Marine Regiment and resides in the warmer climes of New Mexico. The cover was part of Leatherneck’s 50th anniversary salute to the Korean War veterans.
January 1992: This cover photograph of runners during Marine Corps Marathon XVI in Washington, D.C., was photographed by Sgt Deirdre Hallett.
January 1991: This month’s cover by Ross Simpson captures the Marines’ waiting-but-ready posture in the Middle East.
January 1982: Participants in the Sixth Annual Marine Corps Marathon presented a colorful spectacle as they began the 26-mile, 385-yard run in Washington, D.C., November 1, 1981. The cover photo, by Tom Bartlett, was taken from a bridge overlooking Highway 50 about a half-mile from the starting line.
January 1981: Nearly 7,800 runners participated in the Fifth Annual Marine Corps Marathon held in northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. The oldest finisher was 78; the youngest was 10. Leatherneck staffer Ron Lunn pre-positioned himself near the Nation’s Capitol to photograph runners during their 14th mile of the 26-mile, 385-yard course.
January 1972: This month’s cover, by Marine Combat Artist Peter Gish, shows members of the New Corps sightseeing in the Old World. While on liberty in Athens, Greece, the 3d Bn, Eighth Marines, were able to tour the Erektheon Porch and Cariatides. The water color is from the U.S. Marine Corps Combat Art collection.
January 1971: Happy New Years!
Originally Published December 2005 -- This cover always makes us smile. Merry Christmas!
Originally Published December 2004 -- Maybe she received better-fitting gloves?
Originally Published December 2003 -- That sums it up.
Originally Published December 2001 -- Cute.
Originally Published December 1999 -- Santa's been promoted!
Originally Published December 1984 -- Is he standing guard, or looking out over home?
Originally Published December 1983 -- Something tells us that we could date the cover without knowing when it was published.
Originally Published December 1982 -- Christmas Eve at the chapel aboard Quantico.
Originally Published December 1981 -- Is the dog singing the harmony?
Originally Published December 1979 -- Coming home.
Originally Published December 1975 -- A more traditional Christmas cover.
Originally Published December 1973 -- That's either a big tree or a small Marine!
Originally Published December 1972 -- We're not sure what's more interesting, Santa or the old style gas pump.
Originally Published December 1968 -- This cover expresses the wishes of Marines, both to their fellow Marines and to their families waiting at home, for a "Merry Christmas."
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Comments
iwo jima marine
my father-inlaw, robert wahl, service number 293325, and his daughter Mary, my wife, are trying to find anything about bob. he was awarded the silver star. he was a infantry /rifle nco at iwo jima and other islands we are not certain of. any info that can lead us to bobs' time and units in the service would be much appreciated. i served in the army on viet nam in 1970. bob wahl was the finest man i ever knew......
usmc records f/your father-in-law
Your wife, Mary, as the dauther, may request her father's complete usmc personnel records from the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis Missouri. Go to www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service records and request standard form 180. In your request, ask for a copy of his UNDLETED records and also request all his medals and Awards. His records may give you some of what you are looking for. The records will show what units he was with and from that you can search the enternet for info on when and where his unit served. Hope this helps. gunnyjusmcret@yahoo.com. Sempi Fi
possibly last survivor of iwo jima
My father's cousin Ashland Christopher Senopoulos, 91 died and is being buried today in Bourne Ma.
Is he one of the last, if not the last survivor of the battle??
I was reading an article from a Las vegas newspaper that indicated that a man died in january of 2012 and he was one of two survivors left.
Peter Senopoulos
There is a member of the
There is a member of the Marine Corps League in Long Island that is a survivor of Iwo Jima. Sorry to hear of your loss
Semper Fi
survivor of Iwo Jima
My Father is a Navajo Code Talker and served in the 4th Marine Division, survived the Battle of Iwo Jima. Is still here with us today.
interview
is there a chance i could have an interview with him for a National history day reasearch
I have an 86 year old fiesty vet......
In Buffalo NY. Iwo Jima vet. He was gutted by a bayonet and can tell you all about it. The scar and medals will speak volumes. If you are serious, email me (monkd22@aol.com)
Interview Opportunity
Hello,
My name is Daniel Wu an eighth grader in Ellicott Mills Middle School in maryland. I am working on a National History Day research. I wonder if I could have chance to conduct an interview with your father regarding the battle of the Iwo Jima. Thank you very much for your help! my email address is danielchwu@gmail.com
Thanks
Interview Opportunity
Hello!
My name is Daniel Wu an eighth grader in Ellicott Mills Middle School of Maryland. I am working on a National History Day research and I wonder if I could grant an interview opportunity with your father- Mr. Navajo Code Talker about the Battle of Iwo Jima. Thank you very much for your help!My email address is danielchwu@gmail.com
Thanks
Your father
I am very proud of your father who helped save many American live's may God bless your father !
Grave Site at Iwo
Thank You SIR for the Hell you were put thru.
I spent a year on Iwo and WHITE WASHED THE GRAVE MARKERS at the Burial Site while stationed there.
THANKS AGAIN FOR YOUR SERVICE AND CONTRIBUTION TO A FREE AMERICA.
Cleaning grave markers
Thank you for white washing the grave markers at Iwo Gima.
I am really thanking you from all those brave Marines buried there.
I was on many burial details during the Viet Nam War and I can appreciate your task.
God bless you and God bless The United States Marine Corps!
SSGT Michael J. Minardi (ret)
last iwo survivor
I spoke to a man today who was wounded on Iwo Jima with the 5th Marine division.
Not last survivor.
My Dad is nearing death,as I write this, age 89,. he served 4th Marine Div, and survived his tour on IwoJima. he lives in West Dennis,Ma.,very near to your location. there is a Marine also from Iwo Jima,time served, still alive from Salem,Ma. He was a photographer at the time, gentleman is mid-nineties.
Are there any survivors left as of 11/7/2012?
All 9th grade cadets at the Delaware Military Academy read Flags of Our Fathers and would LOVE the opportunity to meet with a Iwo Jima survivor. We would be willing to take a trip to Massachusetts (or wherever) to meet with him. Please advise with ANY information you could provide.
Thank you,
tara.dick@dma.k12.de.us
LAST SURVIVOR OF IWO JIMA?????
HELL NO!!!!! I AM STILL HERE..
I WONDER HOW MANY OF US ARE LEFT?????
MIKE
VALLEYFORGE2@HOTMAIL.COM
My grandpa is still alive and kicking at 90 Iwo vet
My. Grandfather Bernard "Jinx" Shaffman is alive and doing well at 90 with two Purple Hearts at 90 years old. He was in the fighting Fourth division on Iwo Jima, Saipan and Tinian. I used to go to all he reunions when I was a kid. He was the president of the reunions at one time. RayShaffman@hotmail.com
My grandpa is still alive and kicking at 90 Iwo vet
My. Grandfather Bernard "Jinx" Shaffman is alive and doing well at 90 with two Purple Hearts at 90 years old. He was in the fighting Fourth division on Iwo Jima, Saipan and Tinian. I used to go to all he reunions when I was a kid. He was the president of the reunions at one time. RayShaffman@hotmail.com
Still here
My grandpa is still here. Las Vegas Nv. Marine corp Iwo Jima
Last survivors
Peter,
On Feb 13th we are headed from Minnesota to DC for the 68th Reunion of The Landing on Iwo Jima. There will be 11 in our group. My father will be with who spent the 36 days on the island. My goal is to have my kids see this with their Grandfather and hopefully pass it down a few generations to their Grandchildren on what they experience with him. The Marine Corps treat this guys like Kings and it sure helps them deal with what they all went through. dterrell@remax.net
Minnesota Iwo Jima Reunion
My dad, Harold Franck, served on Iwo Jima ( Co. Hdq, 24th Marines, 2nd Battalion, 4th Division). He now lives in Wabasha, MN but lived most of his life in Rochester,MN. He just turned 88.
We did attend the 50th anniversary in Washington with him. He would be very interested in connecting with fellow veterans. My dad also enjoys the high regard of veteran groups and civilians.
We hope you had a wonderful visit, and hope you did not find Washington colder and snowier than Minnesota. Kathy
thezzzs@comcast.net
Hey:::: A few of us Iwo Jima
Hey:::: A few of us Iwo Jima survivors are still around and kicking.
my dad is an Iwo Jima survivor
My dad is age 90 and was a Marine who fought on Iwo Jima.
iwo jima
my father is 89 and still living. he was with the 5th marine division, 5th pioneers
A company 2nd platoon. he landed on the 6th wave at 9:30 am on red beach 2.
my email is shotstars11@comcast.net
Iwo Jima survivors
My father survived, and is still living. So is the man who saved his life during the battle. One lives in St. Ignatiis, MO. The other in Laguna Woods, CA. The phone each other at least once a year---on Feb. 19th.
Grandfather survivor of Iwo Jima
My grandfather, 88, is having angioplasty tomorrow, but he is a survivor of Iwo Jima. He also talks of how there were two flags raised and how many others have hassled him over the years for daring to say so.
His name is Paul aka "Go-4", a Navy man who spent three years stationed with the marines, one of the 39 men from Subpack 3 UDT.
Interview Opportunity
Hello!
My name is Daniel Wu, an eighth grader in Ellicott Mills Middle School in Ellicott City of Maryland. I am working on a National History Day research and I wonder If I could have any chance to conduct an interview with you grandfather about the battle of Iwo Jima. Thank you very much for your help! My email address is danielchwu@gmail.com
Thanks!
Father-in-law on Iwo Jima
My father-in-law is 91 and fought on Iwo Jima. He had pictures of the first flag raising, but lost them in an apartment fire. He never spoke of the war until his children took him to "Flags of our Fathers". Greatest respect to all who served.
Marines of Iwo Jima
Where can I find a complete list of the Marines who fought this battle???
Marines on Iwo Jima
There is a book at the Marine Corp Library at Quanitco; Titled The Spearhead, the WW2 history of the 5th Marine Div., Call No D769.37 5TH, C6 1987 3000234993 in which all of the Units and personnel are listed. It includes casualties with decorations and awards. Futhermore, it lists Navy personnel attached to each unit.
Whether or not similar books exists for the 3d & 4th Div.'s is uncertain. If anyone is aware of a similar book for othe other Div's.......Please post here.
Marines on Iwo Jima
There is a book at the Marine Corp Library at Quanitco; Titled The Spearhead, the WW2 history of the 5th Marine Div., Call No D769.37 5TH, C6 1987 3000234993 in which all of the Units and personnel are listed. It includes casualties with decorations and awards. Futhermore, it lists Navy personnel attached to each unit.
Whether or not similar books exists for the 3d & 4th Div.'s is uncertain. If anyone is aware of a similar book for othe other Div's.......Please post here.
5th Marines Book
I have my Dad's book. I'll see if I can find the publisher. If so they probably published for the other Div.s of the 5th Amp. Corps. I'll post in the next day or 2.
As a former Marine I had the
As a former Marine I had the honor of recently meeting two men who have told me that they served on Iwo Jima. I would like to see if their names are listed.
Marines of Iwo Jima
Anonymous, this will prove difficult. LtGen Holland M. Smith, Commanding General,Expeditionary Troops, had 60,000 assault troops. Iwo Jima was billed as "the toughest yet" in WW II. These assault units, as reported by noted Marine historian, Colonel Joe Alexander, USMC (Ret), "sustained 24, 053 casualties, by far the highest single-action losses in Marine Corps history." There were 27 Medals of Honor awarded for conspicuous gallantry.
Editor, Leatherneck
Iwo Jima Marine passes away
my dad was a survivior from Iwo Jima, he passed away 11-4-12, his service is 11-15-12, Houston Memorial Cemetary, Houston, Texas with full military honors.
Semper Fi Dad, I will miss you.
Janie Ciancia
Spring, Texas
my uncle died their
My uncle Roy died their ,I wrote a song for him and all those great people that served .You Silent Ones Who Rest In Peace,you can find this song under hanmarbab,channel cookbab thank you
6th platoon dog handler attached to 5th div alive and well !!!!!
My husband Walter Marx Jr was a dog handler in the 6th platoon attacheed to
the 5th marine division on Iwo . I am happy I can say he is alive and well, his
memories of that time are quite clear and vivid. He states at the 1st division
was not on Iwo and that the 3rd only came in later. His dogs story is on the
DPCA web site although that too is not totally correct,but neither is war!
God Bless all who serve and those who wait at home.
My dad
My dad ANGELO FAZZIO was with the 5th division he made it out and i know the story well he passed away in march of 09 . a hero to me . love you dad and thank you for all you did for your country he was friends with ed owens , and dale walker also his sargent was named pace . and ceruso .
Martin Carroll
I recenly discovered that my Pop-pop, Sgt, Martin C. Carroll, also known as "Red," was a memeber of the 5th division. Im trying to confirm this or trying to connect with any of his fellow servicemen's family that may recognize the name. If anyone has any info or suggestions of how to obtain some info please let me know. Thanks you!
Robert L. Carrmell-3rd Marine Div,.-WWII
My husband recently passed 12/16/2012 having served with the 3rd Marine Division and was a survivor of the last Battle on Iwo Jima having seen the raising of the flag. He met his brother who had been wounded twice there and hadn't seen each other for nearly three years. My husband died at the age of 87.
Grand Daughter of Iwo Vet
I would like any information or sources anyone can provide on the 4th Marines specifically--My grandfather is Gunny Harold Douglas, served in the 4th Marines and landed on Iwo Jima 19 Feb 1945. Still alive and kicking today, 91 years of age. kj51@hotmail.com
Grand Daughter of Iwo Vet
I would like any information or sources anyone can provide on the 4th Marines specifically--My grandfather is Gunny Harold Douglas, served in the 4th Marines and landed on Iwo Jima 19 Feb 1945. Still alive and kicking today, 91 years of age. kj51@hotmail.com
Iwo Jima Marine
Robert Lewis Worley
A marine at the young age 18 in 1943 Passed away and today will be laid to rest at Grove Hill Memorial Park , Dallas Texas .
To my hero and grandfather we never forget your service to this country.
You will always be in my heart RIP.
Robert C. Worley
cworley @ suddenlink.net
Iwo Jima survivor
I am very sorry for your loss.My dad has passed away but I am still in touch with his friend Jerry Nolte, 90, who served in Iwo Jima and only recently has stopped chopping all his own wood for heat, biking many miles, and fixing everthing in sight. God bless this man; he is now living in Sarasota FL.
Iwo Jima survivor
I am very sorry for your loss.My dad has passed away but I am still in touch with his friend Jerry Nolte, 90, who served in Iwo Jima and only recently has stopped chopping all his own wood for heat, biking many miles, and fixing everthing in sight. God bless this man; he is now living in Sarasota FL.
Iwo jima survivor
My grandfather, Al Antoine Hughes fought in Iwo Jima. He served with the 5th Marine Division, 28th Reg, 1st Platoon. He passed away on 6 January 2013 in his sleep, surrounded by his son and granddaughters, all of whom still looked upon him as the badass that he was. I still won't stop trying to get you the purple heart that you so painfully earned papa; I just wish that you would have been able to see it. I will love you always.
If anyone wants info on "The Spearhead", this is a great, accurate read. My brother gave it to our daddy for Christmas a couple of years ago. My grandfather was one of the marines interviewed by the author!
Allen, Robert E. - THE FIRST BATTALION OF THE 28TH MARINES ON IWO JIMA: A DAY-BY-DAY HISTORY FROM PERSONAL ACCOUNTS AND OFFICIAL REPORTS WITH COMPLETE MUSTER ROLLS
Iwo jima survivor
My grandfather, Al Antoine Hughes fought in Iwo Jima. He served with the 5th Marine Division, 28th Reg, 1st Platoon. He passed away on 6 January 2013 in his sleep, surrounded by his son and granddaughters, all of whom still looked upon him as the badass that he was. I still won't stop trying to get you the purple heart that you so painfully earned papa; I just wish that you would have been able to see it. I will love you always.
If anyone wants info on "The Spearhead", this is a great, accurate read. My brother gave it to our daddy for Christmas a couple of years ago. My grandfather was one of the marines interviewed by the author!
Allen, Robert E. - THE FIRST BATTALION OF THE 28TH MARINES ON IWO JIMA: A DAY-BY-DAY HISTORY FROM PERSONAL ACCOUNTS AND OFFICIAL REPORTS WITH COMPLETE MUSTER ROLLS
Iwo jima survivor
My grandfather, Al Antoine Hughes fought in Iwo Jima. He served with the 5th Marine Division, 28th Reg, 1st Platoon. He passed away on 6 January 2013 in his sleep, surrounded by his son and granddaughters, all of whom still looked upon him as the badass that he was. I still won't stop trying to get you the purple heart that you so painfully earned papa; I just wish that you would have been able to see it. I will love you always.
If anyone wants info on "The Spearhead", this is a great, accurate read. My brother gave it to our daddy for Christmas a couple of years ago. My grandfather was one of the marines interviewed by the author!
Allen, Robert E. - THE FIRST BATTALION OF THE 28TH MARINES ON IWO JIMA: A DAY-BY-DAY HISTORY FROM PERSONAL ACCOUNTS AND OFFICIAL REPORTS WITH COMPLETE MUSTER ROLLS
Iwo Jima Survivor
My father, Clare Gerwien, is the last surviving member of his Navy group who landed on Iwo Jima. He is 92 and going strong. He has written about his time on Iwo Jima for all of his children, grandchildren, and greatgrandchildren, and they treasure this booklet. He has many interesting stories to tell of his time on the island including many close encounters with death - such as being nearly hit by a Japanese sniper, etc. My father lives in San Diego, but regularly drives over to visit me in Phoenix. He would love to talk to any school age children who are interested in the subject of Iwo Jima.
My Grandfather ~ My Hero
John Cahill is an Iwo Jima Veteran from the the 5th. He is alive and well in Hopkinton, MA.
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