Seventy three years ago today, US Marines landed on the tiny volcanic island of Iwo Jima.

Barely two miles wide and six miles long. It would be the site of one of the fiercest battle of the entire Pacific campaign.

The battle would be the only time in the island hopping campaign that Allied loses would exceed those of the enemy. The Marines and Naval personnel suffered 26,000 casualties including 6800 KIA.

On the fifth day of the campaign the American flag was finally raised on Mount Suribachi the dormant volcano that was the highest point on the island. That small flag was later replaced by a much larger flag and the photo of that flag raising became one of the iconic photos of the entire War.

During the battle uncommon bravery was said to be a common occurrence. Resulting in twenty seven Medal's of Honor being presented to twenty two Marines and five Sailors. To put that in perspective, that was 28% of ALL Medals of Honor for World War Two.

I wonder how many survivors of Iwo Jima are still around today?

Semper Fi



If someone could post the flag raising photo I'd appreciate it.

Thank you, Palm.

I'm reading "Fighter Squadron at Guadalcanal" by Max Brand (for about the fifth time).

The hell the Japs put the world through was one of the most barbaric episodes in modern history.

Okinawa was the worst. A couple of gifts from altitude were deserved.

Our boys that fought in the Pacific, on the ground, aboard ship or sub and in the air were unbelievable in the punishment they took and the dedication they exhibited.

Even more so when they began returning it in kind.

I was Army, but the Marines are second to none when there is a crucible to be entered and broken.

Now this is a good reason for banks to be closed today.

Jim

My dad passed a couple years ago....he was USN and he was there.

My neighbor, Mr. Robert Posey, was a survivor. He never mentioned having been there, but we found some old photos among his personal effects after he passed a couple of years ago. Evidently he operated/sailed/drove(?) a landing craft.

He was a tough, modest little old man who had no family to speak of, but lots of friends. He left everything he owned to a fund to benefit the citizens of Brewster county.

quote:

Originally posted by cgode:
My dad passed a couple years ago....he was USN and he was there.

My Dad too. A Sgt with the 3rd Marines. He passed in 1999.

He used to call me, every year, on the 19th of February and say; "Know where Your Old Man was today in 1945"?

FN in MT

This message has been edited. Last edited by: FN in MT,

My uncle was on the 7th wave. An RM2 (radioman) supporting the Marines.

Today is a good day to view the DVD's of the "Pacific" and see what hell the Marines went thru.

quote:

Originally posted by GWbiker:
Today is a good day to view the DVD's of the "Pacific" and see what hell the Marines went thru.

A great series that I had to watch more than once to appreciate.
Reading Eugene Sledge's book, "With the Old Breed: At Peleliu and Okinawa" really makes it even better. A large part of the show was based on that book although not Iwo.

My Uncle was there also. 4th Marine Division.
Wounded on the 6th day and died in 2005.

RIP Uncle Jim.

My Dad was in the third wave..Never talked about it.
He passed in 1984...After 27 years in the Corp.

My uncle Sonny was their, just turned eighteen years old, proud to be a Marine infantryman, he was killed their. I never met him, as I was born nine years later.

Thanks for the reminder, FN. I think a viewing of either Flags of Our Fathers, or an episode or two of The Pacific is in order for the evening.

Have yet to read Sledge or Leckie's books yet and need to. If you fellas haven't read Jack Lucas' book "Indestructible," I highly recommend it. Isn't a long read, but it's a great one. Youngest MOH recipient of the 20th century for his actions a day into the invasion when he dove on an enemy grenade and pulled a second one under his belly to save his fireteam. By all rights, the medal should've been awarded posthumously, he went all the way. The guy is absolutely a hard-core Marine and never gets talked about.

In fact, I dug it out of the bookcase and I'm starting it again tonight in honor of all those brave men that took that island. Forget the video, I'll read the words.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: P220 Smudge,

My uncle Bill was there in one of the Raider Battallions. He was seriously wounded, losing an eye to an explosion. He survived and lived what I think could be called a successful life with family, business and many friends.

After I returned from Viet nam i asked him how long he was on Iwo. His reply: "How the fuck do i know. I got on the beach and some up on a hospital in a ship". We spoke no more about it. He passed at 89.

I read "With the old breed" by E.B. Sledge way back in grad school. It was one of those books that while i was reading it i knew i was changing. How I saw the world, war, soldiers all of it was being reshaped in my mind.

quote:

Originally posted by FN in MT:

During the battle uncommon bravery was said to be a common occurrence. Resulting in twenty seven Medal's of Honor being presented to twenty two Marines and five Sailors. To put that in perspective, that was 28% of ALL Medals of Honor for World War Two.

28% of all Medals of Honor awarded to Marines in WWII.

The total for WWII in all services was 464.