The Battle - The US Invasion

Hello all and Semper Fi!!

I am trying to find out some information about my grandfather, William "Wild Bill" Wirt Connelly. I am having trouble finding with what unit he served and what campaigns he fought. He was born in 1925 and from Alberta, VA and he served as a corpsman with the Marines in at least 3 campaigns during the War. I have his dogtags, battle ribbons and medals and his Pacific Campaign ribbon holds 2 stars, however I have no official records. I know that he landed on Iwo Jima on February 19th and was wounded on February 28th with what I have been told was a sniper's bullet that entered his neck and exited his mouth.

He went on to become a Major League Baseball pitcher and played from 1945-1958. He died on Thanksgiving Day in 1980, 2 1/2 years before I was born.

Any help from anybody that may have known him or who could point me in the right direction would be greatly appreciated!!

-Robert

Do you have a list of men who might have been in the 3rd. I have been looking for one guys name. It was my dads best friend. I know he was on Iwo Jima. with the 3rd. His nsme was Raymound Fosola, from Detroit, Michigan

Grandfather was in 4th division, unsure of 23/24/25 batallion. Iwo Jima for sure, but wondering about other possible island hopping. l knew him well until he past away around '78. Only grandchild that can remember him well. Man, I sure miss our fishing trips to Canada's interior and isolated areas for month or two each time in the summers and hunting in the Colorado mountains when we got snowed in one October with the horses that needed to be brought back to town at the lower elevations.
Never talked about the war to anyone including family. (Five children know next to nothing . Grandma never ever brought it up). I sometimes pulled a book from beside the fireplace to look at when I was a child. Was a picture book about the folks he fought with, about the size and shape of a high school year book. I remember asking him why all those people (enemy) were in their underware or naked. He explained that they never knew if they had grenades hidden on them, and sometimes if they didn't check they would blow themselves up when taken in.
I'd appreciate anyone with any possible info on him to post or contact me. I realize there were many thousands there, but just thought I would put out a feeler in case of the possibility that someone surviving, or a decendant may recognize the name.
His name was Raymond E. Greene from Cleveland, Ohio. May have listed Boston Township, Ohio as he grew up there & where he lived at sign up. He went in as a private, and left as a private after being busted down at least 2 times. ( Not in battle, but before/after deployment. Was a bit of a prangster & didn't care about rank. Was just doing his duty for country till wars end). He was a BAR machine gunner from what little info I have procured. He at least received a purple heart. Not sure why, but have heard probably shrapnel from a grenade that messed up his face.
Has anyone heard anything about a CO's latrine getting blown up, or any villagers cows being pushed over a cliff? Possibly in Hawaii?
Would appreciate any info anyone can provide if anything here sounds familiar.
Thanks in advance,
Brian Kropac

FOR EILEEN TAYLOR CAMPBELL: If you know his years of service and service number, you can contact NATIONAL PERSONNEL RECORDS CENTER, 9700 PAGE AVE, ST LOUIS, MO. or NATIONAL ARCHIVES & RECORDS ADMINISTRATION at http://www.nara.gov/regional/stlouis.html

My Uncle was in g/2/24/4th Marines, on Kwajalein and I guess Iwo. Missed Saipan, was recovering from wound received at Kwajalein, along with Navy Cross. Also wounded at Iwo, when hit by a Japanese mortar round that did not explode. Next round wiped out the rest of his machine gun crew. (Maybe your dad?) Recovered on Saipan, where my father visited him from Tinian, where Dad was loading bombs onto B-29s. Bronislow "Zeke" Snieckus, his NC commendation is on the web. Passed away about five years ago. Dad still kicking, square dance tomorrow, at 91 y.o.

Dad also won a commendation, Soldiers Medal, on Tinian, for running INTO a bomb dump explosion to save guys. Never considered himself a hero, compared to Bruno. Who was also a quiet guy, father of eight, Christmas tree farmer.

Bigchriscase AT sbcglobal.net

I had a brother in G/2/24 of the Fourth Division who was KIA on 2/24/45. His company landed in the afternoon of the 19TH. In 2000 I began looking for members of his company for a family history and had some success. If you would e-mail me at "agoldengray@yahoo.com" we will see if I can be of help.
Rick

My Dad was a bazooka man in the 5th marine division. He is 84 years old and is one of the few guys that would talk about the war. He was just interviewed by the Library of Congress for his time on Iwo Jima. My Dad recently gave me all his WWII memorabilia. Considering giving it to the National Marine museum.
Remember these guys when you celebrate the 4th of July! He lost most of his friends during the intense fighting that occurred after the flag raising. Thanks Dad, your my hero... and to all veterans thanks for my freedom. We are the land of the free because of the brave!

Sharon hi my father in law was in the same company with them men who raised the flag and was standing watching them as they Raised the flag he is in the ohter pic of all the guys . My question to you is im trying to find out any one who knew him he was wounded and i dont know when or how .He pasted away in 2003 and i never got to ask him about it myself and my son would love to see if we could find anyone who knew him or how he got wounded .His name is Frederick J. Zilinski and i hope maybe your freind might know him or of him he was from New Jersy Thank you very much if you can be of any help please email me if you know how i can find out Thanks Gordon Markins my email gmmarkins@hotmail.com

My grandfather Joseph Mathis fought on Iwo with the 4th Marine Div, 2nd Bn, 24th Marines, G company. I am looking for anyone who has any information about his company or photos. Thanks. I also have photos of my grandfather with Don Thatcher from the 5th Marine Div and also Robert Seymour 3rd Mar div, 9th Marines for anyone seeking information on these Marines. Thanks

I am wondering if anyone knows how to obtain the roster lists of those Marines who fought on Iwo Jima down to the platoon level. My father was Sgt. Philip Romero, 5th Division, 27th Regiment, 3rd Battalion (I think), G Company. I simply want to know the names of the men who served along side him. My father was shot in the head on Feb. 27, 1945 while taking out a pillbox, alone, for which he received the Silver Star. I'm very proud of my father and all the Marines who served on Iwo Jima.

I lost my father thanksgiving day 2005, william watts sr., when we got his clothes from the hospital some papers fell out onto the waiting room floor. It was a six page letter he had just completed about his life as a marine. Dad was in the 5th division and used a BAR and flame thrower as well as his rifle I am sure. We were very grateful for the letter for like most others very little was ever said about it . I only found out he was on Iwo Jima when I found a bunch of medals in a little box one day and then had no idea what Iwo Jima was till we studied it one day at school. We were told a few stories by dad and would love to here from anyone that may have known him, but the one I am most interested in is that Dad played in a little band and had his guitar with him. He said as he was going over the side onto the landing craft he figured that guitar would slow him down and ask a sailor if he would like to have it and gave it away. Dad and his brother Aaron played music, mostly bluegrass and gospel till the day they died, but I have always wondered who dad gave his guitar to, and would love to here from them if there is ever anyone that might know something about it. We had a house fire and everything was lost so anyone that might have info or stories I would love to here from you. He did tell me once about taking an airfield, and after japs killed a bunch of air force boys, going after them and taking them out. I hope any others still living that went through those times would find time to write it down, it was a great comfort to us to find dads words and I go back and read them often.

I appreciate this site more and more as I read all these stories from loved ones inquiring about there lost loved one or one of the really tough Marines who are still with us from those haunting days. My Dad was an Iwo Jima "survivor". Glen Shatto, (not to be confused by another guy with the last name of SHAFFO)He was 20 years old. F Co 2nd Battalion, 28th Marines, 5th Marine Div (Spearhead). After receiving his "complete" military records (thats another chapter)I discovered his pay records, health records and the letters of notification of his Iwo WIA injuries to his Oldest sister. I also had his basic training records. A few days after watching HBOs; THE PACIFIC. I learned my Dad had been qualified with a BAR , but had been reclassified to a 3 man light .30 cal machine gun crew. Watching the re-runs gave me a surreal perspective. Several About 10 years ago, I spoke on the phone with Dale Severance (USMC COL / RET ). He was the E co 28th marines Cmd Ofc (CO). The one who sent the flags raisers. He checked his records(yes, he still had them. Studious Marine) and informed me that my Dad never made it off the beach before being hit in the right buttocks with mortar shapnel and was subsequently evaced. He even had the LST that he arrived and departed on. I intend to put out a personal phone call to Col Severence. The Col,he went on to serve our great nation in Korea as a MArine Fighter pilot. I hope he is still with us. He had a company of men I believe in the 225 range. 27 came off alive. Out of 7 officers, He was the only one who walked off the island. Gratitude? Are you kidding me?! My Dad passed away in May of 1994. He succumed to cancer. He never considered himself a Hero and beleived as many that the real Heroes are the ones who gave all.
"SEMPER FI"

I'm just a 17 year old girl doing research for a history assignment but I get so off track looking at all this stuff. I am amazed at what all these soldiers went threw. God bless America and our troops.

My father was a Chief Warrent officer USN on one of the ships and had something to do with the staging of the amphibious boats, but I am not sure what. Trying to decipher his notes

He was CWO? Tillman "Scooter" Skates

Like a lot of vets in that time era he would not talk about it. Only found out about it after his death and reading his papers.

i was wandering how i find information on my uncle that died on march 6th 1944 his name was pfc richard durbin

I been watching the series the Pacific.Im a Vietam Vet. But what the Marines went though there in the Pacific. Words are hard to describe. And Marnies like Sag Basilone the first CMH in World War II.

Those are men and women that made America

God Bless them and the Men and Women is the Service today

My grandpa was in this situation. He's still alive but I don't know the situation. Colbert Lee Taska lives in Alabama and has 3 daughters and 2 sons....one passed in 2004. He also has a grandson, Chris and gradaughter, Stacy. We all love him.

I read your post with a tear in my eye. My grandfather Salvatore "Sam" Gibilisco was also in the 5th and was just behind the flag raising. He did not speak much about the time on Iwo and the 2 stories that I heard were Hellish. Did his name ever come up with your father? God Bless!!

I would love to contact him. My son actually makes documentaries. Do you suppose he'd be interested in sharing? My email is: yvonnetaylorphoto@yahoo.com

When I was a child in the 1950s and 1960s, none of the adults spoke much of their wartime experiences. World War II seemed remote to us -- as far away as the Revolution. We had no sense of their sacrifice - no concept of what they had endured. And we grew into snotty, self-important young adults who knew all the answers to everything. Just ask us.

Now I'm 60. And I have been reading about the War rather extensively. And I am ashamed and embarrassed at my youthful lack of gratitude for al those men and women who gave so much against inhuman challenges.

So to all WWII veterans who read this -- or sons and daughters of those veterans (indeed, my own father was not healthy enough to serve) -- let me please say 'thank you' for saving the world from incomprehensible evil.

My uncle was in the third wave at Iwo. His objective was the second air strip where he was wounded. His name is Walter Swope and I would love to hear from anyone that may have information about this hero of mine. During a banzai attack on the hill my uncle's outfit was defending, he sent a sword yielding Japanese major to his ancestors'. He field striped the major and turned over the information pouch the officer was carrying to his superiors.
Thank you for any information you may have on my uncle, which had four other brothers which served in WWII - Paul E. Swope (my father) was a navigator on a B-26 Europe, John Swope who made it from Africa to Sicily to France where he was wounded and sent to England to recover, Fritz Swope who served in the Navy but no information has been found yet and Charles Swope a warrant officer which little information is known.
Thank you for you site and the honor that is bestowed on this generation that sacrificed so much for me and my children. God Bless America!

My wife's Grandfather served in the 5th Marines and that is the extent of my knowledge. His name Was Frank Coconato and I never had the pleasure of meeting him as he passed away before I met Jennifer. If anyone has any information on how we can learn any more details of his service please let me know by email or call me at 7046811600.
My Grandfather was also at Iwo Jima aboard the USS Nevada as a Lt Commander. He passed away when I was 9 however, my uncle has been able to tell me a little bit about his service. I am currently trying to find out more.

This website was very helpful to me and my students.

My father was Eugene J. Knights. He served with the 4th Marines on Saipan, Tinian and Iwo Jima. I would appreciate any information or recollections.

There is a book available from www.amazon.co.uk called "The Assault" by Allen R. Matthews, written in 1953. Perhaps this is the book you are looking for. Here is the link:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Assault-Allen-R-Matthews/dp/B0007FK9ZY/ref=sr_1_127?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1269340156&sr=1-127

Hope this may be of some use in finding your father's war record. On behalf of us Scots ex-military (I'm ex-Parachute Regiment), may I say how much we respect and admire the integrity and heroism of the USMC.

Good luck...

John

My dad served in the marines and was the first wave of marines to hit the island of Iwo Jima. His name was Glenn Huddleston. If anyone knew him contact me.

My Grandpa was on Iwo Jima. His name was O'DEll Holen. IF anyone knew him please comment.

It's always heart moving to be reminded of the sacrifices made for freedom and for one's country. I wrote a poem honoring our soldiers in uniform which can be accessed at the link below.

Semper Fi
Patrick

To Whom Honor is Due

http://docs.google.com/View?id=dfm3xzhs_21cbprhggq

Hello SAS

I just saw your comment about your Dad. My Dad was Kirby Walker. He was a Lt in 24th Marines, 2nd Battalion, G Company.

Ask your Dad if he knew mine. I suspect they did know each other. I have some photos of some of the officers on the ship before the Iwo landing. I will see if one of them might be your dad.

My Dad celebrated his 90th Birthday on April 26, 2008 and we arranged for a birthday greeting from the Commandant of the Marine Corps and it was delivered by two Marines in dress blues. Dad said it was the best day of his life. Then three days later, he passed away. I miss him like crazy. Like your Dad, he also landed on Roi Namur and Saipan (where he was wounded so did not land on Tinnian).

Dad did not say much about his WWII time until my Son started asking him questions a few years ago and that opened him up.

Our fathers are heroes that is for sure. I am glad you still have your Dad to be with. Cherish the time together.

Thank him for me and tell him Semper Fi.

Dee Walker

My dad John J Zemlyak landed and fought on Iwo on his 19th Birthday he never spoke about the war. He only said he lost a lot of good friends and we lost Dad on June 1st 2009.I have so much respect for him and everyone who answered the call of Duty and continues to do so. I feel a tremendous amount of Gratitude to all.

I love wwII men

Malcolm,
In one of those remarkable coincidences, our family and your family have found themselves connected through Hutch. Paste this link into your browser to a my website.
http://web.me.com/sriley75/Site/Blog/Entries/2010/2/20_65_Years_Ago_He_Was_Staring_at_Iwo.html

AFter you read the first posting, at this link, read the next one entitled by clicking "next" in the bottom righthand corner of the comments posted by readers. It's entitled:

Iwo Jima Part 2: The Coincidence of Living and Dying

Let me know if you get to it.
Steve Riley

MY DAD WAS THERE WITH THE 5TH MARINE,26TH,27TH,28TH MARINE BATTALION,THERE TOOK TO MT.SURIBACLTI AND FOUGHT FOR THERE LIVES TO STAY ALIVE TO SEE IT THRU. MY DAD WAS WOUNDED ON IWO JIMA,I AM VERY PROUD OF MY DAD,HE RETURNED HOME AND MARRIED MY MOM OF THE 28THH OF DEC. 1946 AND I RODNEY E.BURAS Sr.WAS BORN ON DEC.13TH ,1947.ALL OF MY DAD'S BROTHERS SERVED IN THE IN THE MILITARY DURING WW11 AND ALSO MY MOM'S BROTHER ALSO SERVED IN THE MILITARY DURING WW11. AS I GREW UP I TOO WENT IN TO THE MILITARY,US NAVY,I SERVED THREE YEARS IN VEITNAM ON PBR(RIVER POTROL BOATS)MARK 1'S . I WAS GUNNERMATE 3RD CLASS OVER THERE,I STAYED IN AND RETIRED AS AN E-6(FIRST CLASS GUNNERSMATE) IN 1988. I HAVE SON WHO IS IN THE MILITARY AND HE HAS 13 YEARS IN RIGHT NOW. WE ARE A MILITARY FAMILY AND WE GO WHERE THE FIGHTING IS ,TO FIGHT FOR FREEDOM AND HONOR TO OUR BELOVED COUNTRY,THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. MY DAD AND MOM HAS PASSED AWAY NOW IN 1995,JULY.WE STILL HONOR THEM WITH LOVE AND PRAYS.

MY UNCLE WAS KILLED AT IWO HIS NAME WAS CPL JOHN A BENTLEY HE WAS MY MOTHERS OLDEST BROTHER AND A FLAME THROWER. I WAS BROUGHT UP KNOWING HE WAS A HERO. MY UNCLE FOUGHT THE GERMANS AND MY HUSBAND WAS IN VIET NAM I GET SO TIRED OF PEOPLE SAYING WHY ARE WE FIGHTING AND CONDEMNING THE MEN WHO DO YET THEY SURE ENJOY THE PRIVILEGES THAT GO WITH THE FREEDOM THEY GET BECAUSE WE FIGHT. MY YOUNGEST DAUGHTER AND MY SONS FRIENDS OF BEEN IN AFGHANISTAN AND IRAQ SOME OF THEM HAVE BEEN SENT OVER 2 OR 3 TIMES. I WISH SOMEHOW WE COULD SEND THE DOUBTERS OVER NO WAR IS GOOD NO WAR DOESN'T HAVE CASUALTIES THAT SHOULDN'T BE THE REASONS ARE QUITE SIMPLE---WE ARE HUMAN TO ALL THE SOLDIERS,MARINES, AIRFORCE AND NAVY MEN AND WOMEN I SAY THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART AND WHEN I SEE ONE OF YOU IN UNIFORM I SAY A SILENT PRAYER FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY

My father in law, Robert A. Tighe, was in 3rd Battalion,
L-Company, 23rd Marines, 4th Division.
Served on Roi-Namur, Saipan, Tinian and Iwo Jima.

We all proudly attended the 50th Anniversary of the Landing on Iwo Jima in Washington, DC February 19th, 1995.
When the Commandant of the Marine Corp. called all the Iwo Jima vets to attention, chills ran through my body. I was so proud, not only of my father in law, but every Marine there!

My Father in law, is still biking, kayaking and just recently stopped skiing.

He married a WWII WAVE, who actually out ranked him, both in the military and at home. (Don't show this to my father in law)

He has one marine buddy remaining, that he knows of, are there any more of you out there. I would love to hear from you.

THANKS TO ALL THE MARINES THAT HAVE SERVED TO KEEP OUR COUNTRY FREE.
Semper Fidelis

My mom's uncle, which i believe makes him my great-uncle died on Iwo Jima. His name was Orville Carriveau. I don't know really anything about him other than he died for his country on Iwo. If anyone knew him please email me your recollections. I appreciate all the references to books about Iwo listed here, I'm going to try to find some of them. It's been years since I've gone but there is an Iwo Jima Museum down here in Harlingen, Texas and I think its time to go back. I know they have a listing of all the deceased service members there.

My Uncle, Ernest Woll servied in Iwo Jima with the Marines. He said that there were two flags that flew there. He was just out of the photo in the shot that made the news. My Uncle is still alive and doing well. He lives in Long Island, New York. If anyone remebers him please e-mail me.
Thank you
Donna

65 years later we all who fought a huge thank you.

My Uncle Henry Stone was in the USCG and was at Iwo Jima aboard an LST from the time of the invasion and forty days there after. I forget the ships number. Does anyone remember him>

I just found this website. My Uncle, Benjamin "Clay" Mitcham was in the 3rd wave to hit Iwo Jima. I don't his unit. I wished I had got his complete story before he died in 1972. He was my inspiration to become a Marine and serve honorably during the Vietnam era. Now my grandson is An Army Airborne soldier serving in Afghanistan. God Bless men like my Uncle, my Dad-US Navy WW2 and now my grandson who have served our country faithfully.

Semper Fi, to all Marines as we remember Iwo Jima this week and all the tremendous battles the Marines have fought and are fighting today. God Bless the USA.

My uncle William "Bill" May (Maj) was wounded on Iwo Jima on day 1. Bill was from Buffalo, New York, survived WW 2 and returned to the Buffalo,NY area after the war. I remember Uncle Bill telling me that he was hit by Japanese machine gun fire in his legs as he attempted to advance inland from the beach.

Any way to verify his unit, platoon, MOS or other info? Any surviving Marine recall serving with Bill?
Thank You. Semper Fidelis.

My uncle was John Vitanyi, a member of F Company, 26th Marines, 2nd Battalion, under the command of Capt. Frank C. Caldwell. My uncle died on Iwo on 13 Mar 1945. F Company sustained the highest killed-in-action rate of any Marine unit in history. Did your grandfather belong to the same company as my uncle? Thank you.

My dad, Paul Meuse, was a member of the Marine 4TH division and was wounded on Iwo Jima. He was sent to Hawaii to recuperate and died when he was only 36yrs old ( my sister and I were only little kids ). There was a book written called either "The Attack" or "The Assault", written by one of the men that was a member of My Dads squad. In the book he discribes the battle as he and my Dad experence it. I would love to find a copie of this book. In the book my Dad is refered to only as Private Meuse. If any should know of this book, Please let me know. It would mean a great deal to me and my Sister. Thank you. And from my Dad, "Semper Fi"

THANK YOU VETERANS FOR YOUR BRAVERY, AND LOVE FOR OUR GREAT NATION

-CORPORAL CASEY S.

i would like to thank all marines for fighing in this war and would love to learn more about people and their advanters my great gandfather i never met him was in WW2 and was leutentant grade 2 when he went to Iwo Jima he passed before i was born i also wished tp meet him

If you don't have the book "The Spearhead" by Howard M. Conner - - infranry Journal Press - you ought to get it.

It's the history of 5th Marine Division - from inception to it's battle for Iwo Jima - many pictures and details. The book list unit rosters (names) of men served at Iwo - the killed and wounded in action, metals awarded, and the like.

My father PFC Domenic T Santangelo was in the 5th/13th marines and is listed in the book.

My son gave me a first edition book (copyright 1950) for christmas a few years ago - he bought it on the internet - best gift I every received.

Dad never talked much about the war and never wanted to travel out of his home town in Pennnsylvania after serving 3 years in the marines during WW-II. He said the US Government sent him all over the world and he had enough of traveling. He passed 10 years ago.

After the war he married his HS sweetheart Rose who he was married for 53 years, keep a job all his life, had three children and paid off a 30 year mortgage from his GI benefits. I miss him.

My Uncle Cpl. Warren Snapp was killed in action on Feb. 19th on
Iwo Jima. He had taken part in the battles of the Marshalls,
Saipan and Tinian and his division was awarded a presidental citation ribben for the battles of Saipan and Tininan campaigns.
I am told he dug a fox hole and got in but one of his buddies
was hit and he got out to help him and was killed. I believe
he was in the 4th marine division.
God Bless all of our military. If anyone who reads this knew him
I would love to hear from them although I know the chance is very
slight.
thank you.

Last year (2008), I had the priveledge to research my wife's Grandfather's Military Career. I did this so that Grandma could receive benefits from the VA, as well to learn more about him (He died before my wife and I were married). He landed with the 5th Marine Division, 26th Marines. He was wounded by shrapnel the second day of fighting, and was evacuated. He was wounded the same day his CO received the Medal of Honor (or the actions his CO took to receive this Honor). Reading his notes and later seeing his military record, I was amazed at what he, and others, went through. I also was able, with her help and signatures, to get a complete set of medals that we put into a Shadow Box. He also served in the Korean War, and saw battles in N. Korea... Thank you for this web site.

I am the Veterans Affairs Director for Emmet Co. I had the Honor of having in my office today, Henry "Hank" Ameel, who landed in the 2nd wave, saw the flag raise and was wounded and walks with a walker today due to the wounds. WHAT AN HONOR, Marine to Marine, WOW

My father, Julian y. Carrillo fought on Iwo with the 4th Division...he carried a BAR and was hit by a dud on the leg while in a foxhole...he never liked to talk about the fighting...he did feel bad for the men that died getting on the beach....I wish I could have given him a true Marine's salute when he passed...he asked me to but his second family wouldn't allow it...my daughter now serves in his place in Mosule and I know she's very proud to be allowed to protect the "Colors"

i admire these men...they were just boys most of them when they hit the beach....i emagine myself in there place how would i have acted,, i was in viet nam and was terrified most of the time during motar attacks...i can only emagine what it was like,,and would like to think that i fought bravely.....thanks to all of them....your real heros in my book....

My dad was there too (long before I was born)-he served in 3rd Marine Division,given a purple heart among other metals. I was/am blessed. Thank you to all that served.

Ozzy obourne what we got out of killing those people was winning the battle an. Then winning the war. We also stopped Hitler from completeing his quest of world domination. Can you imagin what it would be like under Hitlers rule. He already killed 6 million people within just Europe. Also wonnig the battle of Iwo Jima was a great atvantage of attacking Japan because we have access to two airfields. The advantage was that Iwo Jima was only 320 miles away. So we had a perfect bombing path. Was that helpful

This was helpful and i was wondering why this all happened? What did we get out of killing people?

This was very helpful.

I was in the Air Force from 1995 until 2002. While in Pensacola, FL for training, I had the honor of carrying the Air Force flag in a joint Honor Guard for the opening and closing ceremonies for the 51st anniversary of the landing on Iwo Jima. I was lucky enough to stay for the dinner ceremony and sit at a table with many survivors. I heard some GREAT stories. I did a lot of things that I'm proud of while in the military, but this is my favorite memory. The thing that struck me the most was that these men, who people the world over think of as heroes, were thanking me for serving and were honored to shake MY hand. These men truly are the "Greatest Generation."

THANK YOU TO ALL WHO FAUGHT IN ALL THE WARS

was interested in learning more, since I recently have befriended a Marine who was in the first wave to hit the beach at Iwo Jima, and shared the fox hole with Ira Hayes. this gentleman is an amazing man and is sharp as a tack and an interesting story teller. thank you.