Hi, I do have a web that I would send to you or any one that may want one. My email is Rossonotes@aol.com or call 309-647=1444 You have a nice day.
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
Hi, I was in Iwo jima 1946-1947, Its a place that you would like to get out of there. There were a lot of caves and all of them had a lot of good japs in them ( all dead )
S/Sgt GW Rosson
I was on Iwo Jima in 1946-1947 as a 1st Sgt. I was only 18 years old. To damn young to have to put up with all the trouble that was there. We should NOT have given the island back to the D^^^ japs. Now we can not get back on the island with out an act of God. All the good Japs that I seen were all dead.
S/Sgt, GW Rosson
My uncle died on Iwo March 8th. He was in I company, 3rd battalion of the 21st Marines. His name was Emmett J. Ryan from Philadelphia.
He is buried at Punchbowl. A fitting, holy place.
My brother-in-law and Emmett's niece is trying to find out any information about his time as a Marine.
May God bless all those who fell in that dreadful battle and give peace to all who survived.
Hi, I guess you have heard about every thing about iwo Jima. I was there in 1946-1947.WHEN I WAS THERE ALL THE CAVES HAD A LOT OF DEAD JAPS IN THEM.That was all the good Japs that I seen.
GWRm
I was on iwo jima for a year and a half as a 1st Sgt.I was an acting 1st Sgt. at the age of 18 . I had appro.250 men under me. At that time there were no time in grade till late july in 1947. By then I had made S/Sgt .I was in a lot of the caves , the Jap Gen.'s cave as the biggest one. It goes down 76 feet and has five levells in it. All the caves there at that time had all kinds of good Japs in them, ( ALL DEAD ) You have a good day.
S/Sgt. GW Rosson68
My Dad was at Iwo Jima but he wasn't a Marine! He was in the Merchant Marine as a Pharmacist Mate on a troop ship. He'd made many a North Atlantic convoy trip (including one where his ship was torpedoed by a U-Boat) and participated in the D-Day invasion. After D-Day, he was transfered to the Pacific theatre and Iwo Jima was his first Pacific journey (out of San Francisco). After the first two days of the attack, when the Marines were being slaughtered, a Marine officer came aboard my Dad's ship and asked for the Pharmacist Mate (they were so short of Medics)...Dad "volunteered" to go ashore and help the Marine Corpsmen with the many wounded.
He said those few days were the most horrible of his life. He also mentioned just how young and brave those Marines were.
After the nightmare of Iwo, Dad went on to the Phillipines where his ship was hit by a Kamakazi. After being repaired, his ship was sent to Okinawa (that battle had since ended) to await the invasion of Japan.
Luckily, the A-Bomb cancelled that invasion.
I still have a battle map of Iwo and a Japanese helmet that Dad brought home.
Truly a beautiful place despite it's history. I did 6 training detachments there. All of pictures I have from there are film and stuck in storage. Will donate them to the site if wanted.
All you iwo jima men, go to Iwo Jima today and go down to picture # 16. There on the left is a block house then about 200 feet to the right is a pill box. There is a tunnell going from each of them. When I was there in 1946-1947 we went into the block house thoing to the pill box in the tunnell there were 17 dead Japs there. At the time the meat was hard and dry. More call me on 309-647-1444. You have a good day.
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
In the Iwo Jima today where they show the airplane in the water I was there at the time and the water was only 50-60 feet deep there. Since that time the island has rose 62 feet due to the under water movement and that would leave it setting on the ground. Lots hear from some of you.
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
I was on Iwo Jima in 1946-1947. When i was there , there was only one kind of good Jap. ( a dead one ) ( all Japs are bad. )The ones that I had seen there were dead and the meat was dryed up and hard. Also the smell was Bad, Bad.
S/Sgt. GW Rosson5uejxh
Books on WW II in Pacific by participants that you should read:
"With the Old Breed" by E.B. Sledge 1st Marine Div.(Okinawa)
"China Marine" by E.B. Sledge 1st USMC Div (Did you know that the 1st was not rotated home right after Japan surrendered? Sent to China wher aided by Japanese troops fought off Chinese communists (pre-lude to Korean War).
"You'll Be Sor-ree" by PFC Sid Philips USMC Guadalcanal.
"One Square Mile of Hell" by John Wukovits USMC 2nd Div. Tarawa
"The Battle for Okinawa" by Col. Hiromichi Yahara Imperial Japanese Army. One of the very few Japanese survivors and the only book written by a major Japanese combatant. A must read.
I have read them all and it is savagery. Bestial world of hand-to-hand combat. Our poor teen -ager Marines. Lucky for the A-Bomb!!
I would like to hear more about Iwo. I am currently producing a documentary on 6 Pearl Harbor Survivors that returned to Pearl Dec 7, 2011. One is a Marine and he was in the 5th division, 28th. His group was the first to climb mount suribachi.
I am thinking about trying to return to Iwo with him. He has vivid memories of his 37 days taking the island.
Hi, I need some email on Iwo Jima, I was there in 1946-1947. I can talk to any one that has ??????? on the island of any kind, caves. tunnells, dead Japs or about any thing that you would like to talk about. You have a good day,
Email me Rossonotes@aol.com or call 309-647=1444.
Not in the army any more so just call me Bill
my father pvt donald e taylor was on iwo jima 3rd marine div mortors plt my father was one of the lucky ones who was wounded. he always said if he met the jap who shot him he would of shook his hand for shooting him and getting out of this hell hole.my father die in1984 he would be 91 today my father was from wyandotte,mich. i also severed in the marines . to my father and all you brave marines thank you for your service and being one of the greats generation ever semper-fi
toots, Yes I remenber the name of Bunts from other emails that I've gotten. If you should get this reply to me. Thanks a lot.
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
My email is Rossonotes@aol.com or call 309-647-1444
Mark,
This is not that uncommon of a reaction your father had of his time on Iwo, I get several e-mails a year of individuals who are looking for more info on what their father, husband, uncle, or brother went through, because they came back and never spoke a word of there time there right up to the day they died. There were a few e-mails talking about how they would only talk about it with other that were there, but don't feel like his reaction is unique, it was a reaction that many came back with.
Were you able to get a copy of the casualty report? If you have any additional information, i.e. unit within the 4th Marine Division, day he died etc, I can get you more detailed reports than I have online at iwojimahistory.com.
Same thing for anybody else, with a name, date and unit I can provide details on what his unit was doing up to and including the day a Marine was killed. I already get a ton of spam because of my e-mail being on the internet, so please contact me here or through http://iwojimahistory.com/component/option,com_contact/catid,12/Itemid,3/
Doing family history for a lady I work with. Her uncle Jerome Joseph Cichocki was killed on Iwo Jima in March 1945. The family knows very little about what happen to him. His younger brother is still living but he is in his late 70's or early 80's and I would like to give him any information that's available about him. He was born in Wilmington, Delaware. If anyone has PLEASE e-mail me. Thank you George Allen
E-mail would be fine, or mail if you prefer. I would remit you the price of postage. I thank you for the invitation to view these pictures
You are a very special person. Thank you, Oliver
PS: Sorry for the passing of your mother.
PPS: If by mail, email me direct and I will give you my address.
I just lost my mom in June and have been cleaning up at her house. I found a bunch of pictures and i think they were of Iwo Jima. I know one is because it is the raising of the flag. If anyone would like to see them or have a copy let me know and i will see about getting them to you. I don't know for sure if they were my dad's(George Thomas Priour, they also called him Bunt) or my uncle's(Milton Mareth)pictures. I don't see my dad in any of them and he passed away in 1978. My uncle passed away in Feb. 2002. If anyone recognizes either name i would appreciate hearing from you. Thanks Toots
My dad fought on Iwo and never talked about it. He is 88 and is now in a hospital. It must of been something he wanted to forget, since he did enjoy talking to other marines and we celebrated the corp's birthday, but never Iwo Jima. I am curious as to what is on the island now. It seems there are several large buildings (football field size).
IT seems not only the japanese can be cruel heartless and evil.The germans done horrible things too and some americans done horrible stuff on them islands they took in ww2 EG : taking gold teeth mitilating jap corpses to name a few so i wouldnt complain about what the japs done seems most armies in ww2 had their evil sadistic so called soldiers.
just my opinion as am neither a japanese nor american .
when i hear what the japs or germans done in ww2 i always think of ---->
The My Lai Massacre
was the mass murder of 347–504 unarmed citizens in South Vietnam on March 16, 1968, conducted by "Charlie" company, 1st battalion, 20th infantry, 11th infantry brigade, of the Americal Division, United States Army. All of the victims were civilians and most were women, children (including babies), and elderly people. Many of the victims were raped, beaten, tortured, and some of the bodies were found mutilated.
Just had the opportunity to visit Iwo toady for the first time and took some pictures. I am stationed at NAF Atsugi for the next 3 years and will get to go at least once a month to take fuel samples from the fuel farm there. Next time for sure will try to explore more of the island.. It was so quiet and peaceful, I can't imagine how it was during the war there and I am very interested in the history of the Island. God bless the men who passed fighting for what they believed in.
I just stumble upon this site, searching for pics for my slumbook. Right now i'm creating "slumbook- sort like"/ coffe table book that contains mostly pics of my grand father. He is a japanese soldier who died in this island. These pics really helps in creating a memoire of him. We japanese are not cruel and animals as other's commented, it was a war then, its war that is cruel. Anyway, im not into debate, but i have a great respect for those who died in this island way back then, no matter the nationality is. Dying for what you beleive in is an honorable way to die. - just like those soldiers who make iwo jima there home....
Thank you Jim for your correct description of the Japanese Soldier.
The horrible things they did could only have been done by wild animals. This Jarade must be a young man who should ask some of the old Philippino's about the Japs.
You're half right. God bless the souls of the Americans who died on Iwo Jima. Maybe you didn't read about Ralph Ingnatowski who was pulled into a Jap (yes Jap) tunnel where his fingernails and tongue were yanked off, his head bashed in and his penis cut off and stuck in his mouth. Japanese soldiers routinely beheaded Chinese civilians with swords for amusement and as one Jap officer recounted later, he got addicted to it; it was fun. War is always horrible but in my mind the Japanese soldier was nothing but a sadistic murderer. You sound so reasonable, politically correct and compassionate about blessing the souls of those sonofabitches. Fuck em all!
Hi All you good men and woman. If any of you get time drop me an email, I will reply to it.
S/Sgt. Gareth W. Rosson
24803 E. old Beach Rd.
Canton, IL. 61520
PHONE 309-647-1444
email me on Rossonotes@aol.com
You all have a good day!!!!
S/Sgt Gareth W. Rosson
It's been about 3 years since I commented on this site.
I just want to thank those who put this together and who keep it going. My dad served on Iwo Jima, 4th Division, Beach Blue 1. He made it 18 days before being wounded and evacuated.
He passed on June 13, 2011 at 88 years of age. I look at these pictures today with both a smile and a tear, knowing that so many years ago he was on this island fighting for his country, his life, and the life of his fellow Marines.
Thanks again. It does my soul good to take myself back to when he was a young man.
For those of you still making sacrifices today, thank you for keeping me and my family safe. You are appreciated more than you know.
Iwo jima is the name of this island now ..
ahm......... God bless the souls of those American/Japanese soldiers who died in this island last world war 2.......
My dad, Wayne G Aebig, served in the US Navy aboard the USS Newberry. He transported the wounded aboard his Higgins boat...until his boat was sunk. Although he had a concussion and busted eardrum, he hopped aboard the next Higgins boat, and continued to drive supplies to the Marines on shore. I have been trying to secure the Purple Heart for him, since he was injured by an enemy mortar. Can anyone help me? My dad is 85 years old.
I was stationed on Iwo Jima in 1972 as an ET3. I have pictures but not the negatives. I assume the LORAN system was decommissioned because it is obsolete. It was taken over by the next generation of LORAN technology, GPS. If you go to google maps you can see remnents of the station. It is located on other end of island from Mt Serabatchi.
Hello Sgt - long time, no write! Please email me for a name of a man from Worcester, MA who is still alive. He fought on Iwo Jima and other Pacific islands. He's an amazing man. He came home with "only" shrapnel in his legs.
This is a very interesting website that describes the horror of battle that took place on Iwo Jima. I can understand the indelable memories that have instilled in the minds of of the veterans of that war, however, we must keep in mind that God wants us to instill forgivness to our Japanese people that was their on that hopeless war. I am interested in knowing if anyone has the latest information on the elderly Japanese soldiers that harbored in these tunnels, and just not too long ago, came out and rejoined their society. Are they still living? I had the experience in living in Japan in 1953, while serving time with the 24th Infantry Division. For all the torture of war, and most recently earthquakes, that almost destroyed Japan, I say God Bless this nation for all of their turmoil.
My grandfather served in the war there. He didn't talk much about it, at least not with me. I have though got to look at a book of his from his time there.
I'm doing my own search. I hoping to find some others that have that book as well. The book is titled "My Company On Iwo". This books has details for everything that opened while station there..ex: (we believe)a list of every enlisted soliders/staff any one else that was stationed there. There are autographs in the back. It was Headquarters Company AGF ATO 86.
If anyone has any interest, information or can help locate others with this book please email me.
Wilfred G Ouellette was the favorite Nephew of my grandfather Joseph Walter Ouellette and I have often gone to Brookline, NH to visit my grandparents and Wilfred's Graves and felt pride and honor to have family members that 'gave thier last full measure of devotion' for our country. I have done much research of the family history but sadly know very little about Wilfred other then the papers and other public items I have been able to find.
I would love to talk to you about your part of the family as it is important to me and I also know Wilfred was such a part of my grandfather's early life.
Hey, my name is Ember and I'm just working on this project given to me by my English teacher... I used to live in California but moved to the East coast with some family. I'd never even heard of Iwo Jima before about a month ago when this was assigned. And i just have to say this is a beautiful island and I feel for all those people who died for our country(:
My Father, Otis Donald Underwood, served in the 3rd Marine Division and was on Iwo Jima during the battle.
He has since passed away, but I remember his stories of some of the horrors of the fighting during those weeks.
Anyone happen to serve with him there?
Hi All of you good men and woman, Now how's that for a beginning. I sure would like to get a good email from all of you. My email is Rossonottes@aol.com.
GWR
If there is any of you men that don't have broken fingers please send me some email that you may have on Iwo Jima. Thanks
My email is Rossonotes@aol.com
my father was on iwo, he made it home by the grace of god , he lived to be 84 years , his name was angelo fazzio 5th div 26th marines he was my best frend a the best dad a son could have. proud of my dad looking for ed owens also talked to him 4 years ago
I lost my best buddy at Iwo Jima on the 17th Feb. He was getting Under Water Demolition teams off the beach prior to D Day. Could you possibly send me copies? I surely would appreciate them.
Thank you.
My father served with the Signal Corp and was stationed on Saipan in 1945. At one point after the Marines subdued the Japanese on Iwo Jima, he and some of his buddies flew to Iwo to look around. I have a couple of photos of them in the caves posing with the dead Jap's you all have spoken about. I was always fascinated by these photos as a child; always asking to look at them in my dad's war photo album. And did you know anyone who served with Gen Howlin' Mad Smith?
I'm waiting on one of you men that were on Iwo Jima that hate the Japs as much as I do I still. don't know why we gave the island back to the dirty Japs. . We lost close to 7000 men taking the island.Now we can't get back on Iwo jima .
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
I don't seem to be able to get the Army or Marines men to email me??????? How about the young ladies that are or have been the Army or Marines!!!!! You all have a good day.
S/Sgt. GW Rosson Email to Rossonotes@aol.com
Are there any one still alive that was on Iwo jima at any time? I was there in 1946-1947. I know the island like the back of my hand. If you have any ?????? email me on Rossonotes@aol.com or call 309-647-1444. You have a nice day!!!!!
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
I was on Iwo Jima in 1946-1947 as a first Sgt. I've been all over the island. also in a lot of the caves. Most of them had dead Japs in them. At that time there were a little meat on them but it was hard and dry. Lets have some email from any of you men.
My email is Rossonotes@aol.com or call 309-647-1444
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
this sat is d day , just thought i'd leave a line for anybody left , my uncle a.y. powers 5th tank batt under lt col collins is still alive and well in las vegas , but he was there actually on the 18th dismantling sea mines , by the way , he went ashore that day watched a col. smoke a cig and go back inside a cave , he let me submit to missouri h.q. for nis medals since all he showed was good conduct . they have yet to send them , of course they're busy.semper fi , for a.y.
i'm at drummerblpmech@yahoo.com
American carrier planes struck Iwo Jima for the first time on June 15, 1944. The purpose of the strike was to keep Japanese planes from attacking the Marine invasion on Saipan which began on that day.
My father was one of the carrier pilots over Iwo Jima on June 15. His mission was to attack Motoyama Airfield # 2. His aircraft was badly damaged by intense and accurate AA fire; Lt. Harold G. Payne Jr. was killed in the plane a few feet behind my dad. He was one of the first Americans to die at Iwo- some 8 months before the Marine invasion in February 1945.
Airfield # 2 later became the main runway for the island and is still used today- although considerably lengthened.
I wish my dad were still alive to see the Iwo Pix of today. My dad was a SSGT in Co B, 5th engineer batt, 27th Marines, 5th Div. He landed I believe in the second wave. He was a dozer operator. He probably never said more than 100 words about Iwo, but the few were insightful. He spent the early hours trying to pull equipment off the beach, cut outlets for armor and get wounded off the beach. He said the first night they were almost as scared of what they thought were large spiders ( crabs actually) that got into their holes. My uncle was in the 4th Div and a machine gunner. Both survived unscathed. I saw a note here from a sailor on the New Orleans LPH-11. I also served on her but in 73-74. We sailed within 50 miles of Iwo but could not stop and never saw it. I've often though how ironic if in Feb 45 my dad could ever have wondered that his son would sail by 50 miles off shore some 30 years later. My dad worked to seal caves with a combat team. He also was in the last large banzai where the pilots were attacked. His comment written in his 5th Div historical book .." a turkey shoot". Iwo To my derrierre" .........it was, is and always be Iwo Jima.
I saw an interview of your father on Shootout and read your note about the room dedicated to Iwo Jima. Please send me an email. Thanks, Arnold
ajhparagon@yahoo.com
Hey Bill,
Bless you SSG Rosson. I had two uncles in the Navy for the duration of the Pacific War. I still have a dress white and dress blue Navy uniform from when I was two years old. At age three I remember that I could go to the globe and show anybody where those "dirty Japs" lived.
I now have a son, also a Staff Sergeant (Army)who served honorably in Iraq during 2004-2005. He was based in Mosul (FOB Diamondback).
I just started reading a new book published in 2007 "So Sad To Fall In Battle". Your maps of the caves on the northern end of Iwo Jima would be a great supplement to this book. I would appreciate it very much if you could e-mail them to me. If you have read this book and have any comments on it, I would love to hear them.
I have read all of the comments on your web-site and understand that you would rather talk on the telephone than pound out text on the computer. I am about ten years younger than you and I understand that this is difficult, therefore, I give you my telephone number - 1-319-266-9868. I will be calling you if you cannot call back within a few days.
Over and out. Ralph
The battle of Iwo Jima is one of those battles that I'm fairly familiar with. I even used to know a former Marine general who personally participated in the charge on Mount Suribachi. So in terms of content, there was smokeless cigarettes nothing new there for me.But what struck a deep chord in this movie is the hopeless and totally futile predicament of the Japanese army, perched on the last desolate outpost of a crumbling empire, facing very stiff odds and not having even drinking water.
Bill Wallace, I just read your place on Iwo Jima today, Good to hear from you. I was on iwo Jima in 1946-1947 as a 1st Sgt in our company. I;ve been in a lot of the caves, at that time there was still a little meat on the bodies but it was hard and dry. The smell was real bad, No place to set dowm and eat your dinner. Ha Ha The Jap Gen.'s cave is the biggest one. It goes down 76 feet and has five levels. I know the island like the back of my hand so if you have any ??????????? just ask them.
S/Sgt. GW Rosson My email is Rossonotes@aol.com
Mr. Sergio,
The Battle for Iwo Jima was from 19 Feb to 26 Mar 1945. so your statement that there is noboby still alive that fought on Iwo Jima is not true. there are still lots of MARINES with us.
Please read the history of Iwo Jima.
SEMPER FI
David "Chico" Martinez-Oliveras
(US ARMY Jun 1972-DEC 1977)
Hi SSgt G.W. Rosson
I`m Bill Wallace. Am 72 and retired US Air Force. Was in the Marines from 56 to 59. Never went to Iwo Jima but of course heard much about it both in movies and in boot camp at Parris Island. I would like very much to visit Iwo Jima, but don`t think they allow regular visitors. I`d like to get a real life statue of the flag raising but not sure where I can get it. Am living in the Fremantle area of West Australia and been here for over 30 years. My wife of 42 years Maxine was with me in the states when I was in the Air Force and loved every minute of it. She is or was from Fremantle. She passed away three years ago from cancer. We have two grown married children. I belong to a group of retired and former Marine Corps veterans. We get together now and than for social activities and have a dress up dinner on Nov 10. As I said, I`d like very much to go to Iwo Jima to see what happened. Probably nothing left to remind you of the action. Just to let you know my thoughts. I was a LCpl when I was discharged at Treasure Island in Calif in April 59. Thanks again and hope to hear from you. Have a nice day. Bill Wallace
My dad and your dad were buddies on Iwo. They kept in touch in their later years and I called your dad to tell him when my dad died in '98. I think Pop was quite a bit older than your dad but he thought a lot of him and spoke of him often. Hope Sammy is doing ok. Like to hear from you. I was a Marine in Vietnam '70-'71.
Bruce,You seem to be a nice man. I seen the writting that you put on Iwo Jima today on the dec, 7 2010. Thank you. If you should need any infro. on Iwo Jima let me know as I know the island like the back of my hand. You have a nice day. Thanks.
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
I was looking on the web here and it showed the 3rd and 4th marine's cemetaries. The picture listed here is not right. In 1946 I was there for a year and a half. The large head peace is not right, they all had crosses on them. The same on the 5th Maeine's cemetarie. The 3rd and 4th was down on blue beach. The 5th Marine's was up on the hill by air field #1.\
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
My dad Sam Bernstein was in the 5th Marine div. A Company 5th Pioneers. He landed on the 19th 6th wave. He was involved in the last banzi where all the pilot were killed. My dad is 86 and was on the history Channel Shootout at Iwo Jima. With out our dads we
wouldn't be here. I have a WHOLE ROOM DEDICATED to the battle of Iwo
Today is December 7th, a date which will live in infamy. It is also the date of my friend's, S/Sgt, GW Rosson's birthday. Join me in wishing him a very Happy Birthday. He was here on this island hell in 1945-46. He came back to us and we still have him among us. We are blessed! He is 83 today! Happy Birthday Bill! And thank you for the sacrifices you made so we can be a free country. God Bless you my friend! Bruce Beaven
I still would like anyone that was on Iwo Jima to email me on RossonotesQaol.com. or call me on 309- 647- 1444. Yoy all have a nice day. Thanks
S/Sgt. GW osson
If anyone knows a John Willinghoff or any of his kids or grand Kids or any one else that new him I would sure like to hear from them. , I'll been trying to find him for some time( like years).He was in my company on Iwo Jima way back there. Ha HA My email is Rossonotes@aol.com or call me on 309-647-1444. Or give me your number and I'll call you. Thanks
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
Yes I was on Iwo Jima in 1946-1947 I do Have pictures of the 4th marines where they were put. If inturested email me on Rossonotes@aol.com or call on 309-647-1444. Thanks
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
I have been doing some research on My Uncle: Pvt Joseph F. Frederick Ferguson, he was killed on Iwo Jima on 12 March 1945, He was with the 4th Marines Division. If anyone knew him please write back, at: erx44@yahoo.com
Brother died on Iwo March 11, 1945. 5th Marine div. 27th or 28th replacement. He was 19 and died 8 months after enlistment. Did anyone know him? I know its near impossible but will try anything. Was 10 ten years younger and there was just us two. God Bless you all for your service. Have his pic. on my cell phone where I can see him every day. He was sent home to Charleston, Mo. in 1947.
My father Dale A Emme fought with the 5th Marine Division on Iwo Jima landed February 19th 1945 was there for the entire battle.He never said much about his part in the battle,although he did say on more than one occasion that he thought about the Marines that died there every day after the war.Dad passed away February 1st 1998.Thank you for keeping the memory of the battle for Iwo Jima alive by forming this website. Semper Fi Bob Emme
Well I'vr been on hear before. I sure would like to have some more email from any one now. Thanks you!!!!! My email is Rossonotes@aol.com. or call 309-647-1444 I hope it is on Iwo Jima, on that I can talk to about any one about any thing to do with Iwo Jima. Thank you!!!!
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
Hi Marion, my uncle (mother's brother)was killed in the same Kamikaze attack on March 21. He was a Carpenters Mate aboard the USS Keokuk. 19 other sailors died on that ship during the attack by a single airplane. In September of 2000, I had the great fortune to attend one of the last ship reunions in Jacksonville, Fl. There were 25 or so in attendance and the stories and pictures they shared were so meaningful to me. My Mom (now 93) attended with me and spoke at length with the seaman who was at the same battle station as her brother at the time of the attack.
Bill I tryed to E Mail you but something evedently did't go through so if you would E Mail me back to tompoo1928@hotmail.com we could make contact. Thanks hope to hear from soon. Tom Pool tompoo1928@hotmail.com
Well lets see if any of you that were on Iwo Jima any time, give me an email on Rossonotes@aol.com or call me on 309-647-1444. I was there in 1946- 1947,as a 1st Sgt.There were no time then in grade. so in four months I made S/Sgt. and then they quit do it that way, that was in 1947 ( July ). I've been in a lot of the caves. There were a lot of dead Japs in all of them. Most of them still had a little meat on the bones. No place to set down have your dinner. Ha Ha
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
I still some email on Iwo Jima if any of you men have been on the island. I was there as a 1st Sgt. in 1946 and part of 1947. I have a lot of pictures and stories. If you have the time My email is Rossonotes@aol.com or call 309-647-1444. Thank you..
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
T. Pool email me on Rossonotes@aol.com I was on Iwo Jima 1946. I got about 165 pictures of the island. Caves, tunnels, dead Japs and a lot of others!!!
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
My name is Cpl. George J. Colburn and I was on Iwo Jima from Feb. 24, 1945 to April 5, 1945. The third Marine Division which was held in reserve. 9th Regimen, 1st Battalion, Company B. Lt. Liems was our company commander who got the congressional medal of honor on Iwo. We were in an area called Cushman's Pocket. Had my 19th birthday on Iwo. I have a lot of war stories but won't go into them now. I've never been back to Iwo Jima since we left but I have made a thousand instant trips back in my mind... it never really leaves you. If anyone remembers me or was there at the same time, please say hello. My email address is: medemapapa@bellsouth.net
I am a WWII living historian. During some of my interviews, I came accross a large population of WWII Iwo survivors. I have never spoken to any of them because my research was for 82nd AB information. I found out that Astoria, Oregon has a good pocket of those heroes living there. That's all I know. I wish I could help you out more. I have a dream of going to Iwo and just walking where they walked.....that would be very cool.
I landed on 2/23/45, the same day the flag was raised. I was with "E" Co., 2nd Bn., 9th Marines. My company and "F" Company were in "Cushman's Pocket." Of about 70 men in the two companies only 18 survived.
You ask for more Iwo men to check in. I'm 86 and I enlisted in 1942 at 18 yr.s old. There are not many of us left on this side of the grass.
Mr. Donovan, I read your email that you were on Saipan in 1944-1945 with the 20th Air Force. My father's cousin, Ray Behrend flew B-24 bombing missions over Iwo Jima from August, 1944 to January 17, 1945 when their plane "Hell from Heaven" was shot down during their 37th mission. Ray was with the 7th AirForce, 30th bomber group and the 819 squadron. Do you have any recollection of their ditching at sea, or of the effort to find the crew? My brother is writing a book about the crew and is trying to find relatives of the men and any information they might have--Lt. Painter was the pilot. If you have any knowledge of this tragic event, my brother and I would greatly appreciate hearing from you. Thank you for your time and effort.
I wasn't there. I'm a girl, I mean lady. My brother-in-law was there and was met by the Divine Wind (kamikazes)on February 21, 1945. He was on the USS Saratoga (Sara CV-3). Ten planes, bombed, strafed and plowed into the ship. We lost marines who were manning the 5"/38 gun batteries. They were all just kids on their first mission. The hanger deck was on fire and planes that didn't have time to get into the air were burning. The Sara turned and sailed out of the area while trying to put out fires and clear the deck. A couple of hours later, she had her decks almost cleared and was trying to land her planes that were returning when another bunch of kamikazes came out of the clouds and attacked again. Sailors and marines were killed and wounded. The ship manager to get to Bikini for temporary repairs and then back to Pearl.
Sara had been performing night duty to cover the invasion over Iwo and night heckler missions over Chchi Jima. She was also lending her support to the Baby Carriers (escorts) in the area. While she was under attack that night, the Bismark Sea was also attacked and went down losing almost all her men. What carnage was taking place on that little island and in the sea around it.
Thanks much for your service. We can't honor you guys enough.
My father was Marlin (Spike) Loverud. He was also on Iwo Jima in May 1945 thru Aug 1945. Pilot of PB4Y-2 Privateer assigned to VPB-106.
Would be interested to find someone that knew him.
He also served as plane commander assigned to VP-16 (flying P2V's) during the period 1953 thru 1956. Deployed to Keflavik, NAS Port Lyautey, French Morocco, and the rest of the usual haunts for this Jacksonville squadron.
My father was also on the Newberry. He was one of the few that commissioned and decommissioned the ship. My father is gone now, but I would love to know if your father knew my father. My dad's name: Frederick Balian. I keep his dog tags in my pocket so I know he's never far away.
Warren Hartmann
I lost my best childhood buddy the 17th of Feb. 1945 at Iwo jima.
His mane was Clarence J. Hoffman ( 17 years old ) and he was killed on his boat LCI(G)449 while getting navy frog men back off the island where they were scouting for mines and the sand for the landing on the 19th. He was killed by a Jap mortor shell. He was a gunner on a 40mm, starboard next to the conning tower.
His skipper was Ruphus Herring, Congessional Medal Of Honer winner.
Any photos you have of Iwo would be highly appreciated.
09/13/2010 This is my first time to visit this site. I was always interested in Iwo Jima. I was in the Corp from 1961-1964. But recently my interest heightened with the death of a father of a very dear friend of mine. Norman Grosinske, know as Ski to his Marine buddies. Ski an E4 was in the 5th Marines 28th Regiment. He was one of the comunication Marines that laid many miles of wire over Iwo. He pasted away in Wausau Wisconsin on July 22, 2010. I never met Norman and I was told he never talked about Iwo. While going through personal things he left behind. I found a wonderful silk Japanese Flag signed by numerous Marines and hundreds of photos taken during and after the fierce battle. They are very curled and shaded from age. I've restored a few thru photo shop and they came out quite well. It will take quite awhile to finish them all but when I do I will share them with anyone interested. Thank You to all Marines out there who have defended are country in the time of War.
Hi there, It is 9-13-10 and this is my first time reading this site. Very interesting and it
stirs up some memories of my "landing on Iwo" either late '55 or '56. My machine gun
platoon was part of an anniversary exercise. The Mike boats, ankle deep volcanic ash,
always looking up at the bunkers, poison patties, John Wayne biscuits. tea in an old
c-ration can, and more. While digging a horseshoe emplacement for my gun,many
pieces (metal, wood, etc.) of old gear surfaced. Looked familiar because we still used
the same stuff the original guys had. Thanks very much.
ps. We put that hole across a ravine from the edge of an airfield. Lots of suits and
brass were there taking pictures. Anybody else there? or have info about that.?
Mike.... C co. 1st bn 3rd Marines from South Camp Fuji, Japan. 1955?
what was your rank and from which company ? I know that it brings back alot of unhappy moments when trying to recall how many lives were lost in the battle. Do you have any photos or artifacts from the war.. ? Please share.. I am a person that is so engrossed with History and it really interests me and i am curious and would like to find out more. Hope to hear from you soon.
For any one that hasn't been in the Jap's Gen. cave, it goes down 76 feet and has five levels in it. When I was there it had a lot of dead Japs on each level. The smell was bad, as there were still a little meat on them. This would be no place to set down and eat you lunch. Ha Ha
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
I always wondered why I learned about WWII back in grade 9 (sure thing I continue to learn by reading all the books and watching the videos I can find by http://www.instantdownloads.net search engine), which was a young age to learn about hardship and the horror of war. Yet I thank that moment of learning as a foundation that never again do we use hatred as justification, and perhaps that lesson, earned by many nations sadly, need to be reminded of why we are at peace.
This is always important to notice as it is during the down times especially that those in our society fan the flames of hate in various ways.
This is a bittersweet notion, to accept the price of peace at such a high cost of human lives, that which cannot be ignored, and all the more reason that it be remembered, kept, and never forgotten. We are the better for it in remembering any conflict. And the world as well can see beyond hate and be a family instead.
We still need that hope in the world today, and really, everyday.
My dad just turned 89 on July 31,2010. He was with the 4th divison on Iwo and has rarely talked of his experiences. My family and I just visited Washington D.C. a couple of weeks ago and we were all grateful to have the opportunity to see all the monuments and memorials in our capital. I was especially impressed with Arlington Cemetary and the marine corps memorial depicting the flag raising. My dad is Chester Burnett who grew up in Wills Point, Texas and still lives in Texas and is still getting around really well and staying very busy. When I spoke with him upon our return from vacation and told him we visited Arlington and the WWII memorial, about all he said was a comment of how many marines were lost on the island. When dad was about 68 he had a couple of "minor" heart attacks and I still remember him saying that they(the heart attacks) were nothing compared to making it home from Saipan, Tinian and Iwo Jima. Thanks to all you marines!!!!!!!!
Well I still need some email, ones that were on Iwo Jima.Iwas there 65 years ago, but some times it seens like yesterday. As you can tell I'm getting old. Ha Ha
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
If there is any one that was on Iwo Jima,Iwas there in 1946-1947
I was a first Sgt, there.for two years.
I would be glad to talk to you on any thing about Iwo. About the island, caves, tunnels. The Jap Gen.'s cave was the biggest one. It went down 76 feet and has five levels. You ask the ? and I'll see if I can anc, them.HA
Sgt.GW Rosson
Well when we were going thru the caves there was another man not from our company there, he was taking the dead Japs head and taken out all the gold in them, He had a sock full already of them. I guess he needed the money. Ha Ha
S/Sgt.GW Rosson
This is about a cave that was on the SE side of the island. It was appro 12 feet (H) and 15 feet (W) and went back into dirt 70 feet. It was all but 3 feet full of rice.Our comany officer Max H. Booth said to clean it all out. I took 20 men and dump truck to the cave. The Lt. went with us at first, He was up in the cave, there were all sizes of rats running around there. One went uo his pant leg, yoou should of seen that,he was lucky, a T/5 Walker got the rat and killed it, I don't why but the Lt. came down after that. Ha Ha
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
Come on one of you men that were on Iwo Jima 1946-1947 or about that time. Lets see if your stories are the same as mine. If so you have seen all the dead Japs bodies. When I was there some of the meat was still on the them. The smell was bad,I wouldn't want to set down there and eat my dinner. Ha Ha
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
I SERVED/WASTED AWAY, ON IWO FROM MAY 1946 UNTIL DECEMBER 1946. I WAS a GCA Controller IN THE USAF/ AACS SQUADRON.
Our "Q"HUTS WERE RIGHT ABOVE THE MARINE CEMETARY.
When I WAS THERE Sgt JOHNNY BASILONE A Cong Medal of Honor winner, AND HIS DOG WERE BURIED THERE. lATER REMOVED AND SENT TO USA
JAP MARINES WERE STILL HIDDING IN THE DEEP DARK STINKING CAVES. WE FOUND Arisaka RIFLES, SWORDS, SKULLS, ETC.
IT WAS HELL.
I would like to thank all my Marine Brothers who have taken the time to learn about our history of Iwo Jima. I know a few Marines who served on Iwo but they really dont want to talk about it.
I have been there in 1999 on my second WEST-PAC on the USS Essex. I served in Iraq twice and I was wounded by an IED in 2006 and I was medically retired from the Corps in 08.
I live in Corona CA and I belong to a group of WW2 USMC Historians. Our website is
www.gyrenesgungho.com we go to events in So Cal in honor of the Marines who served in WW2.
Also I work for the House of Representatives as a Vetern Case Worker, I can help get military documents and medals for families.
Has everyone seen the Military Channel pilot of Tunnel Rats. Glen Harlen who had a few books out on Marine 782 Gear and other items came out with a pilot. He takes the camra to Iwo Jima and explores the tunnel systems.
Where in the hell are all the men that were on Iwo Jima? Lets hear from you now please. Some of you that were in some of the caves lets see if your stories are the same as mine.
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
I was asgd to LST 1047 July 1946-Oct 1947 as 1st Officer.We were to provide transportation for an AGRS group recovering & removing remains fr Iwo to Guam. I was only officially involved w/trans to and fr Iwo to Guam.Since we spent our free time after hours on the LST, we became friendly and cooperative friends & shipmates.
I do not remember all the various specifics & details,but it seems to me that the surviving next of kin was notified of the pending recovery & relocation of the remains.The survivor was asked to select a primary,and/or a secondary relocation site.It seems to me the sites were Honolulu,Philipines,any National Cemetary in the U. S. or a home cemetery.All expenses were to be paid by Uncle.May have been other details,just dont remember.I do remember walking with a group ,and alone, on a trip to top of Suribachi. Also,two Marines from my home county,one a cousin,were there.It was a lonely,quiet,Godforsaken place.
We made 3-4 trips from Guam to Iwo & return. Not sure if the task was completed before I left,but it does seem so.
Lets hear from some of the Marines that were there,Most of them will be about my age. I'm 82 now.I sure would like to go back there for a week or so , there is a lot o things that I would do. More then what I did went I was there at the age of 18 years old.
S/Sgt. GW Riosson
GOOD EVENING STAFF SERGEANT ROSSON -- THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE DURING WORLD WAR 2 AND CAN'T EVEN IMAGINE THE HELL THAT YOU MARINES WENT THROUGH WHEN FIGHTING TO TAKE THE PACIFIC ISLANDS FROM THE JAPS AND THAN TO HAVE THEM SURRENDERED BACK BY OUR GOVERNMENT AFTER ALL OF THE YOUNG MARINES THAT PAID THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE TO WIN THOSE BATTLES. WERE THE BODIES OF OUR MARINES, ARMY AND NAVY TAKEN OFF OF THOSE ISLANDS AND REBURIED ELSEWHERE AFTER THE ISLANDS WERE GIVEN BACK TO THE JAPS AND IF SO WHERE WERE THEY RELOCATED TO.THANK YOU AND SEMPER FI !!!!! WAYNE DUFFY
Reply to a David Baker, c-130 Instructor Flight Eng.,Yokoto AB, Japan. If there is any thing that I can do to help let me know. I was on Iwo Jima two years. Call me on 309-647-1444 or email me on Rossonotes@aol.com. By the way David on the other email that I sent you I didn't tell you that I saw them putting appro 2000 Jap bodies in the ground. Thanks
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
I am a C-130 Flight Engineer stationed at Yokota AB, Japan. I have read many of you're post about the battle that took place on Iwo Jima, and I am very interested about the 200 plus Marines that are left missing the island. Here at Yokota, we frequently fly repatriation missions for MIA/KIA from WWII and the Vietnam war, and I would love nothing more than to help get these Heroes home.
I currently have direct contact to the USFJ (United States Forces Japan) Commander, and would love to bring these Marines home. I would appreciate any info that you can give to help expedite this process and would love just to hear the stories.
Thank you so much,
SSgt David Baker
C-130 Instructor Flight Engineer
Yokota AB, Japan
dbakerc130@hotmail.com
I am a C-130 Flight Engineer stationed at Yokota AB, Japan. I have read many of you're post about the battle that took place on Iwo Jima, and I am very interested about the 200 plus Marines that are left missing the island. Here at Yokota, we frequently fly repatriation missions for MIA/KIA from WWII and the Vietnam war, and I would love nothing more than to help get these Heroes home.
I currently have direct contact to the USFJ (United States Forces Japan) Commander, and would love to bring these Marines home. I would appreciate any info that you can give to help expedite this process and would love just to hear the stories.
Thank you so much,
SSgt David Baker
C-130 Instructoe Flight Engineer
Yokota AB, Japan
dbakerc130@hotmail.com
I guess I was on Iwo Jima about as much as any other man was. I was there for two years. 1946-1947 at that time there were no time in grade,That changed in July 1947 at that time you had to have so long in grade. I've been in most of the caves and tunnels. The biggest cave is the Jap Gen.'s cave. It goes down 76 feet and has five levells. All the caves had dead Japs in them some still had some meat on the bones, but it was hard and dry. The smell was real bad. If you want more email me on Rossonotes@aol.com
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
Scott King, Yes I do have a lot of anc. I was on Iwo Jima for two years, 1946-1947, If you have any??????????? give me a call on 309-647-1444 or email me on Rossonotes@aol.com
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
i am have just read flags of our fathers. i am a former marine, infantry camp pendleton 1t marines in 1974 thru 1976. i loved the book. it made me proud to be a marine. god rest all those brave souls 6.800 marines who died there. long live the corp. mongoose
Well here I am at it again. I still neet some email on Iwo Jima. I can use the infro.and I'll take all?????????? on Iwo Jima. Caoo me on 309-647-1444 or email me on Rossonotes@aol.com Thanks
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
I still HAVE SOME OF THE THINGS THAT i CAME BACK FROM Iwo JIMA WITH. ??????. You couldn't guess what that is. In the two years that I was there , you could find a lot of things to bring back with you. Well guess and email me what you think it may be.Email me on Rossonotes@aol.com or call me on 309-647-1444. Thanks
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
Sure do wish that I could get some email from Marines, Army, or any one that wants to know any thing about Iwo Jima. You have got the man here now. Ha Ha Call me on 609-647-1444 or email me on RossonotesQaol.com
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
Well I'll sart this out with telling you that I was on Iwo Jima in 1946-1947, I was also in Korea for the Korean war <I was there for a little over 11 months. That was a dirty old hell hole.not only the land but the people too. I was with the 756 railroad operation dept.We ran the Hosp.trains up to pick up the mmen that were shot and the dead ones to.We had a car on the back of the train to put the dead ones in.Going up and coming back we got shott up pretty bad. So you shot ever one that you could see .Some nights you would kill12 to 15 maybe not all dead but ALL shot. We alway said a good Korean is a dead one. Well any one that was there give me a call on 309-647-1444 or email me on Rossonotes@aol.com
S/Sgt.GW Rosson
My name is Alex and I just wanna say thanks to all the men who have served at Iwo Jima. I've read flags of our fathers to start out learning about Iwo Jima. If you have any information please let me know. My email is alex.vaughn82@yahoo.ie.
Well here I am setting here with the comp.with nothing to do. Sure do wish that Bob Bolus would get on the ball as he is trying to get up a team to go back to Iwo Jima. I could spend a month on the island and could peek busy all the time,,I still say that I can take you to the cave that has around 200 dead Marines still with there dog tag on them. When I was there it was about 120 inside the cave. The island has rose uo 64 feet in the last 65 years due to the under water eruptions.Right now it raises 8:inch a year. And yes the Japs are still looking for over 18000 of there men. So help me I can show them where there is 14000 of them , I was them covering them up with a bull doser. I know thwt I can't write down all so if you are interested call me 309-647-1444 or email me on Rossonotes@aol.com Thank you.
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
I was a combat aircrewman flying Navy PB4Y Liberators and Privateers out of Iwo Jima from May 1945 until the end of the war. We flew raiding missions against the Japanese ships which moved war goods from port to port in Japan. We also flew anti-sub patrols around the huge invasion fleet which was forming off Japan, and which was withdrawn after the A-bomb was dropped on Hiroshima. We lived in tents and Quonset huts in an area northwest of the main airstrip in the highlands on the north end of the island, an area once occupied by sulfur miners and known as Nishi village. Many Japs had committed suicide by leaping from the cliffs at Kitano Point and the odor in the evening breeze made holding down your dinner a nightly excersize. Several transport ships had been purposely sunk to form a breakwater midway down the west coast of the island and were fun to climb on and dive from. The army used DUKW's to bring supplies in from transports using the breakwater and we would help the soldiers load the supplies (from which there was always a case or two of beer which would somehow break open). Drinking water had to be distilled and the only shower we had was salt water, so when a rain squall appeared, even at 2 AM, there would be a mad scramble to a spout we,d made in the roof of the hut for a fresh water rinse. Chow was mostly C rations and the bread was flown up from Tinian, so it was hard and dry. We also got a lot of New Zealand mutton (ugh)so please don't serve me lamb chops! My last combat action took place on August 4 when we attacked and sank a small freighter off the coast of Suruga Wan then entered Sagami Bay where we were attacked by two Jap zeros and shot both of them down.
Come on all you iwo Jima Marines, drop me a email to Rossonotes@aol.com or call me on 309-647-1444. Its been 65 to 66 years since I was there. But I still remenber it like it was yesterday. I can talk about the cave and tunnels, dead Japs and about any thing else you may want to talk about.
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
I still need ?????????????'s on Iwo Jima. About the cave ,tunnels,dead Japs or any thing that you want to ask, as long has ti has to do with Iwo Jima.
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
Any of you that were on Iwo Jima, give me a call on 309-647-1444 or email me on Rossonotes@aol.com I was there in 1946-1947. I;ve been in most of the caves and tunnels at the time. Call me on 309-647-1444 or email me on Rossonotes@aol.com
S/Sgt. GW Gosson
I could use some email from any of you that have service time. call me on 309-647-1444 or email me on Rossonotes@aol.com. i was on Iwo Jima for two years 1946-1947. Also I was in the Koren war 195- most of the year. I've got lots of pictures on both places. Call me 309-647-1444 or email me Rossonotes@aol.com.
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
To larry Mikell,Since I was on iwo jima the same time as you were maybe we can put some thing together. I was in most of the caves and tunnels. I do have a lot of infro. on iwo Jima. call me on 309-647-1444 or email me on Rossonotes@aol,com Lets talk about it.
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
My father Carl Ray Mikell severed on Iwo Jima in 1946 and 1947 as a member of the Army Air Force. He passed away last night July 12, 2010. He was so proud of his service to his country and the sacrifice that all of the brave men and women made then and now.
Mitch, I was on iwo Jima 1946-1947. You asks the ???????????? and I'll see if I can give you the anc. Call me 309-647-1444 or email me Rossonotes@aol.com Always good to hear from you.
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
Mitch, I just got your email on Iwo jima. I was on Iwo Jima in 1946 -1947. Ive got pictures of the 4th Marine cemetaries, it was on blue beach. The QM had keep it up real good at the time. I was the first Sgt.in our comany. Mitch you ask the ????????? and I'll give you the anc. I've been in most of the caves and tunnels on the island. The biggest cave was the Jap's Gen. cave. It goes down 76 feet and has five levels. I've been in all of them. I could go on and on but I'll give you my phone number and my email. My phone is 309=647-1444 and my email is Rossonotes@aol.com Bob Bolus is a good friend of mine, he wants me to go back with him to iwo Jima. I said that I would. More later.
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
I am the 49 year old son of a WWII & Iwo Jima veteran ,it has taken me until this age to realize the immeasureable and ultimate sacrifices made by that glorious generation they call the greatest in United States history and they're right. Thirty years ago when i was 19 ,I had no idea but have recently learned much abot this war and Iwo Jima in particular,and yes am a bit ashamed, but its never too late to learn. My father survived Iwo Jima and for that reason ,I am here on God's good earth.
I'm not sure of how many folks frequest this site its extremely informative, my father was a 4th marine div. man and i have just recently sent for all of his documentation,etc and am trying to learn as much as possible of his plight to survive, I do know he was a very different person upon returning home from war. i was more or less told this by my siblings as he died less than 5 years after I was born. He managed barely 21 years after the end of WWII, he passed on from leukemia. In closing I am looking for anyone who can help in my learning process...for example, would love to hear from any members of Div. 4, Marines, relatives or suggestions on how to pursue more detailed info of the the 4ths quest along side the other divisions to take Iwo.
God Bless America and every-one of the souls who have defended her & their families
Mitch
My father, Joseph F. Bruno was a Platoon Sgt. in the Spearhead (5th) Marine Division. He landed on Iwo Jima on the morning of February 19, 1945 and ended up on Red Beach 1. He was wounded five days later and evacuated. He was a mountain of a man, both in physical stature as well as in moral character.
He was highly educated after the war and he could have written a comprehensive account of the first five days of the battle. Unfortunately, he refused talk about Iwo Jima with anyone, except other Marines who themselves were veterans of Pacific island campaigns.
Just prior to his death in 2001, he said he was going to a reunion to see the guys who were in his Platoon on Iwo. That comment took me completely by surprise and I asked him where the reunion was being held. He looked at me, shook his head and simply said, “leave it alone.” Shortly thereafter, he died.
I still regret the fact that he didn’t share his Iwo Jima experience with me, but he once said, “The bravest Marines who ever wore the uniform are still over there.” Today, I’m sure he’s reunited with his old Platoon. Semper Fi dad!
I got this on Iwo Jima today on 6-16-2110. Call me on 309-647-1444 or email me on Rossonotes@aol.com. I can anc. most of your ??????? on Iwo Jima. I was there for two years in 1946-1947.
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
Hello S/Sgt. GW Rosson - good morning! I hope today finds you well enough. I just emailed you and if you didn't get it, let me know and I'll do it again. Thanks, Carolyn DeVries
hi um im doing a projet on iwo jima and wot are there nativa plants there and trees or food and cool story i read all of them and also dose eany one live there??????????? can u send somthing as soon u read this THANK YOU
Dear Sgt. GW Rosson - first of all, a grateful salute and a gentle hug of appreciation from me for what you and all the Marines did on Iwo Jima. All of you, living and dead, are heroes to me.
I realize the living may feel guilty about having made it off the island but your contribution and being alive today is just as important as those who didn't make it. We need the living histories to tell the next generations what it was all about.
I have just gotten done reading one of two books I have about Iwo Jima. I am amazed at how relentless and difficult the constant fighting was. It must have been ...no... it was extremely difficult to knock off those 22,000 Japanese off one at a time.
Iwo Jima, in my mind, stands out as THE United States Marines battle of all time. I am a bit surprised that the United States handed the island back to Japan in 1968. I did not realize that until just a couple of weeks ago. I also understand the U.S. maintains a small Coast Guard presence of one-year tours. The U.S. should have kept it, simply as a memorial and acknowledgement of the hell you men went through. I understand that plenty of Marines are still upset today about the handover.
Sgt., do you or anyone reading this know Raymond Kary of Worcester, Massachusetts? He is still alive today and he talks to me willingly of his time on Iwo Jima. I have been so humbled just to talk to him.
If anyone wants to email me just to talk, I can be reached at cddevries@gmail.com.
Again, my salutes and deep appreciation. I have been sleeping at night realizing that I do not have to speak Japanese today.
I was reading your reply on 6-13-2010. You said that I could get Norn Holgate phone number and that I could call him. Thanhs I guess your name is Oliver Burger, Well my name is Gareth Rosson.My email is Rossonotes@aol.col You could call me on 309-647-1444.I was on Iwo Jima in early 1946-1947. I was the frist Dgt over the Ordance dept there. I've been in most of the caves and tunnels, there were a lot of dead Japs in most of them.Some still had some meat on them but it was hard and dry.This was about six months after the war was over,the smell was bad. I had three of my men that went in all the caves and tunnels with me , a T/5 John Willinghoff, T/5 Walker and aPFC weel the name has left me for now. Ha Ha Getting Old I guess. We went into one cave on the first level it was around 120 degrees, we went on down to the next leveland it got hotter then hell around 180 degrees there and the were appro 150 dead Marines there with there dogs still on them, The smell was so bad the T/Walker got sick and had to go back up. The Jap Gen.'s cave is the biggest cave there. It goes down 76 feet under ground and has five levels. We went thru all of the levels.I've got a web that I had mad listing about 25 pictures and that many stories of some of thr things that we did.Its getting late so I'll close for now.I would have sent this to you but I didn't see your email.
S/Sgt G>W>Rosson
Stephen Herring:
If your relative Ruphis Herring was skipper of the LCI(G)449 then my best childhood friend died on his boat the mornig of Feb.17 1945. He was Seaman 1st class Clarence J. Hoffman. He died on the star board 40 MM gun when hit with Jap mortor rds. They were aiding Navy Frog men who were checking out the layout prior to the initial landing on the 19th. He was buried at sea the same day off the deck of the USS Terror at around 1800 hrs. I'm sure you have checked out the web on the history of Iwo. A very good site is called THE ELSIE ITEM....Another surviver of the 449 and in good health is Norm Holgate. He was Fireman on the 449. He lives in Dallas Oregon. If you'd like to speak with him, write me and I'll give you his number. Thanks, Oliver L. Burger
My Father - George E Taborn of Illinois was in the 5th Marines - Mike Company, and fought on Iwo Jima. Dad never talked about it to me, but April 17th 2001 - Dad went to be with the Lord. I miss him more than I could even say, and am so proud of him for his service in the Marines and other agencies. I know that there were a few guys that stayed in contact - had reunions which Dad only visited much later in life. From Iwo was Okinawa - and so-on, and I have so much pride in everyone that served during WW2 and beyond. It has become more real to me and my older sisters since there has been more and more documentaries regarding Iwo Jima and the rest of the war. God bless all of you, and thank you for putting this website up.
My fathers name was William Watts from Indiana. He was a marine and fought on Iwo Jima. He died 4 years ago at the age of 80. I found a note in his shirt pocket, it was a letter he was writing about his life as a marine. Growing up, he did not speak of his time in the war. We had no idea of what he endured and the acts he had to perform while serving his country. This letter explained some things to us about his life that we never knew. Upon his death, we got all of his medals and came to realize what he had done fighting for his country. I know there are few veterans from Iwo Jima left, but it would be great if there was someone out there that knew my dad. Especially if it was the person my dad gave his guitar too before he stepped onto the island.
My uncle, Roy C. Johnson (pfc), served in the 26th Marines and was killed on Iwo Jima. He was from South Bend, WA. Anyone out there know him or have any additional info on his time in the Marines or on the island? Thanks in advance, especially to those who served.
I have pictures of a lot of the caves and tunnels on Iwo Jima. (165 of them). Also have some pictures of the dead Japs there. Most of them at the time still had some meat on them, it was dry and hard and the smell was bad. You would not want to go eat right after seeing them. More later
S/Sgt.GW Rosson
Hi, All you Iwo Jima men, woman, people. Ha Ha I need some email I've read all that I've gotten so far. So if you haven't wrote a email today, start now.
GW Rosson
To: Stephaine on 6-4-2010 Thanks to you for writting. If you need more on Iwo Jima call me on 309 647 1444 or email Rossonotes@aol.com
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
I just watched a special on Iwo Jima, I never really cared about history before in school.. but now that I am older I am really interested and grateful. I just wanted to say thank you to all who has served! You are appreciated! Much Love, and God Bless! <3
Steve Maurys on 5-31-2010, Yes I was on Iwo Jima in 1946 and 1947. I have been in a lot of the caves there,Lots of dead Japs there and the smell was bad. I may be able to help you. Give me a callon 309 647 1444 email Rossonotes@aol.com.
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
My uncle (Wilfred G. Ouellette) died taking this island. He was only 18 years old and was part of the 5th division. I am humbled by the price these young men paid for our liberty. To this day our family has very little info on Wilfred and his experiences. All we heard is that he died on March the 8th going cave to cave.
To: Rett Floyd on 5-29-2010, You go to Iwo Jima today hit that and then what ever comes up you hit Iwo jima death search and it will you what you want.
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
My father's cousin was killed at Iwo Jima. He was Harold Ray Boykin, with the Marines. Can anyone tell me a source I can use to find his actual unit and details of his death. My father says he thought he was killed when a Japanese mortar landed in his landing ctaft. Thyanks for any help.
Just one more thing ,bring up Iwo Jima today and go down to the # 17 picture. You can see the two block houses about 400 feet apart The Marines took both of them . Now there is a tunnelgo from one to the other. We went into the one on the left, there is a small door going into the tunnel. About 200 feet in it ( about half way) we came on to about 25 dead Japs there .Now it was about 120 derees there to hot to stay so we got the hell out of there. Now hear this the island has rose 62 feet in the last 65 years due to under water eruotions, now they say that it will get 8 inch. higher each year at the going rate. Later You can call me on 309 647 1444
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
My ????????????'s are as follows: (1) When are you going to update the pictures on Iwo Jima today? They are all OLD. At the botton of this page it says that it was copy right in 2009, and the pictures were 7 to 10 years old then.Bad,Bad!!!!!!!The island is covered with greens of all kinds.When I was there in 1946 1947 ever thing was BLACK no greens other then up on the northern part of the island. The Jap Gen.'s cave was right in the middle of it.That area was appro.300 feet (W) and 500 feet (D) All the rest of the island was black sand.You need some pictures that were taken about the time that I got there. Since I've been all over the island I've been in a lot of the caves 75 to 100 of them and of the 11 miles of tunnels I've been in about half of them too. You realy need some of the older pictures to show how it has change,The main thing is that we should have never gave the islad back to the Japs Never, never!!!!!!! I was the first Sgt. over the Ordance 3605th HAM shop (Det # 1) and the 199th Ordance Depot warehouse ( Det, #1)When I was on Iwo Jima 1946-1947 there were no time in grade you could get a promotion each if you Co. officer turned you in for it. This all stopped in June or July on 1947.At that time you had to have so long in grade.By then I had made S/Sgt. Lt Max H. Booth made me the acting first Sgt when I first got there. I was only 18 years old then and had appro 220 men under me. It wasn't easy at first,
S/Sgt. G.W. Rosson
Well I'm still waiting here for some ???????????? on Iwo Jima from any one. I was there in 1946-1947 the meat on the bones was still there but hard and dry. The smell was bad at the time. I've been in most of the caves and tunnels. There were a lot of dead Japs there. Some of the men would know out the gold teeth in the Japs, one man had a sock half full of them. I guess he must needed the money.Ha Ha Well you have a nice day. call me on 309-647-1444 or email Rossonotes@aol.com.
GW Rosson
Where in the hell are all the men that were on Iwo Jima? I was there in 1946-1947 You can ask the ??????????????? and I'll see if I can give yoou the anc,
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
John, on Nov. 11, 2009 yes I've got pictures and a lot of stories on Iwo Jima. I was there in 1946-1947. Lots of dead Japs there. Most of them still had some meat on them it was hard and dry.The smell was real bad.If you are interest call 309 647 1444.
As ever S/Sgt. GW Rosson
My uncle was one of the Marines that died on the beach of Iwo Jima. I was not born until April, 1945 so I never knew him. His name is Eugent Nugent Miller from Akron, Ohio. If anyone has any information on him I would like to hear from you.
Tony, Were you on Iwo Jima? If so I guess you must be around 82 or 83. I( may be wrong.Ha Ha I'm 82 and I was i8 when I landed on Iwo Jima. I was there in 1946-1947.( seems like yesterday to me. I've got a web that I could send you. It has about 29 stories and at least that many pictures. If you would send me your phone number I would call you. Mine is 309-647-1444 my email is Rossonotes@aol.com I email about 35 Marines, and I get 4 or 5 a day,Ha Ha I was the first Sgt. in the ordance dept. I do have a lot of stories. I was in most of the caves and tunnels, there were a LOT of dead Japs in most of the caves. At that time the meat on them was hard and dry, and the smell was real bad. Tony you have a nice day, I'll be glad to hear from you.
As ever S/Sgt. GW Rosson
Cannot help but read all the statements here that I can. Cannot help but feel the chasm. The feeling of all who lie there, all touched, all the all including me just walking around any place anytime.
The top of any mountain whistles with a restless breeze. It calls. It warns to turn away. It cajoles. It cries. It is the wind and much more. For at least a few miles, it has touched no other human.
Cannot help but wonder what the wind on those peeks, tall and low, of Iwo Jima, have to say.
May all alive and out there come home from their own Iwo Jima's to their family and kin, be they one our side our theirs.
Tank,
Good to see you are still kicking around. If you remember me, I was the ET3 mostly responsible for the Transmitter maintenance during Nov '82 to Oct '83. It has been a long time from when the two of us were out there. Time has made that memory fond, and I find myself wishing to go back for a visit. I was sorry to find out that the base was closed and moved to Chichi Jima, then turned over to the Japanese. I do not know what happened to the many good people we served with there, but that experiance made us all who we are now.
To the others,
Serving isolated duty on that island was more than humbling. There are very few of us who are left who have shared the experiance of Iwo Jima. I am afraid that much of the story of Iwo Jima continues to be lost. Bless every one of you.
I would first like to thank all the brave men for their sacrifice on Iwo Jima. My grandfather was a navy pharmasist second class and was on Iwo during the invasion. Until his untimely death a number of years ago he would tell me stories (nightmares) of what he saw heard and participated in. Not that it will ever take the place of his lost friends, he was credited with saving a number of lives while under direct fire for which he recieved the Silver Star that is now in my possession.
I would like to thank all the men and women during WWII that risked their lives for this great country.
I sure would like to get a call or two on Iwo Jima. You ask the ?????????? and I'll see if I can get you a good anc. on each one. You have a nice day.
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
I was stationed on the island of Iwo Jima in 1975 as ET1 with the USCG. We were responsible for maintaining communications and navigation with LORAN C and A. at that time ther was a Japanese Self Defence Force there. They were on one end of the island and we were on the other end. I have pics of the station and othe Iwo pic's. I did not know that the LORAN Stationwas discontinued or that the Tower was removed. I was station there after the first tower fell and killed several men working on it.
I am so thankful to faithful United States Marines and all the brave men & women of the United States of America. As an American father of 4 children I have instilled in my children thankfulness and gratitude to the many that have given their lives for our freedom. I want them to know their history of their country for themselves. As Americans the history must be told and told correctly and never forgotten.
God Bless America!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Grady O'
Joshua, what kind of pictures do you Have. I have around 165 pictures of Iwo Jima. I was there in 1946- 1947 also I have a web I could send you. Have a good day.
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
To any veterans reading this who have served, your service is greatly appreciated and not forgotten. I have been watching the series the Pacific, it is difficult to watch, and I can only begin to understand the horrors that were faced in places like Iwo Jima. I have always been intrigued by this battle in particular and WWII in general. You have my outmost respect. God bless you all.
I'm still looking for a John Willinghoff, my best friend on Iwo Jima. call me on 309 647 1444 or email me on Rossonotes@aol.com thanks a lot!!!!!!!
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
Allison, Yes it take a act of god to get on Iwo Jima. Both myself and Bob Bolus have been trying to get to go to Iwo Jima. Bob asys he will foot the bill on every thing. He wants to bring Sgt. William Genaust back to the states. They have been looking for him for 65 years now. When I was there in 1946 on hill # 362A there was a marker showing where this man Genaust is at. ( I know where ).
S/Sht. GW Rosson
question... i have a nephew serving out great nation in the USMC, just got back from an IO cruise....He says rumour has it that only certain enlisted can step onshore IWO JIMA??? is this true, I simply must know.....thanks for all yall who served and still serve our great nation.....USN....79-83
Mustangs on Iwo Jima: My grandfather was stationed on Iwo and flew a P-51D escorting B-29s to Japan. At the end of the war I am told they did not bring the planes home but simply pushed them over the edge of cliffs and onto the beaches of the island. (My grandfathers plane included) I have seen a few pictures as evidence of this from 1952 but would like to see more and hear more about this. I would like to know where on the island these planes were pushed too and how long did they remain there... are there still some there today? Anything anyone can tell me would be great and pictures would be even better... i am trying to find my grandfathers plane in this heap!
I had two relatives, one from each side of my family, that fought on Iwo Jima. One was my mother's brother, Charles Mitchell Gibbs, who was a medic in the 4th Marine Division. He was wounded with a type 99 machine gun while attending a wounded marine, but survived. He witnessed the first flag raising at Iwo, but not the second, which was the photo op. My other relative was Rufus Geddie Herring. He was also wounded and survived. He was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his service. Both very modest, rarely speaking of their service, even when solicited.
I need a source for a World History project on Iwo Jima if any of you could tell me what the very first fealings where when we beached, or some stories on fighting on the island
My dad, Anthony "Tony" Miklos was a marine that took part in the battle on Iwo Jima. At the time he was a 19 or 20 yr old skinny kid that was part of an artillery detachment. He passed away in feb of 1986. If anyone knows anything of my father at that time, Id appreciate hearing from you.
I have had the honor to go to Iwo Jima while i was serving in the Marine Corps from 2005-2009. the feeling you get on the island is an erie one. just knowing the battles that once took place there is incredible and the bravery of all the men who fought there. i could not imagine storming those beaches, because the sand is so soft and your feet just sink atleast 6 inches every step you take. i wish i could have spent more then just a day there exploring the island. it is definetly a memory i will never forget. if any men who served in the battles of Iwo Jima feel free to email me at jtjackson86@yahoo.com i would love to hear what you have to tell and i want to learn as much as i can about the battles.
A reply to Matt Hancock he wrote on 2-19-2010.Matt on Iwo Jima ,if you get this call me on 309 647 1444 I have anc. on about any thing on Iwo Jima, I was there in 1946 and 1947. You have a nice day.
S/Sgt. G.W. Rosson
My Dad was in the 4th Marine Division, 14th Artillery Regiment from March 1943 to November 1945. His name was Wilfred Gregg. He passed away in July 1996. He was on Roi atoll, Namur atoll, Saipan,Tinian and Iwo Jima. He rarely spoke of the war and then it was funny stories, never of combat. When I was in college he allowed me to interview him for a history project. It was the most that he had ever spoken of the war. I realised that my father had seen more before the age of twenty than I would ever see.It is one of my most treasured possessions.
He often spoke of two men that ge served with, Bill Gee of Texas and Victor P.(Ric) Regetti of Ohio. If anyone knows of these men, please contact me.
Mr. Strand,
I am currently teaching a High School level US History class which my daughter attends.
One of the assignments I have given my students is to give a family history to be presented in class.
My father JAMES S. PHILBRICK also served on the Logan and was at Iwo.
I would like to know if you knew my father.
He passed away several years ago and any information you could give would be appreciated.
Also, I would like to extend my personal thanks for your service to our country.
The people that write on this, If you would give you phone number and email you would get a lot more anc. I do give mine on any thing that I write. phone me 609-647-1444 Thank you.
S/Sgt.GW Rosson
I love these pictures it reminds my grandfather of his days when he was in the war. He was there fighting but he was not there when they raised the flag.
My uncle,Lt.Col Harvey Scandrett flew with the 506th Airborn. He was lost with 25 others flying an escort mission. Did you know him? He was my mothers only sibling. I'd greatly appreciate any info you could send me. I've sent pictures we have from the war he sent my grandmother. I'd love to share.
Sincerely greatfal to all that serve in our military,
Mary Joshnon
I kmow where that Sgt william Genaust is I sees a marker 1946 sayiny this thr man was killed and I can get him out of there and that is why Bob Bolus wants me to go over there with him, I said that I would go wtih him.I also know where there is a plane that went down 65 years ago with 27 army men with them, I al know wrere appro. 220 Marines arre at ( DEAD for 65 years. I t was so hot thjey could not get them out. Now due to the eruptionsthe islsnd has rose 62 feet in the last 65 years The island ssssthe island get 8 inch higher each year. So the tunneelsare ahave cooled off a hot and you can go in them no
S/Sgt GW Rossos call m,e 609-647-1444
TO: Kevin Jones, Well I know what you were saying is ok,I have been on blue beach too. And yes you can not dig a fox hole on the beach as the black sand will fill it back in as fast as you can dig it out. Tell your dad Hi for me and thanks as I know that it must have been Hell for him. Tell him to email me Rossonotes@aol.com You have a nice day.
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
My dad, now 87, was in the first wave on Beach Blue 1. He's told me how quiet it was at first until the Japanese opened fire after the beaches were loaded with Marines. He's talked about trying to dig a hole for cover and how the ash just kept filling the hole back up. He made it until March 8, when he was wounded and evacuated.
I am proud of him and all the young men who gave so much. I have nothing but respect for all our military men and women, but I am partial to the Marines due to my dad's service.
Thanks to you for what you did then, and thanks to you for what you do now.
It is because of brave men and women then and now that we have freedom.
I want to thank all the Marines, Sailors, Soldiers and Airmen who served so bravely in conditions that must have been absolute hell that none of the rest of us could even begin to imagine! I am A retired Navy Corpsman who spent time with the 1st Marine division ( Fox Company 2/5). I joined in 1978 and at that time all the training was still geared toward fighting in the jungle. I always wondered how I would have answered the call of a wounded Marine or other Marines yelling "Corpsman Up". Would I have found the courage to jump into the bullets and artillery to do my duty. I would like to think so but never got the chance. I have always felt a connection to the Pacific war campaign. You guys that served were the best that we had to offer and you will never be forgotten! I hope and pray that you and your families will find peace in your sacrifices. God Bless You!
My Dad was in the 3rd Division and drove the "Alligator" amphibious landing craft. His name was Tom Knowles from North Carolina. Dad died in 1994. His buddies were Nick Trotta, Dominic Fanazzo, "Smashy"... All I can remember. Any decendants of these Marines out there? I have a few pictures of those men. Dad was wounded on Iwo when the craft either was hit by artillery or ran over a mine.
We took Dad to the Marine Museum at Quntico, Va in 1987. They had an Alligator there outside the building. God Bless all of those brave Marines. Dad was always a proud Marine!
I will be 88 in April. I was a fighter pilot in the Mediterranean, 94 missions strafing and divebombing.
I have my story at www. charlies-web.com.
I urge you to get your dad's story down in print.
The local vet museum will probably do a 45 minute video-tape and send it to the Veteran's History Project at the Library of Congress. Google this.
But you should get him out on the deck on a nice day with a video-camera with lots of memory and get him to talk! Just start at the beginning and tell EVERYTHING, both the Good, the Bad and the Ugly!
Have some one put it on a disc.
Then you can hire a typist that can transcribe it and you can get on your computer and produce hard copy.
That will be the finest Christmas present you could give to your siblings and their children!
---Chas---
To: Mr Matt Hancock, You had a little story on this, on2-19 2010.Y0u needed some pictures for your class. I'll send you a web that has 25 or 30 good pictures and that manny stories too.If you have any ??????? callme 609 647 1444.
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
Any one, I'm trying to find a T/5 cpl John Willinghoff he was in my company on Iwo Jima in 1946-1947. He left Iwo Jima the last of 1945 or the first of 1947. After getting home ( In Texas ) he stopped at my mother house in Mo. I had just left to go to ILL. FOR WORK. that was the last I have heard of him. I would like to get hold of any Willinghoff. Please call 609 647 1444 or email me on Rossonotes@aol.com. or you could write to me at 24803 E. Old Beach Rd.,Canton, ILL. 61520 tHANKS A LOT.
S/Sgt. G. W. Rosson
I am not an U.S. American. I am German and we have had our share of that terrible WW2...(My grandfather died and burned to death in a tank in Kursk). But, sooner or later Iwo Jima had to be given back.
It was since ever Japanese territory. That is the way it is. Whether we like it or not. I understand your opinion and respect it, but it makes no difference in today`s time! The time changed. We are all allies now, and so are the Japanese. Still, all those poor guys who died there (Japanese and U.S. Americans) deserve respect and be remembered forever.
"No war anymore!!" That is their message and legacy to us and to future generations!
I was in the U.S.N.Amphibious Forces,my home ship was U.S.S,Logan,APA196.Amphibious force attack ship.
My job was Signalman on the Boat Group Commander's LCP(landing craft personal).He was in charge of the 28 landing craft of our ship.We landed 4th Marine Div,assault waves on Iwo at about 9:am Feb 19,1945.
I have many many vivid memories of the five days I lived in those damn Higgins Boats.
Just a few;My original impression was it was like watching a newsreel until we went by a cruiser on the way to the beach,just as it fired a broadside with all of it's 8 inch guns.I never heard anything so loud in my life!The next was all of a sudden seeing morters fall around us on the way in.To this day I admit I was never so damned scared in my life!I sure as hell was no longer watching a newsreel!
And of course,there was DDay plus 4 at about 10;30 A;M when the cox'n said there was a flag up on the top of "the volcano".It was up for a while ,then it went down and a bigger one went up about 1:p.m.I had no comprehension of the historical signifgance of what I just witnessed!
All of the comments and responses that I've read, appear to have been submitted by a group of youngsters. As a member of the Original WW II 8th. U.S. Naval Construction Battalion (Seabees), attached to the 5th. Marine Division during the invasion and conquest of Iwo Jima, we were exposed to all of the combat activities of the invasion and ensuing conflict. As an equipment operator, including truck driver, I sometimes moved platoons of Marines as they advanced across the island and to Mt. Suribachi. Of the original complement of approx. 2,000 in the 8th Battalion, there's probably less than 50 still living. I attempt to keep in contact with as many as I can. Too many books published related to Iwo Jima are more fiction than fact.
Anyone thats wants or needs infro. on any thing about Iwo Jima please put your phone on your note, being there for two years I can anc. a lot of ?????? B i need your phone number Thanks
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
To: J.P. Donovan,You said that you had gotten on Iwo Jima in late 1945, thats about 6or 7 months before I got there. Yes at that time there were a lot of Japs in the caves. The last one to give up was in 1952 ( 5 of them)I guess I was lucky because I was in most of the caves ( 40 or 5o of them and they had 20 miles of tunnels there and we were in a hell of a lot of them too.All of the caves had a lot of dead Japs in them, some as many as 20 or so. The meat on them was all dryed up and turned tan and hard as a rock. The graves were on the blue beach ( 3rd and 4th Marine )The cemataries were all in good shape. The 5th Marines were up on higher ground just south of the # 1 air field, facing Mt.Suribacki.It5 was in good shape too.Well J. P. if you would like to talk call me on 609-647-1444 or email Rossonotes@aol.com
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
I was staione on Saipan in 1944-45 with the 20th
Airforce . Japs would bomb usfrom Iwo. Was very
happy to have the island taken. Was sent to Iwo
i Sept.45 spent 2 months there before beinshipped home for discharge. Tok a lot of pictures of
pilots on top of t, Surabachi but never any of my
own. Never went into the caves because there could
have been lve japs andI did not want to be the last
casualty of WW2. Looking down from the top of that
mountain I marvel at the heoism ofthe young men
who took that miserable piece of real estate.
I walked through the graves on Iwo and Saipan
and I still think of them every night
Sir, I'm a old man 82 years old, I was 18 when I landed on Iwo Jima in 1946-1947 I put appro. two years on the island. I've been in most of the tunnels and caves.( Lots of dead Japs.At that time the bodies were all dryed up, the skin was tan and hard. We still have 220 Marines on the island (all dead and we can't get on the island to get them back here to the USA.Our Gover. is the hold up on that. Bob Bolus wants to go back there to do that. He can't the the people to move on it. He is willing to cover all the money problems on it. Since I was on hill #362A and at that time there was a marker saying where the man that Bob wants bsck is at. I have that Infro. Call me on 609-647-1444 or email me on Rossonotes@aol.com
S/Sgt GW Rosson
since 1968 the island was given back to Japan. there are only 400 japanese soldiers stationed/living there today. a special permission is needed to visit it.
Richard Gay, Sir, I had a good friend of mine that was in the 4th Marines but he was killed after four days there. I was there in 1946-1947 I was first Sgt. over the Ordance dept. I went down to the 4th Marines cemetaties on blue besch It was well keep up at that time . They moveed the bodies from there starting in mid. 1967 and comp. All the cemetsries in 1949. I would be glad to talk to you on this,I've been in most of the tunnels and caves. There were a lot of dead Japs in all the caves. Some caves had as many as 2o or so in them.If you are willing to talk please give me your phone number. Mine is 609-647-1444. Email Rossonotes@aol.com Have a good day.
S/Sgt, GW Rosson
I proud to be an AMERICAN where at least I know I'm FREE and I WON'T forget the men who DIED and gave that right to me!!!!! I was born in 1991 in Romania and adopted at 3 weeks. I am so thankful for my freedom and the men who paid the price for me. Freedom is something special that not everyone has the RIGHGT of. My heart breaks at the men who never knew me, but yet died so I could come to a country that is free. My hearts swells with pride at the men who never knew me and fought for me. My heart overflows with gratitude for the men and women who continue to fight for me, yet do not know me! Thank you so very much!!!!!
I was there for only a few hours on a C-130 resupply flight in 1989. The heat and sulfer smell in the caves was unbearable. My hat's off to the brave Marines.
me and my friend are huge fans of the 82nd and 101st airborn so much that is are gamer tags on xbox i want to be airborn so bad if u have storys can u tell me about them thank u
My dad, Paul Byrd, served on the USS Cleveland during WWII. I could sit for hours and listen to him talk about life aboard ship and his adventure trying to catch up with my Uncle Bruce Byrd, also in the Navy serving in the Pacific during the war at the same time as my dad. Fascinating stuff!
Back in 1982, March/April timeframe, I was aboard the USS Peleliu, LHA-5 as a technical rep for the AV-8 Harriers and VMA-513. We were on a WESTPAC cruise and Iwo Jima was our second stop crossing the Pacific (Hawaii was first). The Marines onboard the Peleliu and our escort ships USS New Orleans and the USS Cleveland were to make a mock amphibious assault of Iwo Jima. The Marines were instructed to make the attack on the beach, but no further than the black sands. This was due to the memorials, unexploded ordinance, respect for the dead, etc. At the time, we were told that this was the first time since WWII that the US Marines and US Navy had been back to the island to do an amphibious assault since the original assault in WWII. It was quite a moment for me to watch the marines and the Harriers practice their assault. I was also permitted to board a US Marine CH-46 to observe from above and also to make a landing at the airfield to present a plague or something like that to the Japanese assigned to take care of the island and airfield. It from my photos of Iwo Jima in 1982 compared to these photos, they have cleaned up the bays and the island quite a bit. There were numerous ship wreakage in the bay on the north side of Mt. Surabatchi. Now there appears to be only one or two left. The vegetation growth on the island kept us from seeing any cave entrances. Great photos!
BM1 Wilkerson: The Coast Guard LORAN C Station was the last US Iwo Jima property turned over to the Japanese. The turn-over was in 1993, when we also turned over the stations at Marcus Island, Tikachibuto (LORSTA Hokkaido), and Gesashi (in Okinawa). We also turned over the operation of the NW Pacific and East Asia LORAN Chains to the Japanese and Koreans.
At that time, Iwo Jima was a major Japanese Naval Air facility and was used extensively by the US Navy as a carrier landing facility. To practice "carrier landing procedures" the 1300-foot LORAN tower was removed.
Of all my visits to the NWPAC stations, Iwo Jima was by far the most interesting. There are numerous memorials scattered across the island in honor of the brave men, Japanese and American, who fought there. The memorial atop Suribachi is particularly special and the view across the island is commanding.
My Dad spent 34 months overseas in World War II. I never get tired of listening to him. I am fascinated with World War II. He can still tell you dates of incidents and where he was. He was in the 82nd Airbourne and was eventually discharged from the 101st when the war ended.
I am in an NJROTC program at my high school in Bastrop, Texas. I love researching on WWII as well as learning about the people who fought there. I am also a future U.S. Marine and would like to hear from those that fought in the greatest battle the Marine's ever faced.
Now i am a platoon commander in my unit, and i would like to show my cadets how it was back then and how war changes the world. I would like to hear more further writings from those on this forum and wish to hear from anyone. Thank you. Justinmdrn@yahoo.com 512-629-7006
Mr. Tankersley,
I am serving in the Coast Guard our of Guam and will be flying to Iwo Jima in a few days for the 65th Anniversary. I never knew or even heard that there was a Loran station in Iwo Jima. That had to be one hell of a tour. Do you have any information about when the Loran Sta was decommissioned? Any history or stories you have would be appreciated. This is the last year that Loran will be in service as the Coast Guard has become another victim of budget cuts. I would love to hear from you.
V/r
BM1 Wilkinson
1st LT
USCGC WASHINGTON
bopoppa@yahoo.com
Mr. Tankersley,
I am serving in the Coast Guard our of Guam and will be flying to Iwo Jima in a few days for the 65th Anniversary. I never knew or even heard that there was a Loran station in Iwo Jima. That had to be one hell of a tour. Do you have any information about when the Loran Sta was decommissioned? Any history or stories you have would be appreciated. This is the last year that Loran will be in service as the Coast Guard has become another victim of budget cuts. I would love to hear from you.
Mr. Tankersley,
I am serving in the Coast Guard our of Guam and will be flying to Iwo Jima in a few days for the 65th Anniversary. I never knew or even heard that there was a Loran station in Iwo Jima. That had to be one hell of a tour. Do you have any information about when the Loran Sta was decommissioned? Any history or stories you have would be appreciated. This is the last year that Loran will be in service as the Coast Guard has become another victim of budget cuts. I would love to hear from you.
I just opened a book that Dad and his fellow Marines compiled in the late 1980s entitled "2nd Armored Amphibian Battalion USMC WWII - Saipan, Tinian, Iwo Jima." It was published in 1991 under ISBN 0-9626571-0-7 and Library of Congress Catalog # 90-61496. The book is of personal memories and accounts, and I saw your father, JW, in a photo with the others in D Co. My dad was in C Company, and I am blessed to have an 'autographed' copy from Dad to me. Thank you for mentioning the other book - I will need to find a copy!
My father only spoke about the War when he happened to be with others who were there. I am told that he had nightmares the rest of his life, and his worst memory (there were many, though) was of seeing the civilians jump off the cliffs at Saipan. May our fathers and all those others who have died rest in peace now and enjoy their eternal reward. Their descendants and the rest of the world owe them so much.
My grandfather served with the 95th NCB (Seabees)and landed at the end of the 1st week. He survived the bonzai attack on the airstrip in the last week. Looking for any info on the seabees that were there in Feb of 1945
I also was in the Coast Guard and stationed from March 1951 to March 1952 on Iwo Jima Loran station. If you send me you Email address I will send you some picture taken in 1951. I am curios to know if it has changed in 30 years.
I also was in the Coast Guard and stationed from March 1951 to March 1952 on Iwo Jima Loran station. If you send me you Email address I will send you some picture taken in 1951. I am curios to know if it has changed in 30 years.
My father (Russell Brady) was on the LST809 at Iwo Jima. If anyone served on board with him I would like to hear. He past away of brain cancer in 2005 and I never had a chance for him to talk to me about it.
Please email me at: russell_brady@yahoo.com
A few years ago I did get a chance to read the unit history that the unit's reunion association put together back in the late 80's "2nd Armored Amphibian Battalion Association (1991)" (ISBN-13: 978-0962657108) They sold it to their members back then but dad didn't order one. I had to go through an inter-library loan program to get it. Definitely worth the wait, and a very good read. I also have some pictures of my dad on Saipan and some of the unit's group photos from graduation in San Diego and another from when they were on Maui before heading out.
My dad was in "D" company 2nd Armored Amphibian Battalion. Very rarely talked about any of the combat. But he was very proud to have served as a Marine. He died back in 96 and I have regretted ever since not sitting down and pushing him for his memories. I know that the things he saw on Saipan, Tinian and Iwo haunted him til the end of his days.
I served on Iwo Jima from the Summer of 1982 to the Summer of 1983, my first duty station out of Coast Guard basic training. My memories of the place are vivid and I consider myself blessed that I got to spend a year in such a unique place in the world.
I had the opportunity to watch the movie "Letters from Iwo Jima" directed and produced by Clint Eastwood. The movie was mostly focused on how the Japanies soldiers and their COs were enduring the preparededness for the US attack on the island.A new general arrived on the island and decided to stop all the trench digging on the beach, and initiated the plan of tunnel digging which turned out to be a briliant defense strategy that history wrote books about.
It was amazing how committed the soldiers were to there countries. There is so much to learn from battles like that ... honor, pride, dedication, including being respectfull of your enemies even though you are going to kill them, kill them while preseving their dignity. Where have all these ethics gone in today's world.
I am a passionate reader and studious of history, with special emphasis on the battles of the Second World War.
God and mother country have in his soul to all the heroes who were in so great battle IWO TO-JIMA, is an honor and privilege to let me know these unknown heroes, but with all the glory of service to his mother country.
Please I request people claiming to have photos of IWO TO - JIMA, tunnels, moments of battle,etc. Please send to my email alexanderanaya1@hotmail.com, I will always be grateful.
Por favor solicito de las personas que dicen tener fotos de IWO TO - JIMA, tuneles, momentos de batalla etc, favor enviarlos a mi correo alexanderanaya1@hotmail.com, les estare eternamente agradecido.
Soy un apacionado lector y estudioso de la historia, con especial enfasis en las batallas de la segunda guerra mundial.
Que Dios y la Patria tenga en su gloria a todos los heroes que estuvieron en tan GRANDIOSA batalla de IWO TO -JIMA, es un honor y privilegio que me permitan conocer a eston heroes desconocidos, pero con toda la gloria del servicio a su Patria.
To Stuard Harper on 2-19-2010, If you have any ??????? on Iwo Jima call me on 609-647-1444 T was there for a little over two years 1946-1947. Call any time
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
My dad was a Marine on IWO. He was shot in the head. Spent two years in hosp. in California before discharge. He died in 1963 @ 40yo from a brain tumor. His name is Thomas Roger Hickey.
I had the honor of serving on Iwo from 11/1981 to 12/1982 while in the U.S. Coast Guard.
True heroes fought and died there and it's in the air no matter where you step or look. Thanks is just not enough to express the gratitude to those who gave all on such a tiny, but important piece of land.
This truly is hallowed ground and an important day in our history.
Rene Noriega
Machinery Technician 2nd Class
U.S. Coast Guard
To all you guys out there who fought on Iwo and to all of your fallen comrades, I offer my enormous debt of gratitude for your courage and the sacrifices so many had to make. May god bless you all and watch over you now and forever.
Hi, I am a world history teacher in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. I would love to see the pictures that you have and use them in my World War II class. Any help that you can be, would be greatly appreciated.
got any facts about ira hayes the one who helped put put the american flag on iwo jima if you do leave thwm off at my email at aiyanabears@gmail.com !!!:-)> Thanks
I have all finds of pictures of Iwo Jima taken over 65 years ago. I was on Iwo Jima 1946-1947. I've been in most of the caves and tunnels, There was a lot of dead Japs in all of them. The smemm was real bad. The skin was all dryed up on them. If you would like to talk call 609-647-1444 Just ask for bill. Have a good day.
Bill
John Willinghoff or any one that has the same last name Please call me 309-647-1444 or email me Rossonotes@aol.com. This man was my best friend on Iwo Jima. I've been trying to find him for a long time Thanks a lot!!!!!
S/ Sgt. GW Rosson
Any one that has been on Iwo Jima Please call me or give me your phone number and I'll call you. My number is 309-647-1444 or email me Rossonotes@aol.com
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
I need help, I was on Iwo Jima in 1946-1947 as a first Sgt. My best friend was in the same company as I was. If any one can help me I would say thank you. I've been trying to find a John Willinghoff or any one that knows of him Please let me know.( his kids or just any one that may know of him. Call me on 609-647-1444 or give me your number and I'l call you. My email is Rossonotes@aol.com Thank you more then I can tell you!!!!!!!
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
Yes they scraped all the airplane that was on Iwo Jima back in the 50th. I have pictures of all the old planes that were there.
S/Sgt. GW Rosson call 609- 647- 1444 or email me Rossonotes@aol.com
I,M CURIOUS AS TO WHAT THE MILITARY DID WITH ALL THE BROKEN AIRCRAFT THEY HAD LEFT OVER AFTER THE WAR. I DIDN,T EVEN SEE A RUNWAY IN LATER PHOTOS.BY THE WAY THANK YOU FOR SERVING THERE AND PUTTING AN END TO THE WAR.
To: Donna Boston,Yes Donna they were moved starting while I was there. They started in mid 1947 and finished in 1949. they moved the 3 & 4 Marines first then the 5th Marines.Call me on 609-647=1444 0r email me on Rossonotes@aol.com
S/Sgt GW Rosson
s/sgt rosson i am looking for info on edward hoy from kent ohio kia on iwo. cannot seem to find casualty lists. Maybe you can direct me or give info where to look. rlatham777@yahoo.com
The photos are simply awesome. I look at the quiet scenes there now and remember the news reports from 1945, and all the movies I've seen depicting the battle. All I can say is that I pray God the American people NEVER FORGET those good men who went to Iwo, both those who came home as well as the thousands who stayed there. I'm 67 now, and over the decades have sadly watched as the sixteen million WW II vets have slowly withered away. One of the best parts of this nation will go with the last of them. I do wish we had the same stuff in us today as did that generation that answered the call after December 7, 1941. Sgt. Rosson (plain old Bill), I'm a plain old Bill too, but I owe you and your companions a huge debt. I honor you, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I believe that you and those with you gave my generation our future. God bless you, sir.
Hi. In anc to your 2-9-2010 wanting to know about a man that was on Iwo Jima. I was there in 1946-1947. I've been in most of the tunnels and caves on Iwo Jima. You asks the ???????? and I'll give you the anc. Phone 309-647-1444 or give me your phone number and I'll call you. also my email is Rossonotes@aol.com Have a good day.
S/Sgt. G. W. Rosson
looking for info on edward hoy usmc from kent ohio kia on iwo. i have no specific other than he was kia somewhere on surabachi. i would greatly appreciate any help and information.
looking for info on edward hoy usmc from kent ohio kia on iwo. i have no specific other than he was kia somewhere on surabachi. i would greatly appreciate any help and information.
Hi, I have a lot of time now. If you have any ??????? on Iwo Jima just call or Email Rossonotes@aol.com. I'm retired so call any time. If you got the ?????, I've got the anc. to all of them (TRY me )
S/Sgt. G W Rosson
Kai-nalu you wrote on 1-25- 2010. that you may call me on 309-647-1444 This is not a long distancs call for you or send me your phone number and I'll call you. Have a nice day
S/Sgt. GW Rosson or email Rossonotes@aol.com I go by Bill
Hi, I would like a call from any one on Iwo Jima. I could type this page full of things about Iwo Jima, but I don't like typing that well. Since I was on Iwo Jima for two years I have a lot of infro. on it. I was there in 1946-1947 as a S/Sgt over the Ordance dept. I've been in most of the caves and tunnels. The Jap Gen cave is the biggest one . It goes down 76 feet, having 5 levels. My phone number is 309-647-1444 or Emaim Rossonotes@aol.com. Have a nice day.
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
Hello, I will give you a call later on today I would love to know more about the battle of Iwo Jima. You can call me Kai. It's short for Kai-nalu, it's Hawaiian. So ill give you a call later.
Is there anyone out there that is interested in Iwo Jima, if so call me on 609-647=1444 I'm here most of the time.I'll talk to you about the caves , tunnels, dead Japs and any thing else you want to talk about.
S/Sgt. G W Rosson
I've got a lot of anc. on about any thing to do with Iwo Jima.I was there 65 years ago, Been in most of the caves and tunnels. Saw a hell of a lot of dead Japs. ( the smell was bad. ) Call me on 609-647-1444 any time.
S/Sgt. G W Rosson
I'm a retired man from Cat. and was on Iwo Jima I like to talk to any one about Iwo Jima Call me on 309-647-1444 I was on Iwo Jima for two years.
S/Sgt. G W Rosson
Hi, I would still like to have some calls on ANY ???????? you have on Iwo Jima.You cal call me on 309-647-1444 or email me Rossonotes@aol.com
S/Sgt. G W Rosson I go by Bill now.
If anyone out there has any ???????? Please call me 309-647-1444 or email me Rossonotes@aol.com I was S/Sgt. G W Rosson then now I'm just plain old Bill Ha Ha Hve a good day.
Bill
My father-in-law was killed on Iwo Jima Island on February 27, 1945. His name was Glenn Boston, from Parkesburg, West Virginia. I have a scrapbook that I just finished with his pictures, and all kinds of papers, from his enlistment papers to his discharge papers, the medals he was awarded his information regarding the benfits the wife and 2 boys received. Very intersting because my husband was only 18 months old when he was killed and only seen him once.
Anc. To Jonn on His reply on Nov 11, 2009.John yes I have pictures of all the caves and tunnels also maps of all of them. If you need anc. call me 309-647-1444 or email me Rossonotes@aol.com You have a nice day.
S/ Sgt G W Rosson
Hi, You asks the ??????? I'll give you the anc.Iwas only 18 years old when I got to Iwo Jima. I was there in 1946-1947 I guess for a boy of my age at that time I seen a lot of dead Japs. ( That was good ). Like I said before if you have any ???? let me know.
G W Rosson Call 609-647-1444 or email Rossonotes@aol.com I would really reather talk then play with this comp.
G W Rosson ( I go by Bill )
Hi, You asks the ??????? I'll give you the anc.Iwas only 18 years old when I got to Iwo Jima. I was there in 1946-1947 I guess for a boy of my age at that time I seen a lot of dead Japs. ( That was good ). Like I said before if you have any ???? let me know.
G W Rosson Call 609-647-1444 or email Rossonotes@aol.com I would really reather talk then play with this comp.
G W Rosson ( I go by Bill )
My father was in the 2nd armored amphibian battalion and was one of the first to land on the island in February 1945, and he watched both of the flag raisings. He was very proud of the Marines and loved 'his boys' very deeply. The bond between them remains strong even after death. His heart was always with all of them - those who returned home and those who gave their lives for their brothers, their country and for the world. Dad died several years ago and cherished some of the ash from the beaches which a buddy had given him years later. These photos are beautiful, and tears well in my eyes as I view them. Thank you, USMC, all of you!!!! Dad and his daughter salute you!
I've put my email n a lot of places. I've had very little. email or calls. I was there right after the war was over !046-1947. I've been in a lot of the tunnels and caves. I also have maps of all the tynnels and caves. Any one that wants infro. on Iwo Jima , call me 609-647-1444 or email me R0ssonotes@aol.com. Thankd
Bill
I was stationed on Iwo Jima for about 1 year in 1949, and visited many if not all of the caves and saw how the Japanese died in yhose caves. Also saw the original flag raising carving on top of Mt Suribachi. It was all so awe inspiring even though I was not in the war. I was stationed with the U. S. Coast Guard. During that year I learned very much about Iwo Jima. It is too bad we had to lose so many military men, but it was a strategic Island that had to be taken. Some times I can still smell the sulphur pits that were on the Island. Thanks to all who paid the ultimate price to help keep our country free. Jack Schneyer
John, Yes I have 165 pictures of Iwo Jima I was there in 1946-1947 At that time every thing was BLACK. How it is all covered with green. GW Rosson ( Bill ) Email Rossonotes@aol.com
Muscles,I was on Iwo Jima in 1946-1947. I've in most of the tunnels and caves. The Jap Gen cave, The Hosp cave and a hell of a lot other. Lots of dead Japs. If you want to talk call me on 609-647-1444 Or Email me on Rossonotes@aol.com I was a first Sgt in the Army there.We are planning on going back there soon.
Bill
The only people living there are appro 400 Japs that are running the air fields all three of them. I was there in 1946-1947 for more Infr. Call 309-647-1444 or email Rossonotes@aol.com
Bill
Blake, I was on Iwo Jima in 1946-1947. I've been in most f the caves and tunnels. You ask the ??????? and I'll give you the anc. to them. i would like to see your pictures.
When I was there I was S/Sgt G. W. Rosson now I'm just Bill Ha Ha Have a good day.
Bill
When you open up Iwo Jima today and go down to the 9th picture you can see an airplane in the water. One went down in 1946 and it had 20 enlisted men and Capt Queen and more. Iwo Jima has rose appro. 60 feet since then Maybe?????????
S/Sgt. G W Rosson call 309-647-1444
los que dicen que estubieron en Iwo Jima durante la batalla mienten,tan simple xq ya no keda nadie vivo que estuviera en esa fecha en la isla.un saludo
I was a signalman in the Navy serving with a group of other signalmen, we were assigned to the 20th marine division, we went ashore on the fourth day of the battle, the day the marines put the flag on Mount Surabachi. We stayed on the island 14 months. I would be very pleased to have anyone in that comunication unit contact me. My nickname was "Muscles", all 125 pounds "ha ha"
On the subject of who owns Iwo, it was returned to the Japan Gov. in 1968/69, and the barrages on the west side of the island are made out of concrete, and when I was there in 56/57 they were a haven for some of the most small colorful fish that I have ever seen. I never did go into any of the caves, just stuck my head into a few, not my cup of tea. I have a lot of photos of the island, will find them and try to post for you guys to see, Blake
UNCOMMON VALOR WAS A COMMON VIRTUE! What an apt and fitting statement about those gallant men and boys who gave their "last full measure of devotion" on that natures blemish and God's defile Island that was Iwo Jima. I cannot comprehend the bravery and fortitude that allowed those youngsters to forge ahead into that maelstrom of death and destruction. Thank God for them and may their memory never fade from the minds and hearts of the American people. Semper Fi Leathernecks, and when I look on Heavens scenes somday, I know I'll be surrounded by a sea of green, the United States Marines.
I was stationed on IWO 56/57 with the USAF, 6361st ABSQ. I would like to know what happened to the orignal small monument that mused to on top of Sirbichi, the one in the most recent photo does not match the one I have photos of, hope someone can help. At one time the runway on Iwo was the longest in the Far East at over 5000'. I have really enjoyed the site, thanks Blake McNeely
You can find more photo's showing what the Japanese fortified positions look like today on this Japanese site. Just click on the different links to see various pictures and maps. You can always copy and paste the Japanese text into the google translator to get a rough idea of what it's all about.
i think the pictures here are just amazing. my question is is there any living people on this beautiful at all. i to give all my respects to all the good young men who died on this island.
I was on Iwo Jima in 1946-1947. I've been there and done that. I've been in most of the tunnels and caves , all have a lot of dead Japs in them.The Jap Gen. cave is the biggest on. It goes down 76 feet. The Hosp. cave is next it goes down 47 feet.If any one wants info. get hold of me. At 24803 E. Old Beach Rd. or phone me 309-647-1444 or email me Rossonotes@aol.com
Have a nice day.
Used to be a S/Sgt. now just plain old Bill
I had the distinct honor of spending two days on Iwo Jima. There are still sunken troop carriers off the beaches. Japanese machine gun nests throughout, along with empty shells scattered through out the island. Tunnels are filled with pottery, tables, and uniforms of what I believe were the Japanese soldiers who died wearing them. On the top of Suribachi there is a monument wall with dogtags left from Marines wayt back in the day to the present. While on the island you can't help but feel the emotions of the battlke that took place, I will never forget those days I was honored to see that history. God bless the men who passed fighting for what they believed in. Semper Fidelis
I think the pictures are brilliant. Well obviously that is mount sirabaji on the end of the island. I see they must have erected a memorial on the mount. You can see that is a volcanic island.
My love goes to the brave young men who took the island.
Would love to have a description of what the pictures are of, although most are just landscape pictures. It would be interesting to know what the structures are in some of the pictures. Any cave pictures?
Hi, I do have a web that I would send to you or any one that may want one. My email is Rossonotes@aol.com or call 309-647=1444 You have a nice day.
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
Hi, I was in Iwo jima 1946-1947, Its a place that you would like to get out of there. There were a lot of caves and all of them had a lot of good japs in them ( all dead )
S/Sgt GW Rosson
I was on Iwo Jima in 1946-1947 as a 1st Sgt. I was only 18 years old. To damn young to have to put up with all the trouble that was there. We should NOT have given the island back to the D^^^ japs. Now we can not get back on the island with out an act of God. All the good Japs that I seen were all dead.
S/Sgt, GW Rosson
My uncle died on Iwo March 8th. He was in I company, 3rd battalion of the 21st Marines. His name was Emmett J. Ryan from Philadelphia.
He is buried at Punchbowl. A fitting, holy place.
My brother-in-law and Emmett's niece is trying to find out any information about his time as a Marine.
May God bless all those who fell in that dreadful battle and give peace to all who survived.
Hi, I guess you have heard about every thing about iwo Jima. I was there in 1946-1947.WHEN I WAS THERE ALL THE CAVES HAD A LOT OF DEAD JAPS IN THEM.That was all the good Japs that I seen.
GWRm
I was on iwo jima for a year and a half as a 1st Sgt.I was an acting 1st Sgt. at the age of 18 . I had appro.250 men under me. At that time there were no time in grade till late july in 1947. By then I had made S/Sgt .I was in a lot of the caves , the Jap Gen.'s cave as the biggest one. It goes down 76 feet and has five levells in it. All the caves there at that time had all kinds of good Japs in them, ( ALL DEAD ) You have a good day.
S/Sgt. GW Rosson68
My Dad was at Iwo Jima but he wasn't a Marine! He was in the Merchant Marine as a Pharmacist Mate on a troop ship. He'd made many a North Atlantic convoy trip (including one where his ship was torpedoed by a U-Boat) and participated in the D-Day invasion. After D-Day, he was transfered to the Pacific theatre and Iwo Jima was his first Pacific journey (out of San Francisco). After the first two days of the attack, when the Marines were being slaughtered, a Marine officer came aboard my Dad's ship and asked for the Pharmacist Mate (they were so short of Medics)...Dad "volunteered" to go ashore and help the Marine Corpsmen with the many wounded.
He said those few days were the most horrible of his life. He also mentioned just how young and brave those Marines were.
After the nightmare of Iwo, Dad went on to the Phillipines where his ship was hit by a Kamakazi. After being repaired, his ship was sent to Okinawa (that battle had since ended) to await the invasion of Japan.
Luckily, the A-Bomb cancelled that invasion.
I still have a battle map of Iwo and a Japanese helmet that Dad brought home.
Truly a beautiful place despite it's history. I did 6 training detachments there. All of pictures I have from there are film and stuck in storage. Will donate them to the site if wanted.
All you iwo jima men, go to Iwo Jima today and go down to picture # 16. There on the left is a block house then about 200 feet to the right is a pill box. There is a tunnell going from each of them. When I was there in 1946-1947 we went into the block house thoing to the pill box in the tunnell there were 17 dead Japs there. At the time the meat was hard and dry. More call me on 309-647-1444. You have a good day.
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
Lets hear from any one that was on Iwo Jima .
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
Email Rossonotes@aol.com
In the Iwo Jima today where they show the airplane in the water I was there at the time and the water was only 50-60 feet deep there. Since that time the island has rose 62 feet due to the under water movement and that would leave it setting on the ground. Lots hear from some of you.
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
I was on Iwo Jima in 1946-1947. When i was there , there was only one kind of good Jap. ( a dead one ) ( all Japs are bad. )The ones that I had seen there were dead and the meat was dryed up and hard. Also the smell was Bad, Bad.
S/Sgt. GW Rosson5uejxh
Books on WW II in Pacific by participants that you should read:
"With the Old Breed" by E.B. Sledge 1st Marine Div.(Okinawa)
"China Marine" by E.B. Sledge 1st USMC Div (Did you know that the 1st was not rotated home right after Japan surrendered? Sent to China wher aided by Japanese troops fought off Chinese communists (pre-lude to Korean War).
"You'll Be Sor-ree" by PFC Sid Philips USMC Guadalcanal.
"One Square Mile of Hell" by John Wukovits USMC 2nd Div. Tarawa
"The Battle for Okinawa" by Col. Hiromichi Yahara Imperial Japanese Army. One of the very few Japanese survivors and the only book written by a major Japanese combatant. A must read.
I have read them all and it is savagery. Bestial world of hand-to-hand combat. Our poor teen -ager Marines. Lucky for the A-Bomb!!
I would like to hear more about Iwo. I am currently producing a documentary on 6 Pearl Harbor Survivors that returned to Pearl Dec 7, 2011. One is a Marine and he was in the 5th division, 28th. His group was the first to climb mount suribachi.
I am thinking about trying to return to Iwo with him. He has vivid memories of his 37 days taking the island.
Thanks
Liz
www.watkinsvideo.com
Lets have any thing that has to do with iwo jima, from 1946 to now ( 2011.). Thanks you.
S/Sgt. GW Rosson8
Hi, I need some email on Iwo Jima, I was there in 1946-1947. I can talk to any one that has ??????? on the island of any kind, caves. tunnells, dead Japs or about any thing that you would like to talk about. You have a good day,
Email me Rossonotes@aol.com or call 309-647=1444.
Not in the army any more so just call me Bill
my father pvt donald e taylor was on iwo jima 3rd marine div mortors plt my father was one of the lucky ones who was wounded. he always said if he met the jap who shot him he would of shook his hand for shooting him and getting out of this hell hole.my father die in1984 he would be 91 today my father was from wyandotte,mich. i also severed in the marines . to my father and all you brave marines thank you for your service and being one of the greats generation ever semper-fi
toots, Yes I remenber the name of Bunts from other emails that I've gotten. If you should get this reply to me. Thanks a lot.
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
My email is Rossonotes@aol.com or call 309-647-1444
Mark,
This is not that uncommon of a reaction your father had of his time on Iwo, I get several e-mails a year of individuals who are looking for more info on what their father, husband, uncle, or brother went through, because they came back and never spoke a word of there time there right up to the day they died. There were a few e-mails talking about how they would only talk about it with other that were there, but don't feel like his reaction is unique, it was a reaction that many came back with.
Ray Backstrom
George,
Were you able to get a copy of the casualty report? If you have any additional information, i.e. unit within the 4th Marine Division, day he died etc, I can get you more detailed reports than I have online at iwojimahistory.com.
Same thing for anybody else, with a name, date and unit I can provide details on what his unit was doing up to and including the day a Marine was killed. I already get a ton of spam because of my e-mail being on the internet, so please contact me here or through http://iwojimahistory.com/component/option,com_contact/catid,12/Itemid,3/
Ray Backstrom
impressive,
mount suribachi, it looks much diferent today, than 1945!
Who ever made this web page has done an amazing job! Thanks!
Cheyde, Hawaii
Doing family history for a lady I work with. Her uncle Jerome Joseph Cichocki was killed on Iwo Jima in March 1945. The family knows very little about what happen to him. His younger brother is still living but he is in his late 70's or early 80's and I would like to give him any information that's available about him. He was born in Wilmington, Delaware. If anyone has PLEASE e-mail me. Thank you George Allen
cool pics love to visit there sometime to see all the caves and stuff like that.
Hi, I' Looking for email from any one that was on Iwo Jima at any time. Thanks
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
Lets hear from any of you good men!!!!!\ Email me Rossonotes@aol.call me 309-647-1444.
Hi, Here is my email address Rossonotes@aol.com or call 309-647-1444 or send me your phone number and I'll call you.
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
my email address is tootspusa@yahoo.com. Send me your email and address and i will send both ways just in case something happens. Thank you Toots
E-mail would be fine, or mail if you prefer. I would remit you the price of postage. I thank you for the invitation to view these pictures
You are a very special person. Thank you, Oliver
PS: Sorry for the passing of your mother.
PPS: If by mail, email me direct and I will give you my address.
where do you want me to send them to. By mail or email.
I lost my best friend on Iwo Jima. He was 17 years old. I would love to have a copy of any photo's you have of Iwo. Thank you, Oliver
I just lost my mom in June and have been cleaning up at her house. I found a bunch of pictures and i think they were of Iwo Jima. I know one is because it is the raising of the flag. If anyone would like to see them or have a copy let me know and i will see about getting them to you. I don't know for sure if they were my dad's(George Thomas Priour, they also called him Bunt) or my uncle's(Milton Mareth)pictures. I don't see my dad in any of them and he passed away in 1978. My uncle passed away in Feb. 2002. If anyone recognizes either name i would appreciate hearing from you. Thanks Toots
My dad fought on Iwo and never talked about it. He is 88 and is now in a hospital. It must of been something he wanted to forget, since he did enjoy talking to other marines and we celebrated the corp's birthday, but never Iwo Jima. I am curious as to what is on the island now. It seems there are several large buildings (football field size).
IT seems not only the japanese can be cruel heartless and evil.The germans done horrible things too and some americans done horrible stuff on them islands they took in ww2 EG : taking gold teeth mitilating jap corpses to name a few so i wouldnt complain about what the japs done seems most armies in ww2 had their evil sadistic so called soldiers.
just my opinion as am neither a japanese nor american .
when i hear what the japs or germans done in ww2 i always think of ---->
The My Lai Massacre
was the mass murder of 347–504 unarmed citizens in South Vietnam on March 16, 1968, conducted by "Charlie" company, 1st battalion, 20th infantry, 11th infantry brigade, of the Americal Division, United States Army. All of the victims were civilians and most were women, children (including babies), and elderly people. Many of the victims were raped, beaten, tortured, and some of the bodies were found mutilated.
Just had the opportunity to visit Iwo toady for the first time and took some pictures. I am stationed at NAF Atsugi for the next 3 years and will get to go at least once a month to take fuel samples from the fuel farm there. Next time for sure will try to explore more of the island.. It was so quiet and peaceful, I can't imagine how it was during the war there and I am very interested in the history of the Island. God bless the men who passed fighting for what they believed in.
Hi, I was on Iwo Jima in 1946-1947. If you have any ????? on the island email me on rossonotes@aol.com or call 309-647-1444
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
I just stumble upon this site, searching for pics for my slumbook. Right now i'm creating "slumbook- sort like"/ coffe table book that contains mostly pics of my grand father. He is a japanese soldier who died in this island. These pics really helps in creating a memoire of him. We japanese are not cruel and animals as other's commented, it was a war then, its war that is cruel. Anyway, im not into debate, but i have a great respect for those who died in this island way back then, no matter the nationality is. Dying for what you beleive in is an honorable way to die. - just like those soldiers who make iwo jima there home....
Thank you Jim for your correct description of the Japanese Soldier.
The horrible things they did could only have been done by wild animals. This Jarade must be a young man who should ask some of the old Philippino's about the Japs.
You're half right. God bless the souls of the Americans who died on Iwo Jima. Maybe you didn't read about Ralph Ingnatowski who was pulled into a Jap (yes Jap) tunnel where his fingernails and tongue were yanked off, his head bashed in and his penis cut off and stuck in his mouth. Japanese soldiers routinely beheaded Chinese civilians with swords for amusement and as one Jap officer recounted later, he got addicted to it; it was fun. War is always horrible but in my mind the Japanese soldier was nothing but a sadistic murderer. You sound so reasonable, politically correct and compassionate about blessing the souls of those sonofabitches. Fuck em all!
I would like to get some email from anyone that was on Iwo Jima in 1946-1947.
Rossonotes@aol.com
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
Hi All you good men and woman. If any of you get time drop me an email, I will reply to it.
S/Sgt. Gareth W. Rosson
24803 E. old Beach Rd.
Canton, IL. 61520
PHONE 309-647-1444
email me on Rossonotes@aol.com
You all have a good day!!!!
S/Sgt Gareth W. Rosson
Great pictures. I was on active duty 1963-69. Read the book Flags of our fathers it is the best book I have ever read
It's been about 3 years since I commented on this site.
I just want to thank those who put this together and who keep it going. My dad served on Iwo Jima, 4th Division, Beach Blue 1. He made it 18 days before being wounded and evacuated.
He passed on June 13, 2011 at 88 years of age. I look at these pictures today with both a smile and a tear, knowing that so many years ago he was on this island fighting for his country, his life, and the life of his fellow Marines.
Thanks again. It does my soul good to take myself back to when he was a young man.
For those of you still making sacrifices today, thank you for keeping me and my family safe. You are appreciated more than you know.
Iwo jima is the name of this island now ..
ahm......... God bless the souls of those American/Japanese soldiers who died in this island last world war 2.......
My dad, Wayne G Aebig, served in the US Navy aboard the USS Newberry. He transported the wounded aboard his Higgins boat...until his boat was sunk. Although he had a concussion and busted eardrum, he hopped aboard the next Higgins boat, and continued to drive supplies to the Marines on shore. I have been trying to secure the Purple Heart for him, since he was injured by an enemy mortar. Can anyone help me? My dad is 85 years old.
I was stationed on Iwo Jima in 1972 as an ET3. I have pictures but not the negatives. I assume the LORAN system was decommissioned because it is obsolete. It was taken over by the next generation of LORAN technology, GPS. If you go to google maps you can see remnents of the station. It is located on other end of island from Mt Serabatchi.
What was his full name???
Would love to hear from any veterans that served on Iwo. My uncle was KIA here in 1945. He was in 5th Div. 2nd Bat. 28th Inf. Thank you.
Hello Sgt - long time, no write! Please email me for a name of a man from Worcester, MA who is still alive. He fought on Iwo Jima and other Pacific islands. He's an amazing man. He came home with "only" shrapnel in his legs.
Any one that was on iwo Jima please email me on Rossonotes@aol.com or call 309-647-1444
GWR
Richard, Please call me or email me on Rossonotes@aol.com or call 309-647-1444
S/ Sgt GW Rosson
looking for imformation on iwo jima like what happened there and about the raiseing of the flag
Where are all the men that were on Iwo Jima
GWR
This is a very interesting website that describes the horror of battle that took place on Iwo Jima. I can understand the indelable memories that have instilled in the minds of of the veterans of that war, however, we must keep in mind that God wants us to instill forgivness to our Japanese people that was their on that hopeless war. I am interested in knowing if anyone has the latest information on the elderly Japanese soldiers that harbored in these tunnels, and just not too long ago, came out and rejoined their society. Are they still living? I had the experience in living in Japan in 1953, while serving time with the 24th Infantry Division. For all the torture of war, and most recently earthquakes, that almost destroyed Japan, I say God Bless this nation for all of their turmoil.
MSgt.James L. Knapp
My grandfather served in the war there. He didn't talk much about it, at least not with me. I have though got to look at a book of his from his time there.
I'm doing my own search. I hoping to find some others that have that book as well. The book is titled "My Company On Iwo". This books has details for everything that opened while station there..ex: (we believe)a list of every enlisted soliders/staff any one else that was stationed there. There are autographs in the back. It was Headquarters Company AGF ATO 86.
If anyone has any interest, information or can help locate others with this book please email me.
soulkiss.kellimae@gmail.com
Thanks,
Kelli
Wilfred G Ouellette was the favorite Nephew of my grandfather Joseph Walter Ouellette and I have often gone to Brookline, NH to visit my grandparents and Wilfred's Graves and felt pride and honor to have family members that 'gave thier last full measure of devotion' for our country. I have done much research of the family history but sadly know very little about Wilfred other then the papers and other public items I have been able to find.
I would love to talk to you about your part of the family as it is important to me and I also know Wilfred was such a part of my grandfather's early life.
Michael Schuler
Jordanville, NY
Hey, my name is Ember and I'm just working on this project given to me by my English teacher... I used to live in California but moved to the East coast with some family. I'd never even heard of Iwo Jima before about a month ago when this was assigned. And i just have to say this is a beautiful island and I feel for all those people who died for our country(:
Well I'm still waiting here for some email fron one or all you good men that have been on Iwo Jima. Thanks
GWR
My Father, Otis Donald Underwood, served in the 3rd Marine Division and was on Iwo Jima during the battle.
He has since passed away, but I remember his stories of some of the horrors of the fighting during those weeks.
Anyone happen to serve with him there?
Hi, all you good people it's time to go to beb, at least for me Good night.
GWR
Hi, All you good people.
GWR
I'm still waiting on the email from you men and woman that have put time on Iwo jima. I was there in 1946-1947. Email me n Rossonotes@aol.com.
GWR
Hi, every one that reads this send me an email. Thanks
GWR
Hi All of you good men and woman, Now how's that for a beginning. I sure would like to get a good email from all of you. My email is Rossonottes@aol.com.
GWR
I was wondering if you were the Marine who participated in the 1974 Cyprus rescue with the FBIS.
Smiley is in America for three more days and wants to get in touch with you. Please send an email to the address above.
ASAP, please! Thank you!
If there is any of you men that don't have broken fingers please send me some email that you may have on Iwo Jima. Thanks
My email is Rossonotes@aol.com
I was on Iwo Jima in 1946, Are there any one that was there at that time? If so email me on Rossonotes@aol.com
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
my father was on iwo, he made it home by the grace of god , he lived to be 84 years , his name was angelo fazzio 5th div 26th marines he was my best frend a the best dad a son could have. proud of my dad looking for ed owens also talked to him 4 years ago
I would like an email from any one that was ever on Iwo Jima. Thanks
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
I lost my best buddy at Iwo Jima on the 17th Feb. He was getting Under Water Demolition teams off the beach prior to D Day. Could you possibly send me copies? I surely would appreciate them.
Thank you.
My father served with the Signal Corp and was stationed on Saipan in 1945. At one point after the Marines subdued the Japanese on Iwo Jima, he and some of his buddies flew to Iwo to look around. I have a couple of photos of them in the caves posing with the dead Jap's you all have spoken about. I was always fascinated by these photos as a child; always asking to look at them in my dad's war photo album. And did you know anyone who served with Gen Howlin' Mad Smith?
I'm waiting on one of you men that were on Iwo Jima that hate the Japs as much as I do I still. don't know why we gave the island back to the dirty Japs. . We lost close to 7000 men taking the island.Now we can't get back on Iwo jima .
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
Hi, I was on Iwo Jima in 1946, if you have been there send me an email. My email is Rossonotes@aol.com
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
I don't seem to be able to get the Army or Marines men to email me??????? How about the young ladies that are or have been the Army or Marines!!!!! You all have a good day.
S/Sgt. GW Rosson Email to Rossonotes@aol.com
I need one of you old Army or Marines to email me ,or a lot of you young ladies to do the same!!!!!! Ha Ha
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
Oh yes my email is Rossonotes@aol.com
Any one that has been on Iwo Jima email me on Rossonotes@aol.com
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
Are there any one still alive that was on Iwo jima at any time? I was there in 1946-1947. I know the island like the back of my hand. If you have any ?????? email me on Rossonotes@aol.com or call 309-647-1444. You have a nice day!!!!!
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
I was on Iwo Jima in 1946-1947 as a first Sgt. I've been all over the island. also in a lot of the caves. Most of them had dead Japs in them. At that time there were a little meat on them but it was hard and dry. Lets have some email from any of you men.
My email is Rossonotes@aol.com or call 309-647-1444
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
this sat is d day , just thought i'd leave a line for anybody left , my uncle a.y. powers 5th tank batt under lt col collins is still alive and well in las vegas , but he was there actually on the 18th dismantling sea mines , by the way , he went ashore that day watched a col. smoke a cig and go back inside a cave , he let me submit to missouri h.q. for nis medals since all he showed was good conduct . they have yet to send them , of course they're busy.semper fi , for a.y.
i'm at drummerblpmech@yahoo.com
American carrier planes struck Iwo Jima for the first time on June 15, 1944. The purpose of the strike was to keep Japanese planes from attacking the Marine invasion on Saipan which began on that day.
My father was one of the carrier pilots over Iwo Jima on June 15. His mission was to attack Motoyama Airfield # 2. His aircraft was badly damaged by intense and accurate AA fire; Lt. Harold G. Payne Jr. was killed in the plane a few feet behind my dad. He was one of the first Americans to die at Iwo- some 8 months before the Marine invasion in February 1945.
Airfield # 2 later became the main runway for the island and is still used today- although considerably lengthened.
I need some email. for every one you send I'll send two back.
My email is Rossonotes@aol.com
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
Anyone that has been on Iwo Jima give me an email. To: Rossonotes@aol.com
Any of you big and mean marines or Ary men lets have an email ( Rossonotes@aol.com).
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
I still could use a lot of email from you all.
S/Sgt GW Rosson My email is Rossonotes@aol.com
All you Ex Army & Marines What have you to say about iwo Jima if you have been there????
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
I wish my dad were still alive to see the Iwo Pix of today. My dad was a SSGT in Co B, 5th engineer batt, 27th Marines, 5th Div. He landed I believe in the second wave. He was a dozer operator. He probably never said more than 100 words about Iwo, but the few were insightful. He spent the early hours trying to pull equipment off the beach, cut outlets for armor and get wounded off the beach. He said the first night they were almost as scared of what they thought were large spiders ( crabs actually) that got into their holes. My uncle was in the 4th Div and a machine gunner. Both survived unscathed. I saw a note here from a sailor on the New Orleans LPH-11. I also served on her but in 73-74. We sailed within 50 miles of Iwo but could not stop and never saw it. I've often though how ironic if in Feb 45 my dad could ever have wondered that his son would sail by 50 miles off shore some 30 years later. My dad worked to seal caves with a combat team. He also was in the last large banzai where the pilots were attacked. His comment written in his 5th Div historical book .." a turkey shoot". Iwo To my derrierre" .........it was, is and always be Iwo Jima.
Hi Howard,
I saw an interview of your father on Shootout and read your note about the room dedicated to Iwo Jima. Please send me an email. Thanks, Arnold
ajhparagon@yahoo.com
hey,
Those are some amazing photos of that island! Just anted to let you know that.
Hey Bill,
Bless you SSG Rosson. I had two uncles in the Navy for the duration of the Pacific War. I still have a dress white and dress blue Navy uniform from when I was two years old. At age three I remember that I could go to the globe and show anybody where those "dirty Japs" lived.
I now have a son, also a Staff Sergeant (Army)who served honorably in Iraq during 2004-2005. He was based in Mosul (FOB Diamondback).
I just started reading a new book published in 2007 "So Sad To Fall In Battle". Your maps of the caves on the northern end of Iwo Jima would be a great supplement to this book. I would appreciate it very much if you could e-mail them to me. If you have read this book and have any comments on it, I would love to hear them.
I have read all of the comments on your web-site and understand that you would rather talk on the telephone than pound out text on the computer. I am about ten years younger than you and I understand that this is difficult, therefore, I give you my telephone number - 1-319-266-9868. I will be calling you if you cannot call back within a few days.
Over and out. Ralph
The battle of Iwo Jima is one of those battles that I'm fairly familiar with. I even used to know a former Marine general who personally participated in the charge on Mount Suribachi. So in terms of content, there was smokeless cigarettes nothing new there for me.But what struck a deep chord in this movie is the hopeless and totally futile predicament of the Japanese army, perched on the last desolate outpost of a crumbling empire, facing very stiff odds and not having even drinking water.
Bill Wallace, I just read your place on Iwo Jima today, Good to hear from you. I was on iwo Jima in 1946-1947 as a 1st Sgt in our company. I;ve been in a lot of the caves, at that time there was still a little meat on the bodies but it was hard and dry. The smell was real bad, No place to set dowm and eat your dinner. Ha Ha The Jap Gen.'s cave is the biggest one. It goes down 76 feet and has five levels. I know the island like the back of my hand so if you have any ??????????? just ask them.
S/Sgt. GW Rosson My email is Rossonotes@aol.com
Mr. Sergio,
The Battle for Iwo Jima was from 19 Feb to 26 Mar 1945. so your statement that there is noboby still alive that fought on Iwo Jima is not true. there are still lots of MARINES with us.
Please read the history of Iwo Jima.
SEMPER FI
David "Chico" Martinez-Oliveras
(US ARMY Jun 1972-DEC 1977)
Hi SSgt G.W. Rosson
I`m Bill Wallace. Am 72 and retired US Air Force. Was in the Marines from 56 to 59. Never went to Iwo Jima but of course heard much about it both in movies and in boot camp at Parris Island. I would like very much to visit Iwo Jima, but don`t think they allow regular visitors. I`d like to get a real life statue of the flag raising but not sure where I can get it. Am living in the Fremantle area of West Australia and been here for over 30 years. My wife of 42 years Maxine was with me in the states when I was in the Air Force and loved every minute of it. She is or was from Fremantle. She passed away three years ago from cancer. We have two grown married children. I belong to a group of retired and former Marine Corps veterans. We get together now and than for social activities and have a dress up dinner on Nov 10. As I said, I`d like very much to go to Iwo Jima to see what happened. Probably nothing left to remind you of the action. Just to let you know my thoughts. I was a LCpl when I was discharged at Treasure Island in Calif in April 59. Thanks again and hope to hear from you. Have a nice day. Bill Wallace
Hellow Howard
My dad and your dad were buddies on Iwo. They kept in touch in their later years and I called your dad to tell him when my dad died in '98. I think Pop was quite a bit older than your dad but he thought a lot of him and spoke of him often. Hope Sammy is doing ok. Like to hear from you. I was a Marine in Vietnam '70-'71.
Carlos Ivy Jr.
Bruce,You seem to be a nice man. I seen the writting that you put on Iwo Jima today on the dec, 7 2010. Thank you. If you should need any infro. on Iwo Jima let me know as I know the island like the back of my hand. You have a nice day. Thanks.
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
I was looking on the web here and it showed the 3rd and 4th marine's cemetaries. The picture listed here is not right. In 1946 I was there for a year and a half. The large head peace is not right, they all had crosses on them. The same on the 5th Maeine's cemetarie. The 3rd and 4th was down on blue beach. The 5th Marine's was up on the hill by air field #1.\
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
My dad Sam Bernstein was in the 5th Marine div. A Company 5th Pioneers. He landed on the 19th 6th wave. He was involved in the last banzi where all the pilot were killed. My dad is 86 and was on the history Channel Shootout at Iwo Jima. With out our dads we
wouldn't be here. I have a WHOLE ROOM DEDICATED to the battle of Iwo
Today is December 7th, a date which will live in infamy. It is also the date of my friend's, S/Sgt, GW Rosson's birthday. Join me in wishing him a very Happy Birthday. He was here on this island hell in 1945-46. He came back to us and we still have him among us. We are blessed! He is 83 today! Happy Birthday Bill! And thank you for the sacrifices you made so we can be a free country. God Bless you my friend! Bruce Beaven
I wrote a long note, which was lost. If want me to repeat it??
email me at :::: henryrushlow@att.net
I'm still waiting for some of you hard fighting Marines to email me. On Rossonotes@aol.com.
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
I still would like anyone that was on Iwo Jima to email me on RossonotesQaol.com. or call me on 309- 647- 1444. Yoy all have a nice day. Thanks
S/Sgt. GW osson
If anyone knows a John Willinghoff or any of his kids or grand Kids or any one else that new him I would sure like to hear from them. , I'll been trying to find him for some time( like years).He was in my company on Iwo Jima way back there. Ha HA My email is Rossonotes@aol.com or call me on 309-647-1444. Or give me your number and I'll call you. Thanks
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
Lets hear form one of you Marines or Army men that were on Iwo Jima at any time. I was there in 1946-1947. Thanks
S/Sgt. GW rosson
Lets see if I got them right.
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
I need some email on anyone that has been on iwo jima.
My email is Rossonotes@aol.com Thanks
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
I do have a LOT of anc. on Iwo Jima email me on Rossonotes@aol.com or call on 309-647-1444.
S/Sgt. GW rosson
Yes I was on Iwo Jima in 1946-1947 I do Have pictures of the 4th marines where they were put. If inturested email me on Rossonotes@aol.com or call on 309-647-1444. Thanks
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
I have been doing some research on My Uncle: Pvt Joseph F. Frederick Ferguson, he was killed on Iwo Jima on 12 March 1945, He was with the 4th Marines Division. If anyone knew him please write back, at: erx44@yahoo.com
Brother died on Iwo March 11, 1945. 5th Marine div. 27th or 28th replacement. He was 19 and died 8 months after enlistment. Did anyone know him? I know its near impossible but will try anything. Was 10 ten years younger and there was just us two. God Bless you all for your service. Have his pic. on my cell phone where I can see him every day. He was sent home to Charleston, Mo. in 1947.
Just checking to see this thing works now, it didn't a little while ago.
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
My father Dale A Emme fought with the 5th Marine Division on Iwo Jima landed February 19th 1945 was there for the entire battle.He never said much about his part in the battle,although he did say on more than one occasion that he thought about the Marines that died there every day after the war.Dad passed away February 1st 1998.Thank you for keeping the memory of the battle for Iwo Jima alive by forming this website. Semper Fi Bob Emme
Email me on Iwo Jima Rossonotes@aol.com
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
Lets hear from any one that was on Iwo Jima at any time.
S/Sgt.GW Rosson
If any one that was on Iwo Jima wants to talk email me Rossonotes@aol.com
S/Sgt.GW Rosson
Well I'vr been on hear before. I sure would like to have some more email from any one now. Thanks you!!!!! My email is Rossonotes@aol.com. or call 309-647-1444 I hope it is on Iwo Jima, on that I can talk to about any one about any thing to do with Iwo Jima. Thank you!!!!
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
Hi Marion, my uncle (mother's brother)was killed in the same Kamikaze attack on March 21. He was a Carpenters Mate aboard the USS Keokuk. 19 other sailors died on that ship during the attack by a single airplane. In September of 2000, I had the great fortune to attend one of the last ship reunions in Jacksonville, Fl. There were 25 or so in attendance and the stories and pictures they shared were so meaningful to me. My Mom (now 93) attended with me and spoke at length with the seaman who was at the same battle station as her brother at the time of the attack.
Bill I tryed to E Mail you but something evedently did't go through so if you would E Mail me back to tompoo1928@hotmail.com we could make contact. Thanks hope to hear from soon. Tom Pool tompoo1928@hotmail.com
Well lets see if any of you that were on Iwo Jima any time, give me an email on Rossonotes@aol.com or call me on 309-647-1444. I was there in 1946- 1947,as a 1st Sgt.There were no time then in grade. so in four months I made S/Sgt. and then they quit do it that way, that was in 1947 ( July ). I've been in a lot of the caves. There were a lot of dead Japs in all of them. Most of them still had a little meat on the bones. No place to set down have your dinner. Ha Ha
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
I still some email on Iwo Jima if any of you men have been on the island. I was there as a 1st Sgt. in 1946 and part of 1947. I have a lot of pictures and stories. If you have the time My email is Rossonotes@aol.com or call 309-647-1444. Thank you..
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
Email me on Rossonotes@aol.com
GW Rosson
T. Pool email me on Rossonotes@aol.com I was on Iwo Jima 1946. I got about 165 pictures of the island. Caves, tunnels, dead Japs and a lot of others!!!
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
I was on Iwo Jima from feb. 1947 until mar.1948 in 1951 E A U C. We went from Saipan to iwo on A l s t with some of our heavy equipment.
Email me on RossonotesQaol.com on Iwo Jima I was there in 1946-1947
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
My name is Cpl. George J. Colburn and I was on Iwo Jima from Feb. 24, 1945 to April 5, 1945. The third Marine Division which was held in reserve. 9th Regimen, 1st Battalion, Company B. Lt. Liems was our company commander who got the congressional medal of honor on Iwo. We were in an area called Cushman's Pocket. Had my 19th birthday on Iwo. I have a lot of war stories but won't go into them now. I've never been back to Iwo Jima since we left but I have made a thousand instant trips back in my mind... it never really leaves you. If anyone remembers me or was there at the same time, please say hello. My email address is: medemapapa@bellsouth.net
i was with G Co. 3/3/3 FMF at camp fuji mos 0331 machine gunner, in 03/15/1956 than it became BLT 3/3 left on nov-10-56 to suze canal.
S/Sgt. Rosson,
I am a WWII living historian. During some of my interviews, I came accross a large population of WWII Iwo survivors. I have never spoken to any of them because my research was for 82nd AB information. I found out that Astoria, Oregon has a good pocket of those heroes living there. That's all I know. I wish I could help you out more. I have a dream of going to Iwo and just walking where they walked.....that would be very cool.
I landed on 2/23/45, the same day the flag was raised. I was with "E" Co., 2nd Bn., 9th Marines. My company and "F" Company were in "Cushman's Pocket." Of about 70 men in the two companies only 18 survived.
You ask for more Iwo men to check in. I'm 86 and I enlisted in 1942 at 18 yr.s old. There are not many of us left on this side of the grass.
Larry Kirby
I was on Iwo Jima from feb 1947 until april 1948 in army air corps 1951 E A U C.
Mr. Donovan, I read your email that you were on Saipan in 1944-1945 with the 20th Air Force. My father's cousin, Ray Behrend flew B-24 bombing missions over Iwo Jima from August, 1944 to January 17, 1945 when their plane "Hell from Heaven" was shot down during their 37th mission. Ray was with the 7th AirForce, 30th bomber group and the 819 squadron. Do you have any recollection of their ditching at sea, or of the effort to find the crew? My brother is writing a book about the crew and is trying to find relatives of the men and any information they might have--Lt. Painter was the pilot. If you have any knowledge of this tragic event, my brother and I would greatly appreciate hearing from you. Thank you for your time and effort.
Jeanne Campbell
Hey Rosson... I mean Bill....
I wasn't there. I'm a girl, I mean lady. My brother-in-law was there and was met by the Divine Wind (kamikazes)on February 21, 1945. He was on the USS Saratoga (Sara CV-3). Ten planes, bombed, strafed and plowed into the ship. We lost marines who were manning the 5"/38 gun batteries. They were all just kids on their first mission. The hanger deck was on fire and planes that didn't have time to get into the air were burning. The Sara turned and sailed out of the area while trying to put out fires and clear the deck. A couple of hours later, she had her decks almost cleared and was trying to land her planes that were returning when another bunch of kamikazes came out of the clouds and attacked again. Sailors and marines were killed and wounded. The ship manager to get to Bikini for temporary repairs and then back to Pearl.
Sara had been performing night duty to cover the invasion over Iwo and night heckler missions over Chchi Jima. She was also lending her support to the Baby Carriers (escorts) in the area. While she was under attack that night, the Bismark Sea was also attacked and went down losing almost all her men. What carnage was taking place on that little island and in the sea around it.
Thanks much for your service. We can't honor you guys enough.
Marion
My father was Marlin (Spike) Loverud. He was also on Iwo Jima in May 1945 thru Aug 1945. Pilot of PB4Y-2 Privateer assigned to VPB-106.
Would be interested to find someone that knew him.
He also served as plane commander assigned to VP-16 (flying P2V's) during the period 1953 thru 1956. Deployed to Keflavik, NAS Port Lyautey, French Morocco, and the rest of the usual haunts for this Jacksonville squadron.
My father was also on the Newberry. He was one of the few that commissioned and decommissioned the ship. My father is gone now, but I would love to know if your father knew my father. My dad's name: Frederick Balian. I keep his dog tags in my pocket so I know he's never far away.
Warren Hartmann
I lost my best childhood buddy the 17th of Feb. 1945 at Iwo jima.
His mane was Clarence J. Hoffman ( 17 years old ) and he was killed on his boat LCI(G)449 while getting navy frog men back off the island where they were scouting for mines and the sand for the landing on the 19th. He was killed by a Jap mortor shell. He was a gunner on a 40mm, starboard next to the conning tower.
His skipper was Ruphus Herring, Congessional Medal Of Honer winner.
Any photos you have of Iwo would be highly appreciated.
09/13/2010 This is my first time to visit this site. I was always interested in Iwo Jima. I was in the Corp from 1961-1964. But recently my interest heightened with the death of a father of a very dear friend of mine. Norman Grosinske, know as Ski to his Marine buddies. Ski an E4 was in the 5th Marines 28th Regiment. He was one of the comunication Marines that laid many miles of wire over Iwo. He pasted away in Wausau Wisconsin on July 22, 2010. I never met Norman and I was told he never talked about Iwo. While going through personal things he left behind. I found a wonderful silk Japanese Flag signed by numerous Marines and hundreds of photos taken during and after the fierce battle. They are very curled and shaded from age. I've restored a few thru photo shop and they came out quite well. It will take quite awhile to finish them all but when I do I will share them with anyone interested. Thank You to all Marines out there who have defended are country in the time of War.
Semper Fi
Warren Hartmann Cpl USMC 1961-64
Hi there, It is 9-13-10 and this is my first time reading this site. Very interesting and it
stirs up some memories of my "landing on Iwo" either late '55 or '56. My machine gun
platoon was part of an anniversary exercise. The Mike boats, ankle deep volcanic ash,
always looking up at the bunkers, poison patties, John Wayne biscuits. tea in an old
c-ration can, and more. While digging a horseshoe emplacement for my gun,many
pieces (metal, wood, etc.) of old gear surfaced. Looked familiar because we still used
the same stuff the original guys had. Thanks very much.
ps. We put that hole across a ravine from the edge of an airfield. Lots of suits and
brass were there taking pictures. Anybody else there? or have info about that.?
Mike.... C co. 1st bn 3rd Marines from South Camp Fuji, Japan. 1955?
Hi S/Sgt Rosson,
what was your rank and from which company ? I know that it brings back alot of unhappy moments when trying to recall how many lives were lost in the battle. Do you have any photos or artifacts from the war.. ? Please share.. I am a person that is so engrossed with History and it really interests me and i am curious and would like to find out more. Hope to hear from you soon.
Regards,
Dennis.
+65 9467 6589
I am from Singapore.
For any one that hasn't been in the Jap's Gen. cave, it goes down 76 feet and has five levels in it. When I was there it had a lot of dead Japs on each level. The smell was bad, as there were still a little meat on them. This would be no place to set down and eat you lunch. Ha Ha
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
I always wondered why I learned about WWII back in grade 9 (sure thing I continue to learn by reading all the books and watching the videos I can find by http://www.instantdownloads.net search engine), which was a young age to learn about hardship and the horror of war. Yet I thank that moment of learning as a foundation that never again do we use hatred as justification, and perhaps that lesson, earned by many nations sadly, need to be reminded of why we are at peace.
This is always important to notice as it is during the down times especially that those in our society fan the flames of hate in various ways.
This is a bittersweet notion, to accept the price of peace at such a high cost of human lives, that which cannot be ignored, and all the more reason that it be remembered, kept, and never forgotten. We are the better for it in remembering any conflict. And the world as well can see beyond hate and be a family instead.
We still need that hope in the world today, and really, everyday.
My dad just turned 89 on July 31,2010. He was with the 4th divison on Iwo and has rarely talked of his experiences. My family and I just visited Washington D.C. a couple of weeks ago and we were all grateful to have the opportunity to see all the monuments and memorials in our capital. I was especially impressed with Arlington Cemetary and the marine corps memorial depicting the flag raising. My dad is Chester Burnett who grew up in Wills Point, Texas and still lives in Texas and is still getting around really well and staying very busy. When I spoke with him upon our return from vacation and told him we visited Arlington and the WWII memorial, about all he said was a comment of how many marines were lost on the island. When dad was about 68 he had a couple of "minor" heart attacks and I still remember him saying that they(the heart attacks) were nothing compared to making it home from Saipan, Tinian and Iwo Jima. Thanks to all you marines!!!!!!!!
Well I still need some email, ones that were on Iwo Jima.Iwas there 65 years ago, but some times it seens like yesterday. As you can tell I'm getting old. Ha Ha
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
My Father was on LST 201 during the battle of IwoJima, anyone from there please contact me at kisnerbrian@yahoo.com
Honor to all who served and gave their lives at IWO..
If there is any one that was on Iwo Jima,Iwas there in 1946-1947
I was a first Sgt, there.for two years.
I would be glad to talk to you on any thing about Iwo. About the island, caves, tunnels. The Jap Gen.'s cave was the biggest one. It went down 76 feet and has five levels. You ask the ? and I'll see if I can anc, them.HA
Sgt.GW Rosson
Come on all you Iwo Jima men.Email me now!!!
S/Sgt.GW Rosson
Well when we were going thru the caves there was another man not from our company there, he was taking the dead Japs head and taken out all the gold in them, He had a sock full already of them. I guess he needed the money. Ha Ha
S/Sgt.GW Rosson
This is about a cave that was on the SE side of the island. It was appro 12 feet (H) and 15 feet (W) and went back into dirt 70 feet. It was all but 3 feet full of rice.Our comany officer Max H. Booth said to clean it all out. I took 20 men and dump truck to the cave. The Lt. went with us at first, He was up in the cave, there were all sizes of rats running around there. One went uo his pant leg, yoou should of seen that,he was lucky, a T/5 Walker got the rat and killed it, I don't why but the Lt. came down after that. Ha Ha
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
Come on one of you men that were on Iwo Jima 1946-1947 or about that time. Lets see if your stories are the same as mine. If so you have seen all the dead Japs bodies. When I was there some of the meat was still on the them. The smell was bad,I wouldn't want to set down there and eat my dinner. Ha Ha
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
I SERVED/WASTED AWAY, ON IWO FROM MAY 1946 UNTIL DECEMBER 1946. I WAS a GCA Controller IN THE USAF/ AACS SQUADRON.
Our "Q"HUTS WERE RIGHT ABOVE THE MARINE CEMETARY.
When I WAS THERE Sgt JOHNNY BASILONE A Cong Medal of Honor winner, AND HIS DOG WERE BURIED THERE. lATER REMOVED AND SENT TO USA
JAP MARINES WERE STILL HIDDING IN THE DEEP DARK STINKING CAVES. WE FOUND Arisaka RIFLES, SWORDS, SKULLS, ETC.
IT WAS HELL.
Well I'm still waiting for some email from one of you men thatwas on Iwo Jima. Thanks
S/Sgt. GW Rosson date 8-25-2010
I would like to thank all my Marine Brothers who have taken the time to learn about our history of Iwo Jima. I know a few Marines who served on Iwo but they really dont want to talk about it.
I have been there in 1999 on my second WEST-PAC on the USS Essex. I served in Iraq twice and I was wounded by an IED in 2006 and I was medically retired from the Corps in 08.
I live in Corona CA and I belong to a group of WW2 USMC Historians. Our website is
www.gyrenesgungho.com we go to events in So Cal in honor of the Marines who served in WW2.
Also I work for the House of Representatives as a Vetern Case Worker, I can help get military documents and medals for families.
Has everyone seen the Military Channel pilot of Tunnel Rats. Glen Harlen who had a few books out on Marine 782 Gear and other items came out with a pilot. He takes the camra to Iwo Jima and explores the tunnel systems.
Where in the hell are all the men that were on Iwo Jima? Lets hear from you now please. Some of you that were in some of the caves lets see if your stories are the same as mine.
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
I was asgd to LST 1047 July 1946-Oct 1947 as 1st Officer.We were to provide transportation for an AGRS group recovering & removing remains fr Iwo to Guam. I was only officially involved w/trans to and fr Iwo to Guam.Since we spent our free time after hours on the LST, we became friendly and cooperative friends & shipmates.
I do not remember all the various specifics & details,but it seems to me that the surviving next of kin was notified of the pending recovery & relocation of the remains.The survivor was asked to select a primary,and/or a secondary relocation site.It seems to me the sites were Honolulu,Philipines,any National Cemetary in the U. S. or a home cemetery.All expenses were to be paid by Uncle.May have been other details,just dont remember.I do remember walking with a group ,and alone, on a trip to top of Suribachi. Also,two Marines from my home county,one a cousin,were there.It was a lonely,quiet,Godforsaken place.
We made 3-4 trips from Guam to Iwo & return. Not sure if the task was completed before I left,but it does seem so.
Lets hear from some of the Marines that were there,Most of them will be about my age. I'm 82 now.I sure would like to go back there for a week or so , there is a lot o things that I would do. More then what I did went I was there at the age of 18 years old.
S/Sgt. GW Riosson
GOOD EVENING STAFF SERGEANT ROSSON -- THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE DURING WORLD WAR 2 AND CAN'T EVEN IMAGINE THE HELL THAT YOU MARINES WENT THROUGH WHEN FIGHTING TO TAKE THE PACIFIC ISLANDS FROM THE JAPS AND THAN TO HAVE THEM SURRENDERED BACK BY OUR GOVERNMENT AFTER ALL OF THE YOUNG MARINES THAT PAID THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE TO WIN THOSE BATTLES. WERE THE BODIES OF OUR MARINES, ARMY AND NAVY TAKEN OFF OF THOSE ISLANDS AND REBURIED ELSEWHERE AFTER THE ISLANDS WERE GIVEN BACK TO THE JAPS AND IF SO WHERE WERE THEY RELOCATED TO.THANK YOU AND SEMPER FI !!!!! WAYNE DUFFY
Reply to a David Baker, c-130 Instructor Flight Eng.,Yokoto AB, Japan. If there is any thing that I can do to help let me know. I was on Iwo Jima two years. Call me on 309-647-1444 or email me on Rossonotes@aol.com. By the way David on the other email that I sent you I didn't tell you that I saw them putting appro 2000 Jap bodies in the ground. Thanks
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
S/Sgt Rossen,
I am a C-130 Flight Engineer stationed at Yokota AB, Japan. I have read many of you're post about the battle that took place on Iwo Jima, and I am very interested about the 200 plus Marines that are left missing the island. Here at Yokota, we frequently fly repatriation missions for MIA/KIA from WWII and the Vietnam war, and I would love nothing more than to help get these Heroes home.
I currently have direct contact to the USFJ (United States Forces Japan) Commander, and would love to bring these Marines home. I would appreciate any info that you can give to help expedite this process and would love just to hear the stories.
Thank you so much,
SSgt David Baker
C-130 Instructor Flight Engineer
Yokota AB, Japan
dbakerc130@hotmail.com
S/Sgt Rossen,
I am a C-130 Flight Engineer stationed at Yokota AB, Japan. I have read many of you're post about the battle that took place on Iwo Jima, and I am very interested about the 200 plus Marines that are left missing the island. Here at Yokota, we frequently fly repatriation missions for MIA/KIA from WWII and the Vietnam war, and I would love nothing more than to help get these Heroes home.
I currently have direct contact to the USFJ (United States Forces Japan) Commander, and would love to bring these Marines home. I would appreciate any info that you can give to help expedite this process and would love just to hear the stories.
Thank you so much,
SSgt David Baker
C-130 Instructoe Flight Engineer
Yokota AB, Japan
dbakerc130@hotmail.com
Hwere are all the Marines, I need some email from them. The ones that were on Iwo Jima.
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
I need any kind of infro. on Iwo Jima. call or email me on Rossonotes@aol.com. Thanks
GW Rosson
Any one that was on Iwo Jima around the time I was there please give me an email Rorronotes@aol.com The years of 1946-1947. Thankd
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
I guess I was on Iwo Jima about as much as any other man was. I was there for two years. 1946-1947 at that time there were no time in grade,That changed in July 1947 at that time you had to have so long in grade. I've been in most of the caves and tunnels. The biggest cave is the Jap Gen.'s cave. It goes down 76 feet and has five levells. All the caves had dead Japs in them some still had some meat on the bones, but it was hard and dry. The smell was real bad. If you want more email me on Rossonotes@aol.com
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
Scott King, Yes I do have a lot of anc. I was on Iwo Jima for two years, 1946-1947, If you have any??????????? give me a call on 309-647-1444 or email me on Rossonotes@aol.com
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
s/sgt W. rosson u got alot of interesting things about iwo jima
All you Iwo Jima Marines give me a email on this thing. S/Sgt. GW Rosson
i am have just read flags of our fathers. i am a former marine, infantry camp pendleton 1t marines in 1974 thru 1976. i loved the book. it made me proud to be a marine. god rest all those brave souls 6.800 marines who died there. long live the corp. mongoose
Well here I am at it again. I still neet some email on Iwo Jima. I can use the infro.and I'll take all?????????? on Iwo Jima. Caoo me on 309-647-1444 or email me on Rossonotes@aol.com Thanks
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
I still can't get any anc. on Iwo Jima or ?????????????. call 309-647-1444 or email Rossonotes@aol.com Thanks
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
I still HAVE SOME OF THE THINGS THAT i CAME BACK FROM Iwo JIMA WITH. ??????. You couldn't guess what that is. In the two years that I was there , you could find a lot of things to bring back with you. Well guess and email me what you think it may be.Email me on Rossonotes@aol.com or call me on 309-647-1444. Thanks
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
I'm still in bad need of some email form ones that were on Iwo Jima.
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
Sure do wish that I could get some email from Marines, Army, or any one that wants to know any thing about Iwo Jima. You have got the man here now. Ha Ha Call me on 609-647-1444 or email me on RossonotesQaol.com
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
Well I'll sart this out with telling you that I was on Iwo Jima in 1946-1947, I was also in Korea for the Korean war <I was there for a little over 11 months. That was a dirty old hell hole.not only the land but the people too. I was with the 756 railroad operation dept.We ran the Hosp.trains up to pick up the mmen that were shot and the dead ones to.We had a car on the back of the train to put the dead ones in.Going up and coming back we got shott up pretty bad. So you shot ever one that you could see .Some nights you would kill12 to 15 maybe not all dead but ALL shot. We alway said a good Korean is a dead one. Well any one that was there give me a call on 309-647-1444 or email me on Rossonotes@aol.com
S/Sgt.GW Rosson
My name is Alex and I just wanna say thanks to all the men who have served at Iwo Jima. I've read flags of our fathers to start out learning about Iwo Jima. If you have any information please let me know. My email is alex.vaughn82@yahoo.ie.
Thanks, and God Bless
Alex
Well here I am setting here with the comp.with nothing to do. Sure do wish that Bob Bolus would get on the ball as he is trying to get up a team to go back to Iwo Jima. I could spend a month on the island and could peek busy all the time,,I still say that I can take you to the cave that has around 200 dead Marines still with there dog tag on them. When I was there it was about 120 inside the cave. The island has rose uo 64 feet in the last 65 years due to the under water eruptions.Right now it raises 8:inch a year. And yes the Japs are still looking for over 18000 of there men. So help me I can show them where there is 14000 of them , I was them covering them up with a bull doser. I know thwt I can't write down all so if you are interested call me 309-647-1444 or email me on Rossonotes@aol.com Thank you.
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
Served on Iwo Jima and ET2 from 1969-1970
Would like to hear from anyone statoned there same time
I was a combat aircrewman flying Navy PB4Y Liberators and Privateers out of Iwo Jima from May 1945 until the end of the war. We flew raiding missions against the Japanese ships which moved war goods from port to port in Japan. We also flew anti-sub patrols around the huge invasion fleet which was forming off Japan, and which was withdrawn after the A-bomb was dropped on Hiroshima. We lived in tents and Quonset huts in an area northwest of the main airstrip in the highlands on the north end of the island, an area once occupied by sulfur miners and known as Nishi village. Many Japs had committed suicide by leaping from the cliffs at Kitano Point and the odor in the evening breeze made holding down your dinner a nightly excersize. Several transport ships had been purposely sunk to form a breakwater midway down the west coast of the island and were fun to climb on and dive from. The army used DUKW's to bring supplies in from transports using the breakwater and we would help the soldiers load the supplies (from which there was always a case or two of beer which would somehow break open). Drinking water had to be distilled and the only shower we had was salt water, so when a rain squall appeared, even at 2 AM, there would be a mad scramble to a spout we,d made in the roof of the hut for a fresh water rinse. Chow was mostly C rations and the bread was flown up from Tinian, so it was hard and dry. We also got a lot of New Zealand mutton (ugh)so please don't serve me lamb chops! My last combat action took place on August 4 when we attacked and sank a small freighter off the coast of Suruga Wan then entered Sagami Bay where we were attacked by two Jap zeros and shot both of them down.
Come on all you iwo Jima Marines, drop me a email to Rossonotes@aol.com or call me on 309-647-1444. Its been 65 to 66 years since I was there. But I still remenber it like it was yesterday. I can talk about the cave and tunnels, dead Japs and about any thing else you may want to talk about.
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
I still need ?????????????'s on Iwo Jima. About the cave ,tunnels,dead Japs or any thing that you want to ask, as long has ti has to do with Iwo Jima.
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
Any of you that were on Iwo Jima, give me a call on 309-647-1444 or email me on Rossonotes@aol.com I was there in 1946-1947. I;ve been in most of the caves and tunnels at the time. Call me on 309-647-1444 or email me on Rossonotes@aol.com
S/Sgt. GW Gosson
I could use some email from any of you that have service time. call me on 309-647-1444 or email me on Rossonotes@aol.com. i was on Iwo Jima for two years 1946-1947. Also I was in the Koren war 195- most of the year. I've got lots of pictures on both places. Call me 309-647-1444 or email me Rossonotes@aol.com.
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
To larry Mikell,Since I was on iwo jima the same time as you were maybe we can put some thing together. I was in most of the caves and tunnels. I do have a lot of infro. on iwo Jima. call me on 309-647-1444 or email me on Rossonotes@aol,com Lets talk about it.
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
My father Carl Ray Mikell severed on Iwo Jima in 1946 and 1947 as a member of the Army Air Force. He passed away last night July 12, 2010. He was so proud of his service to his country and the sacrifice that all of the brave men and women made then and now.
Mitch, I was on iwo Jima 1946-1947. You asks the ???????????? and I'll see if I can give you the anc. Call me 309-647-1444 or email me Rossonotes@aol.com Always good to hear from you.
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
Mitch, I just got your email on Iwo jima. I was on Iwo Jima in 1946 -1947. Ive got pictures of the 4th Marine cemetaries, it was on blue beach. The QM had keep it up real good at the time. I was the first Sgt.in our comany. Mitch you ask the ????????? and I'll give you the anc. I've been in most of the caves and tunnels on the island. The biggest cave was the Jap's Gen. cave. It goes down 76 feet and has five levels. I've been in all of them. I could go on and on but I'll give you my phone number and my email. My phone is 309=647-1444 and my email is Rossonotes@aol.com Bob Bolus is a good friend of mine, he wants me to go back with him to iwo Jima. I said that I would. More later.
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
I am the 49 year old son of a WWII & Iwo Jima veteran ,it has taken me until this age to realize the immeasureable and ultimate sacrifices made by that glorious generation they call the greatest in United States history and they're right. Thirty years ago when i was 19 ,I had no idea but have recently learned much abot this war and Iwo Jima in particular,and yes am a bit ashamed, but its never too late to learn. My father survived Iwo Jima and for that reason ,I am here on God's good earth.
I'm not sure of how many folks frequest this site its extremely informative, my father was a 4th marine div. man and i have just recently sent for all of his documentation,etc and am trying to learn as much as possible of his plight to survive, I do know he was a very different person upon returning home from war. i was more or less told this by my siblings as he died less than 5 years after I was born. He managed barely 21 years after the end of WWII, he passed on from leukemia. In closing I am looking for anyone who can help in my learning process...for example, would love to hear from any members of Div. 4, Marines, relatives or suggestions on how to pursue more detailed info of the the 4ths quest along side the other divisions to take Iwo.
God Bless America and every-one of the souls who have defended her & their families
Mitch
This makes the 4th time I've put this on and it didn't go thru.
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
My father, Joseph F. Bruno was a Platoon Sgt. in the Spearhead (5th) Marine Division. He landed on Iwo Jima on the morning of February 19, 1945 and ended up on Red Beach 1. He was wounded five days later and evacuated. He was a mountain of a man, both in physical stature as well as in moral character.
He was highly educated after the war and he could have written a comprehensive account of the first five days of the battle. Unfortunately, he refused talk about Iwo Jima with anyone, except other Marines who themselves were veterans of Pacific island campaigns.
Just prior to his death in 2001, he said he was going to a reunion to see the guys who were in his Platoon on Iwo. That comment took me completely by surprise and I asked him where the reunion was being held. He looked at me, shook his head and simply said, “leave it alone.” Shortly thereafter, he died.
I still regret the fact that he didn’t share his Iwo Jima experience with me, but he once said, “The bravest Marines who ever wore the uniform are still over there.” Today, I’m sure he’s reunited with his old Platoon. Semper Fi dad!
I would like to talk to some of the men that were on Iwo Jima.To see if our stories are the same.Well have a nice day.
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
I got this on Iwo Jima today on 6-16-2110. Call me on 309-647-1444 or email me on Rossonotes@aol.com. I can anc. most of your ??????? on Iwo Jima. I was there for two years in 1946-1947.
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
Hello S/Sgt. GW Rosson - good morning! I hope today finds you well enough. I just emailed you and if you didn't get it, let me know and I'll do it again. Thanks, Carolyn DeVries
hi um im doing a projet on iwo jima and wot are there nativa plants there and trees or food and cool story i read all of them and also dose eany one live there??????????? can u send somthing as soon u read this THANK YOU
Carolyn De Vries, Give me a call or email. Phone 309-647-1444 or email Rossonotes@aol.com. God to hear from you.
S/Sgt/ GW Rosson
June 15, 2010
Dear Sgt. GW Rosson - first of all, a grateful salute and a gentle hug of appreciation from me for what you and all the Marines did on Iwo Jima. All of you, living and dead, are heroes to me.
I realize the living may feel guilty about having made it off the island but your contribution and being alive today is just as important as those who didn't make it. We need the living histories to tell the next generations what it was all about.
I have just gotten done reading one of two books I have about Iwo Jima. I am amazed at how relentless and difficult the constant fighting was. It must have been ...no... it was extremely difficult to knock off those 22,000 Japanese off one at a time.
Iwo Jima, in my mind, stands out as THE United States Marines battle of all time. I am a bit surprised that the United States handed the island back to Japan in 1968. I did not realize that until just a couple of weeks ago. I also understand the U.S. maintains a small Coast Guard presence of one-year tours. The U.S. should have kept it, simply as a memorial and acknowledgement of the hell you men went through. I understand that plenty of Marines are still upset today about the handover.
Sgt., do you or anyone reading this know Raymond Kary of Worcester, Massachusetts? He is still alive today and he talks to me willingly of his time on Iwo Jima. I have been so humbled just to talk to him.
If anyone wants to email me just to talk, I can be reached at cddevries@gmail.com.
Again, my salutes and deep appreciation. I have been sleeping at night realizing that I do not have to speak Japanese today.
Carolyn DeVries
West Boylston, Massachusetts
I was reading your reply on 6-13-2010. You said that I could get Norn Holgate phone number and that I could call him. Thanhs I guess your name is Oliver Burger, Well my name is Gareth Rosson.My email is Rossonotes@aol.col You could call me on 309-647-1444.I was on Iwo Jima in early 1946-1947. I was the frist Dgt over the Ordance dept there. I've been in most of the caves and tunnels, there were a lot of dead Japs in most of them.Some still had some meat on them but it was hard and dry.This was about six months after the war was over,the smell was bad. I had three of my men that went in all the caves and tunnels with me , a T/5 John Willinghoff, T/5 Walker and aPFC weel the name has left me for now. Ha Ha Getting Old I guess. We went into one cave on the first level it was around 120 degrees, we went on down to the next leveland it got hotter then hell around 180 degrees there and the were appro 150 dead Marines there with there dogs still on them, The smell was so bad the T/Walker got sick and had to go back up. The Jap Gen.'s cave is the biggest cave there. It goes down 76 feet under ground and has five levels. We went thru all of the levels.I've got a web that I had mad listing about 25 pictures and that many stories of some of thr things that we did.Its getting late so I'll close for now.I would have sent this to you but I didn't see your email.
S/Sgt G>W>Rosson
Stephen Herring:
If your relative Ruphis Herring was skipper of the LCI(G)449 then my best childhood friend died on his boat the mornig of Feb.17 1945. He was Seaman 1st class Clarence J. Hoffman. He died on the star board 40 MM gun when hit with Jap mortor rds. They were aiding Navy Frog men who were checking out the layout prior to the initial landing on the 19th. He was buried at sea the same day off the deck of the USS Terror at around 1800 hrs. I'm sure you have checked out the web on the history of Iwo. A very good site is called THE ELSIE ITEM....Another surviver of the 449 and in good health is Norm Holgate. He was Fireman on the 449. He lives in Dallas Oregon. If you'd like to speak with him, write me and I'll give you his number. Thanks, Oliver L. Burger
Come on all you Iwo Jima men, Where are you? email me Rossonotes@aol.com or call 309-647-1444. I was there in 1946-1947.
GW Rosson
My Father - George E Taborn of Illinois was in the 5th Marines - Mike Company, and fought on Iwo Jima. Dad never talked about it to me, but April 17th 2001 - Dad went to be with the Lord. I miss him more than I could even say, and am so proud of him for his service in the Marines and other agencies. I know that there were a few guys that stayed in contact - had reunions which Dad only visited much later in life. From Iwo was Okinawa - and so-on, and I have so much pride in everyone that served during WW2 and beyond. It has become more real to me and my older sisters since there has been more and more documentaries regarding Iwo Jima and the rest of the war. God bless all of you, and thank you for putting this website up.
Sincerely,
Mr. Mark E Taborn - Florida USA
My fathers name was William Watts from Indiana. He was a marine and fought on Iwo Jima. He died 4 years ago at the age of 80. I found a note in his shirt pocket, it was a letter he was writing about his life as a marine. Growing up, he did not speak of his time in the war. We had no idea of what he endured and the acts he had to perform while serving his country. This letter explained some things to us about his life that we never knew. Upon his death, we got all of his medals and came to realize what he had done fighting for his country. I know there are few veterans from Iwo Jima left, but it would be great if there was someone out there that knew my dad. Especially if it was the person my dad gave his guitar too before he stepped onto the island.
Reply to Tony Johnson. I was on Iwo Jima 1946-1947. I've got some anc. Call me on 309-647-1444 or email Rossonotes@aol.com
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
My uncle, Roy C. Johnson (pfc), served in the 26th Marines and was killed on Iwo Jima. He was from South Bend, WA. Anyone out there know him or have any additional info on his time in the Marines or on the island? Thanks in advance, especially to those who served.
I have pictures of a lot of the caves and tunnels on Iwo Jima. (165 of them). Also have some pictures of the dead Japs there. Most of them at the time still had some meat on them, it was dry and hard and the smell was bad. You would not want to go eat right after seeing them. More later
S/Sgt.GW Rosson
Hi, All you Iwo Jima men, woman, people. Ha Ha I need some email I've read all that I've gotten so far. So if you haven't wrote a email today, start now.
GW Rosson
To: Stephaine on 6-4-2010 Thanks to you for writting. If you need more on Iwo Jima call me on 309 647 1444 or email Rossonotes@aol.com
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
I just watched a special on Iwo Jima, I never really cared about history before in school.. but now that I am older I am really interested and grateful. I just wanted to say thank you to all who has served! You are appreciated! Much Love, and God Bless! <3
Wow! Such beautiful pictures of the island!!!! GORGEOUS!!!
Steve Maurys on 5-31-2010, Yes I was on Iwo Jima in 1946 and 1947. I have been in a lot of the caves there,Lots of dead Japs there and the smell was bad. I may be able to help you. Give me a callon 309 647 1444 email Rossonotes@aol.com.
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
My uncle (Wilfred G. Ouellette) died taking this island. He was only 18 years old and was part of the 5th division. I am humbled by the price these young men paid for our liberty. To this day our family has very little info on Wilfred and his experiences. All we heard is that he died on March the 8th going cave to cave.
To: Rett Floyd on 5-29-2010, You go to Iwo Jima today hit that and then what ever comes up you hit Iwo jima death search and it will you what you want.
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
My father's cousin was killed at Iwo Jima. He was Harold Ray Boykin, with the Marines. Can anyone tell me a source I can use to find his actual unit and details of his death. My father says he thought he was killed when a Japanese mortar landed in his landing ctaft. Thyanks for any help.
Just one more thing ,bring up Iwo Jima today and go down to the # 17 picture. You can see the two block houses about 400 feet apart The Marines took both of them . Now there is a tunnelgo from one to the other. We went into the one on the left, there is a small door going into the tunnel. About 200 feet in it ( about half way) we came on to about 25 dead Japs there .Now it was about 120 derees there to hot to stay so we got the hell out of there. Now hear this the island has rose 62 feet in the last 65 years due to under water eruotions, now they say that it will get 8 inch. higher each year at the going rate. Later You can call me on 309 647 1444
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
My ????????????'s are as follows: (1) When are you going to update the pictures on Iwo Jima today? They are all OLD. At the botton of this page it says that it was copy right in 2009, and the pictures were 7 to 10 years old then.Bad,Bad!!!!!!!The island is covered with greens of all kinds.When I was there in 1946 1947 ever thing was BLACK no greens other then up on the northern part of the island. The Jap Gen.'s cave was right in the middle of it.That area was appro.300 feet (W) and 500 feet (D) All the rest of the island was black sand.You need some pictures that were taken about the time that I got there. Since I've been all over the island I've been in a lot of the caves 75 to 100 of them and of the 11 miles of tunnels I've been in about half of them too. You realy need some of the older pictures to show how it has change,The main thing is that we should have never gave the islad back to the Japs Never, never!!!!!!! I was the first Sgt. over the Ordance 3605th HAM shop (Det # 1) and the 199th Ordance Depot warehouse ( Det, #1)When I was on Iwo Jima 1946-1947 there were no time in grade you could get a promotion each if you Co. officer turned you in for it. This all stopped in June or July on 1947.At that time you had to have so long in grade.By then I had made S/Sgt. Lt Max H. Booth made me the acting first Sgt when I first got there. I was only 18 years old then and had appro 220 men under me. It wasn't easy at first,
S/Sgt. G.W. Rosson
Well I'm still waiting here for some ???????????? on Iwo Jima from any one. I was there in 1946-1947 the meat on the bones was still there but hard and dry. The smell was bad at the time. I've been in most of the caves and tunnels. There were a lot of dead Japs there. Some of the men would know out the gold teeth in the Japs, one man had a sock half full of them. I guess he must needed the money.Ha Ha Well you have a nice day. call me on 309-647-1444 or email Rossonotes@aol.com.
GW Rosson
Where in the hell are all the men that were on Iwo Jima? I was there in 1946-1947 You can ask the ??????????????? and I'll see if I can give yoou the anc,
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
To Pamela Miller on May 25 2010. Call me on 309 647 1444. If you got the ?????? I've got the anc.
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
John, on Nov. 11, 2009 yes I've got pictures and a lot of stories on Iwo Jima. I was there in 1946-1947. Lots of dead Japs there. Most of them still had some meat on them it was hard and dry.The smell was real bad.If you are interest call 309 647 1444.
As ever S/Sgt. GW Rosson
My uncle was one of the Marines that died on the beach of Iwo Jima. I was not born until April, 1945 so I never knew him. His name is Eugent Nugent Miller from Akron, Ohio. If anyone has any information on him I would like to hear from you.
Tony, Were you on Iwo Jima? If so I guess you must be around 82 or 83. I( may be wrong.Ha Ha I'm 82 and I was i8 when I landed on Iwo Jima. I was there in 1946-1947.( seems like yesterday to me. I've got a web that I could send you. It has about 29 stories and at least that many pictures. If you would send me your phone number I would call you. Mine is 309-647-1444 my email is Rossonotes@aol.com I email about 35 Marines, and I get 4 or 5 a day,Ha Ha I was the first Sgt. in the ordance dept. I do have a lot of stories. I was in most of the caves and tunnels, there were a LOT of dead Japs in most of the caves. At that time the meat on them was hard and dry, and the smell was real bad. Tony you have a nice day, I'll be glad to hear from you.
As ever S/Sgt. GW Rosson
My father told me he landed with the 4th on Iwo. He was Navy on the USS 158 Newberry he is still around too May God Bless You.
will this go?
Cannot help but read all the statements here that I can. Cannot help but feel the chasm. The feeling of all who lie there, all touched, all the all including me just walking around any place anytime.
The top of any mountain whistles with a restless breeze. It calls. It warns to turn away. It cajoles. It cries. It is the wind and much more. For at least a few miles, it has touched no other human.
Cannot help but wonder what the wind on those peeks, tall and low, of Iwo Jima, have to say.
May all alive and out there come home from their own Iwo Jima's to their family and kin, be they one our side our theirs.
Tank,
Good to see you are still kicking around. If you remember me, I was the ET3 mostly responsible for the Transmitter maintenance during Nov '82 to Oct '83. It has been a long time from when the two of us were out there. Time has made that memory fond, and I find myself wishing to go back for a visit. I was sorry to find out that the base was closed and moved to Chichi Jima, then turned over to the Japanese. I do not know what happened to the many good people we served with there, but that experiance made us all who we are now.
To the others,
Serving isolated duty on that island was more than humbling. There are very few of us who are left who have shared the experiance of Iwo Jima. I am afraid that much of the story of Iwo Jima continues to be lost. Bless every one of you.
I would first like to thank all the brave men for their sacrifice on Iwo Jima. My grandfather was a navy pharmasist second class and was on Iwo during the invasion. Until his untimely death a number of years ago he would tell me stories (nightmares) of what he saw heard and participated in. Not that it will ever take the place of his lost friends, he was credited with saving a number of lives while under direct fire for which he recieved the Silver Star that is now in my possession.
I would like to thank all the men and women during WWII that risked their lives for this great country.
I've got no calls yet on the Iwo Jima ??????????????? call 309-647-1444
Bill
I sure would like to get a call or two on Iwo Jima. You ask the ?????????? and I'll see if I can get you a good anc. on each one. You have a nice day.
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
I was stationed on the island of Iwo Jima in 1975 as ET1 with the USCG. We were responsible for maintaining communications and navigation with LORAN C and A. at that time ther was a Japanese Self Defence Force there. They were on one end of the island and we were on the other end. I have pics of the station and othe Iwo pic's. I did not know that the LORAN Stationwas discontinued or that the Tower was removed. I was station there after the first tower fell and killed several men working on it.
email me
William L. Hettick
beverlye@netdoor.com
I am so thankful to faithful United States Marines and all the brave men & women of the United States of America. As an American father of 4 children I have instilled in my children thankfulness and gratitude to the many that have given their lives for our freedom. I want them to know their history of their country for themselves. As Americans the history must be told and told correctly and never forgotten.
God Bless America!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Grady O'
Joshua, what kind of pictures do you Have. I have around 165 pictures of Iwo Jima. I was there in 1946- 1947 also I have a web I could send you. Have a good day.
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
Hello All,
To those that served - THANK YOU
I'm one of the Marines who took down the Loran tower and am looking for any other Marines who were part of that group to swap pics.
I have some good photos, but others had some good videos and I'd like to get some of those videos if possible.
My email is joshua79109@yahoo.com.
Thank You
To Jeff Harris, Thanks, I was on Iwo Jima 1946-1947 If you have any ???????? on Iwo Email me or call 309 647 1444
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
To any veterans reading this who have served, your service is greatly appreciated and not forgotten. I have been watching the series the Pacific, it is difficult to watch, and I can only begin to understand the horrors that were faced in places like Iwo Jima. I have always been intrigued by this battle in particular and WWII in general. You have my outmost respect. God bless you all.
Jeff Harris
Toronto, Canada
I'm still looking for a John Willinghoff, my best friend on Iwo Jima. call me on 309 647 1444 or email me on Rossonotes@aol.com thanks a lot!!!!!!!
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
Allison, Yes it take a act of god to get on Iwo Jima. Both myself and Bob Bolus have been trying to get to go to Iwo Jima. Bob asys he will foot the bill on every thing. He wants to bring Sgt. William Genaust back to the states. They have been looking for him for 65 years now. When I was there in 1946 on hill # 362A there was a marker showing where this man Genaust is at. ( I know where ).
S/Sht. GW Rosson
question... i have a nephew serving out great nation in the USMC, just got back from an IO cruise....He says rumour has it that only certain enlisted can step onshore IWO JIMA??? is this true, I simply must know.....thanks for all yall who served and still serve our great nation.....USN....79-83
Mustangs on Iwo Jima: My grandfather was stationed on Iwo and flew a P-51D escorting B-29s to Japan. At the end of the war I am told they did not bring the planes home but simply pushed them over the edge of cliffs and onto the beaches of the island. (My grandfathers plane included) I have seen a few pictures as evidence of this from 1952 but would like to see more and hear more about this. I would like to know where on the island these planes were pushed too and how long did they remain there... are there still some there today? Anything anyone can tell me would be great and pictures would be even better... i am trying to find my grandfathers plane in this heap!
Sean Mooer:
seanmooer@cybertrybe.com
I had two relatives, one from each side of my family, that fought on Iwo Jima. One was my mother's brother, Charles Mitchell Gibbs, who was a medic in the 4th Marine Division. He was wounded with a type 99 machine gun while attending a wounded marine, but survived. He witnessed the first flag raising at Iwo, but not the second, which was the photo op. My other relative was Rufus Geddie Herring. He was also wounded and survived. He was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his service. Both very modest, rarely speaking of their service, even when solicited.
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=7865085
I need a source for a World History project on Iwo Jima if any of you could tell me what the very first fealings where when we beached, or some stories on fighting on the island
My dad, Anthony "Tony" Miklos was a marine that took part in the battle on Iwo Jima. At the time he was a 19 or 20 yr old skinny kid that was part of an artillery detachment. He passed away in feb of 1986. If anyone knows anything of my father at that time, Id appreciate hearing from you.
I have had the honor to go to Iwo Jima while i was serving in the Marine Corps from 2005-2009. the feeling you get on the island is an erie one. just knowing the battles that once took place there is incredible and the bravery of all the men who fought there. i could not imagine storming those beaches, because the sand is so soft and your feet just sink atleast 6 inches every step you take. i wish i could have spent more then just a day there exploring the island. it is definetly a memory i will never forget. if any men who served in the battles of Iwo Jima feel free to email me at jtjackson86@yahoo.com i would love to hear what you have to tell and i want to learn as much as i can about the battles.
A reply to Matt Hancock he wrote on 2-19-2010.Matt on Iwo Jima ,if you get this call me on 309 647 1444 I have anc. on about any thing on Iwo Jima, I was there in 1946 and 1947. You have a nice day.
S/Sgt. G.W. Rosson
My Dad was in the 4th Marine Division, 14th Artillery Regiment from March 1943 to November 1945. His name was Wilfred Gregg. He passed away in July 1996. He was on Roi atoll, Namur atoll, Saipan,Tinian and Iwo Jima. He rarely spoke of the war and then it was funny stories, never of combat. When I was in college he allowed me to interview him for a history project. It was the most that he had ever spoken of the war. I realised that my father had seen more before the age of twenty than I would ever see.It is one of my most treasured possessions.
He often spoke of two men that ge served with, Bill Gee of Texas and Victor P.(Ric) Regetti of Ohio. If anyone knows of these men, please contact me.
Mr. Strand,
I am currently teaching a High School level US History class which my daughter attends.
One of the assignments I have given my students is to give a family history to be presented in class.
My father JAMES S. PHILBRICK also served on the Logan and was at Iwo.
I would like to know if you knew my father.
He passed away several years ago and any information you could give would be appreciated.
Also, I would like to extend my personal thanks for your service to our country.
Sincerely,
J. Jeffrey Philbrick
The people that write on this, If you would give you phone number and email you would get a lot more anc. I do give mine on any thing that I write. phone me 609-647-1444 Thank you.
S/Sgt.GW Rosson
I love these pictures it reminds my grandfather of his days when he was in the war. He was there fighting but he was not there when they raised the flag.
Dear Mr. Dills,
My uncle,Lt.Col Harvey Scandrett flew with the 506th Airborn. He was lost with 25 others flying an escort mission. Did you know him? He was my mothers only sibling. I'd greatly appreciate any info you could send me. I've sent pictures we have from the war he sent my grandmother. I'd love to share.
Sincerely greatfal to all that serve in our military,
Mary Joshnon
my great-grandfather was at iwo jima and was outside the picture when the rose the second flag.
Seth..Ohio
I'm still looking for John Willinghoff or any Willinghoff. Call me 609 647 1444 or Email Rossonotes@aol.com
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
My grandfather lost his leg on the 13th day of the battle on Iwo.
Sgt. Rosson,
Will do. I will call him and give him your info.
Thanks for keeping us safe.
I would like some ????? on Iwo Jima from anyone about anything. Call 609 647 1444 or email Rossonotes@aol.com
G.W. Rosson just ask for Bill
I kmow where that Sgt william Genaust is I sees a marker 1946 sayiny this thr man was killed and I can get him out of there and that is why Bob Bolus wants me to go over there with him, I said that I would go wtih him.I also know where there is a plane that went down 65 years ago with 27 army men with them, I al know wrere appro. 220 Marines arre at ( DEAD for 65 years. I t was so hot thjey could not get them out. Now due to the eruptionsthe islsnd has rose 62 feet in the last 65 years The island ssssthe island get 8 inch higher each year. So the tunneelsare ahave cooled off a hot and you can go in them no
S/Sgt GW Rossos call m,e 609-647-1444
Lets hear from all you Iwo Jima men.I've got ??????? and I've got some anc. too. Email me Rossonotes@aol.com or call 609 647 1444.
Ask for Bill
TO: Kevin Jones, Well I know what you were saying is ok,I have been on blue beach too. And yes you can not dig a fox hole on the beach as the black sand will fill it back in as fast as you can dig it out. Tell your dad Hi for me and thanks as I know that it must have been Hell for him. Tell him to email me Rossonotes@aol.com You have a nice day.
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
My dad, now 87, was in the first wave on Beach Blue 1. He's told me how quiet it was at first until the Japanese opened fire after the beaches were loaded with Marines. He's talked about trying to dig a hole for cover and how the ash just kept filling the hole back up. He made it until March 8, when he was wounded and evacuated.
I am proud of him and all the young men who gave so much. I have nothing but respect for all our military men and women, but I am partial to the Marines due to my dad's service.
Thanks to you for what you did then, and thanks to you for what you do now.
It is because of brave men and women then and now that we have freedom.
I want to thank all the Marines, Sailors, Soldiers and Airmen who served so bravely in conditions that must have been absolute hell that none of the rest of us could even begin to imagine! I am A retired Navy Corpsman who spent time with the 1st Marine division ( Fox Company 2/5). I joined in 1978 and at that time all the training was still geared toward fighting in the jungle. I always wondered how I would have answered the call of a wounded Marine or other Marines yelling "Corpsman Up". Would I have found the courage to jump into the bullets and artillery to do my duty. I would like to think so but never got the chance. I have always felt a connection to the Pacific war campaign. You guys that served were the best that we had to offer and you will never be forgotten! I hope and pray that you and your families will find peace in your sacrifices. God Bless You!
My Dad was in the 3rd Division and drove the "Alligator" amphibious landing craft. His name was Tom Knowles from North Carolina. Dad died in 1994. His buddies were Nick Trotta, Dominic Fanazzo, "Smashy"... All I can remember. Any decendants of these Marines out there? I have a few pictures of those men. Dad was wounded on Iwo when the craft either was hit by artillery or ran over a mine.
We took Dad to the Marine Museum at Quntico, Va in 1987. They had an Alligator there outside the building. God Bless all of those brave Marines. Dad was always a proud Marine!
tknowlesmed@aol.com
I will be 88 in April. I was a fighter pilot in the Mediterranean, 94 missions strafing and divebombing.
I have my story at www. charlies-web.com.
I urge you to get your dad's story down in print.
The local vet museum will probably do a 45 minute video-tape and send it to the Veteran's History Project at the Library of Congress. Google this.
But you should get him out on the deck on a nice day with a video-camera with lots of memory and get him to talk! Just start at the beginning and tell EVERYTHING, both the Good, the Bad and the Ugly!
Have some one put it on a disc.
Then you can hire a typist that can transcribe it and you can get on your computer and produce hard copy.
That will be the finest Christmas present you could give to your siblings and their children!
---Chas---
Hello out there, I need some email on Iwo Jima.My number is 609 647 1444. or Email me Rossonotes@aol.com.
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
To: Mr Matt Hancock, You had a little story on this, on2-19 2010.Y0u needed some pictures for your class. I'll send you a web that has 25 or 30 good pictures and that manny stories too.If you have any ??????? callme 609 647 1444.
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
Any one, I'm trying to find a T/5 cpl John Willinghoff he was in my company on Iwo Jima in 1946-1947. He left Iwo Jima the last of 1945 or the first of 1947. After getting home ( In Texas ) he stopped at my mother house in Mo. I had just left to go to ILL. FOR WORK. that was the last I have heard of him. I would like to get hold of any Willinghoff. Please call 609 647 1444 or email me on Rossonotes@aol.com. or you could write to me at 24803 E. Old Beach Rd.,Canton, ILL. 61520 tHANKS A LOT.
S/Sgt. G. W. Rosson
Mark Castleman, If you want to know about Iwo Jima give me a call 609 647 1444. I would be glad to talk to you on this.
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
To GW Rosson:
I am not an U.S. American. I am German and we have had our share of that terrible WW2...(My grandfather died and burned to death in a tank in Kursk). But, sooner or later Iwo Jima had to be given back.
It was since ever Japanese territory. That is the way it is. Whether we like it or not. I understand your opinion and respect it, but it makes no difference in today`s time! The time changed. We are all allies now, and so are the Japanese. Still, all those poor guys who died there (Japanese and U.S. Americans) deserve respect and be remembered forever.
"No war anymore!!" That is their message and legacy to us and to future generations!
this picture is awesome.. i think that it symbolizes american history
I'm looking for Hank, to see if he is still with us-sorry about the confusion.
I have not heard from him in years and was hoping on the anniv. he might be looking at the website.
I was in the U.S.N.Amphibious Forces,my home ship was U.S.S,Logan,APA196.Amphibious force attack ship.
My job was Signalman on the Boat Group Commander's LCP(landing craft personal).He was in charge of the 28 landing craft of our ship.We landed 4th Marine Div,assault waves on Iwo at about 9:am Feb 19,1945.
I have many many vivid memories of the five days I lived in those damn Higgins Boats.
Just a few;My original impression was it was like watching a newsreel until we went by a cruiser on the way to the beach,just as it fired a broadside with all of it's 8 inch guns.I never heard anything so loud in my life!The next was all of a sudden seeing morters fall around us on the way in.To this day I admit I was never so damned scared in my life!I sure as hell was no longer watching a newsreel!
And of course,there was DDay plus 4 at about 10;30 A;M when the cox'n said there was a flag up on the top of "the volcano".It was up for a while ,then it went down and a bigger one went up about 1:p.m.I had no comprehension of the historical signifgance of what I just witnessed!
All of the comments and responses that I've read, appear to have been submitted by a group of youngsters. As a member of the Original WW II 8th. U.S. Naval Construction Battalion (Seabees), attached to the 5th. Marine Division during the invasion and conquest of Iwo Jima, we were exposed to all of the combat activities of the invasion and ensuing conflict. As an equipment operator, including truck driver, I sometimes moved platoons of Marines as they advanced across the island and to Mt. Suribachi. Of the original complement of approx. 2,000 in the 8th Battalion, there's probably less than 50 still living. I attempt to keep in contact with as many as I can. Too many books published related to Iwo Jima are more fiction than fact.
Anyone thats wants or needs infro. on any thing about Iwo Jima please put your phone on your note, being there for two years I can anc. a lot of ?????? B i need your phone number Thanks
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
To: J.P. Donovan,You said that you had gotten on Iwo Jima in late 1945, thats about 6or 7 months before I got there. Yes at that time there were a lot of Japs in the caves. The last one to give up was in 1952 ( 5 of them)I guess I was lucky because I was in most of the caves ( 40 or 5o of them and they had 20 miles of tunnels there and we were in a hell of a lot of them too.All of the caves had a lot of dead Japs in them, some as many as 20 or so. The meat on them was all dryed up and turned tan and hard as a rock. The graves were on the blue beach ( 3rd and 4th Marine )The cemataries were all in good shape. The 5th Marines were up on higher ground just south of the # 1 air field, facing Mt.Suribacki.It5 was in good shape too.Well J. P. if you would like to talk call me on 609-647-1444 or email Rossonotes@aol.com
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
I was staione on Saipan in 1944-45 with the 20th
Airforce . Japs would bomb usfrom Iwo. Was very
happy to have the island taken. Was sent to Iwo
i Sept.45 spent 2 months there before beinshipped home for discharge. Tok a lot of pictures of
pilots on top of t, Surabachi but never any of my
own. Never went into the caves because there could
have been lve japs andI did not want to be the last
casualty of WW2. Looking down from the top of that
mountain I marvel at the heoism ofthe young men
who took that miserable piece of real estate.
I walked through the graves on Iwo and Saipan
and I still think of them every night
Sir, I'm a old man 82 years old, I was 18 when I landed on Iwo Jima in 1946-1947 I put appro. two years on the island. I've been in most of the tunnels and caves.( Lots of dead Japs.At that time the bodies were all dryed up, the skin was tan and hard. We still have 220 Marines on the island (all dead and we can't get on the island to get them back here to the USA.Our Gover. is the hold up on that. Bob Bolus wants to go back there to do that. He can't the the people to move on it. He is willing to cover all the money problems on it. Since I was on hill #362A and at that time there was a marker saying where the man that Bob wants bsck is at. I have that Infro. Call me on 609-647-1444 or email me on Rossonotes@aol.com
S/Sgt GW Rosson
To Sizzle,I think that we did wrong giving Iwo Jima back to the Japs. We lost to many good men there to do that.
S/Sgt. GW Rosson call me 609-647-1444
since 1968 the island was given back to Japan. there are only 400 japanese soldiers stationed/living there today. a special permission is needed to visit it.
Richard Gay, Sir, I had a good friend of mine that was in the 4th Marines but he was killed after four days there. I was there in 1946-1947 I was first Sgt. over the Ordance dept. I went down to the 4th Marines cemetaties on blue besch It was well keep up at that time . They moveed the bodies from there starting in mid. 1967 and comp. All the cemetsries in 1949. I would be glad to talk to you on this,I've been in most of the tunnels and caves. There were a lot of dead Japs in all the caves. Some caves had as many as 2o or so in them.If you are willing to talk please give me your phone number. Mine is 609-647-1444. Email Rossonotes@aol.com Have a good day.
S/Sgt, GW Rosson
I proud to be an AMERICAN where at least I know I'm FREE and I WON'T forget the men who DIED and gave that right to me!!!!! I was born in 1991 in Romania and adopted at 3 weeks. I am so thankful for my freedom and the men who paid the price for me. Freedom is something special that not everyone has the RIGHGT of. My heart breaks at the men who never knew me, but yet died so I could come to a country that is free. My hearts swells with pride at the men who never knew me and fought for me. My heart overflows with gratitude for the men and women who continue to fight for me, yet do not know me! Thank you so very much!!!!!
I was there for only a few hours on a C-130 resupply flight in 1989. The heat and sulfer smell in the caves was unbearable. My hat's off to the brave Marines.
me and my friend are huge fans of the 82nd and 101st airborn so much that is are gamer tags on xbox i want to be airborn so bad if u have storys can u tell me about them thank u
4th Marine Div. , 14th Battalon I'm still around
My dad, Paul Byrd, served on the USS Cleveland during WWII. I could sit for hours and listen to him talk about life aboard ship and his adventure trying to catch up with my Uncle Bruce Byrd, also in the Navy serving in the Pacific during the war at the same time as my dad. Fascinating stuff!
Back in 1982, March/April timeframe, I was aboard the USS Peleliu, LHA-5 as a technical rep for the AV-8 Harriers and VMA-513. We were on a WESTPAC cruise and Iwo Jima was our second stop crossing the Pacific (Hawaii was first). The Marines onboard the Peleliu and our escort ships USS New Orleans and the USS Cleveland were to make a mock amphibious assault of Iwo Jima. The Marines were instructed to make the attack on the beach, but no further than the black sands. This was due to the memorials, unexploded ordinance, respect for the dead, etc. At the time, we were told that this was the first time since WWII that the US Marines and US Navy had been back to the island to do an amphibious assault since the original assault in WWII. It was quite a moment for me to watch the marines and the Harriers practice their assault. I was also permitted to board a US Marine CH-46 to observe from above and also to make a landing at the airfield to present a plague or something like that to the Japanese assigned to take care of the island and airfield. It from my photos of Iwo Jima in 1982 compared to these photos, they have cleaned up the bays and the island quite a bit. There were numerous ship wreakage in the bay on the north side of Mt. Surabatchi. Now there appears to be only one or two left. The vegetation growth on the island kept us from seeing any cave entrances. Great photos!
BM1 Wilkerson: The Coast Guard LORAN C Station was the last US Iwo Jima property turned over to the Japanese. The turn-over was in 1993, when we also turned over the stations at Marcus Island, Tikachibuto (LORSTA Hokkaido), and Gesashi (in Okinawa). We also turned over the operation of the NW Pacific and East Asia LORAN Chains to the Japanese and Koreans.
At that time, Iwo Jima was a major Japanese Naval Air facility and was used extensively by the US Navy as a carrier landing facility. To practice "carrier landing procedures" the 1300-foot LORAN tower was removed.
Of all my visits to the NWPAC stations, Iwo Jima was by far the most interesting. There are numerous memorials scattered across the island in honor of the brave men, Japanese and American, who fought there. The memorial atop Suribachi is particularly special and the view across the island is commanding.
My Dad spent 34 months overseas in World War II. I never get tired of listening to him. I am fascinated with World War II. He can still tell you dates of incidents and where he was. He was in the 82nd Airbourne and was eventually discharged from the 101st when the war ended.
wonderful article from the AP
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100302/ap_on_re_as/as_japan_iwo_jima_1
I am in an NJROTC program at my high school in Bastrop, Texas. I love researching on WWII as well as learning about the people who fought there. I am also a future U.S. Marine and would like to hear from those that fought in the greatest battle the Marine's ever faced.
Now i am a platoon commander in my unit, and i would like to show my cadets how it was back then and how war changes the world. I would like to hear more further writings from those on this forum and wish to hear from anyone. Thank you. Justinmdrn@yahoo.com 512-629-7006
Mr. Tankersley,
I am serving in the Coast Guard our of Guam and will be flying to Iwo Jima in a few days for the 65th Anniversary. I never knew or even heard that there was a Loran station in Iwo Jima. That had to be one hell of a tour. Do you have any information about when the Loran Sta was decommissioned? Any history or stories you have would be appreciated. This is the last year that Loran will be in service as the Coast Guard has become another victim of budget cuts. I would love to hear from you.
V/r
BM1 Wilkinson
1st LT
USCGC WASHINGTON
bopoppa@yahoo.com
Mr. Tankersley,
I am serving in the Coast Guard our of Guam and will be flying to Iwo Jima in a few days for the 65th Anniversary. I never knew or even heard that there was a Loran station in Iwo Jima. That had to be one hell of a tour. Do you have any information about when the Loran Sta was decommissioned? Any history or stories you have would be appreciated. This is the last year that Loran will be in service as the Coast Guard has become another victim of budget cuts. I would love to hear from you.
V/r
BM1 Wilkinson
1st LT
USCGC WASHINGTON
Mr. Tankersley,
I am serving in the Coast Guard our of Guam and will be flying to Iwo Jima in a few days for the 65th Anniversary. I never knew or even heard that there was a Loran station in Iwo Jima. That had to be one hell of a tour. Do you have any information about when the Loran Sta was decommissioned? Any history or stories you have would be appreciated. This is the last year that Loran will be in service as the Coast Guard has become another victim of budget cuts. I would love to hear from you.
V/r
BM1 Wilkinson
1st LT
USCGC WASHINGTON
George where in the hell did you see all the dead people?
S/Sgt GW Rosson
Sgt, Hank Vasquez 4th Div. You askes if I was still there. Yes I am what can I do for you?
S/Sgt GW Rosson
I just opened a book that Dad and his fellow Marines compiled in the late 1980s entitled "2nd Armored Amphibian Battalion USMC WWII - Saipan, Tinian, Iwo Jima." It was published in 1991 under ISBN 0-9626571-0-7 and Library of Congress Catalog # 90-61496. The book is of personal memories and accounts, and I saw your father, JW, in a photo with the others in D Co. My dad was in C Company, and I am blessed to have an 'autographed' copy from Dad to me. Thank you for mentioning the other book - I will need to find a copy!
My father only spoke about the War when he happened to be with others who were there. I am told that he had nightmares the rest of his life, and his worst memory (there were many, though) was of seeing the civilians jump off the cliffs at Saipan. May our fathers and all those others who have died rest in peace now and enjoy their eternal reward. Their descendants and the rest of the world owe them so much.
Sgt Hank Vasquez, 4th Div-
Hey Buddy-You still with us?
My grandfather served with the 95th NCB (Seabees)and landed at the end of the 1st week. He survived the bonzai attack on the airstrip in the last week. Looking for any info on the seabees that were there in Feb of 1945
Hi Howard
I also was in the Coast Guard and stationed from March 1951 to March 1952 on Iwo Jima Loran station. If you send me you Email address I will send you some picture taken in 1951. I am curios to know if it has changed in 30 years.
wwlloyd@verizon.net
Hi Howard
I also was in the Coast Guard and stationed from March 1951 to March 1952 on Iwo Jima Loran station. If you send me you Email address I will send you some picture taken in 1951. I am curios to know if it has changed in 30 years.
My father (Russell Brady) was on the LST809 at Iwo Jima. If anyone served on board with him I would like to hear. He past away of brain cancer in 2005 and I never had a chance for him to talk to me about it.
Please email me at: russell_brady@yahoo.com
A few years ago I did get a chance to read the unit history that the unit's reunion association put together back in the late 80's "2nd Armored Amphibian Battalion Association (1991)" (ISBN-13: 978-0962657108) They sold it to their members back then but dad didn't order one. I had to go through an inter-library loan program to get it. Definitely worth the wait, and a very good read. I also have some pictures of my dad on Saipan and some of the unit's group photos from graduation in San Diego and another from when they were on Maui before heading out.
My dad was in "D" company 2nd Armored Amphibian Battalion. Very rarely talked about any of the combat. But he was very proud to have served as a Marine. He died back in 96 and I have regretted ever since not sitting down and pushing him for his memories. I know that the things he saw on Saipan, Tinian and Iwo haunted him til the end of his days.
I served on Iwo Jima from the Summer of 1982 to the Summer of 1983, my first duty station out of Coast Guard basic training. My memories of the place are vivid and I consider myself blessed that I got to spend a year in such a unique place in the world.
God bless those worriors,
I had the opportunity to watch the movie "Letters from Iwo Jima" directed and produced by Clint Eastwood. The movie was mostly focused on how the Japanies soldiers and their COs were enduring the preparededness for the US attack on the island.A new general arrived on the island and decided to stop all the trench digging on the beach, and initiated the plan of tunnel digging which turned out to be a briliant defense strategy that history wrote books about.
It was amazing how committed the soldiers were to there countries. There is so much to learn from battles like that ... honor, pride, dedication, including being respectfull of your enemies even though you are going to kill them, kill them while preseving their dignity. Where have all these ethics gone in today's world.
Gad bless all the worriors of Iwo Jima.
I am a passionate reader and studious of history, with special emphasis on the battles of the Second World War.
God and mother country have in his soul to all the heroes who were in so great battle IWO TO-JIMA, is an honor and privilege to let me know these unknown heroes, but with all the glory of service to his mother country.
Please I request people claiming to have photos of IWO TO - JIMA, tunnels, moments of battle,etc. Please send to my email alexanderanaya1@hotmail.com, I will always be grateful.
Thank you.
God Bless you.
Por favor solicito de las personas que dicen tener fotos de IWO TO - JIMA, tuneles, momentos de batalla etc, favor enviarlos a mi correo alexanderanaya1@hotmail.com, les estare eternamente agradecido.
Soy un apacionado lector y estudioso de la historia, con especial enfasis en las batallas de la segunda guerra mundial.
Que Dios y la Patria tenga en su gloria a todos los heroes que estuvieron en tan GRANDIOSA batalla de IWO TO -JIMA, es un honor y privilegio que me permitan conocer a eston heroes desconocidos, pero con toda la gloria del servicio a su Patria.
To Stuard Harper on 2-19-2010, If you have any ??????? on Iwo Jima call me on 609-647-1444 T was there for a little over two years 1946-1947. Call any time
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
My dad was a Marine on IWO. He was shot in the head. Spent two years in hosp. in California before discharge. He died in 1963 @ 40yo from a brain tumor. His name is Thomas Roger Hickey.
Thank You, my father was on Iwo Jima the fourth marine div. He never talked about It.
I had the honor of serving on Iwo from 11/1981 to 12/1982 while in the U.S. Coast Guard.
True heroes fought and died there and it's in the air no matter where you step or look. Thanks is just not enough to express the gratitude to those who gave all on such a tiny, but important piece of land.
This truly is hallowed ground and an important day in our history.
Rene Noriega
Machinery Technician 2nd Class
U.S. Coast Guard
From a Vietnam vet to all of the WWII vets-thank you, the Greatest Generation
To all you guys out there who fought on Iwo and to all of your fallen comrades, I offer my enormous debt of gratitude for your courage and the sacrifices so many had to make. May god bless you all and watch over you now and forever.
Hi, I am a world history teacher in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. I would love to see the pictures that you have and use them in my World War II class. Any help that you can be, would be greatly appreciated.
sincerely,
matt hancock
got any facts about ira hayes the one who helped put put the american flag on iwo jima if you do leave thwm off at my email at aiyanabears@gmail.com !!!:-)> Thanks
I have all finds of pictures of Iwo Jima taken over 65 years ago. I was on Iwo Jima 1946-1947. I've been in most of the caves and tunnels, There was a lot of dead Japs in all of them. The smemm was real bad. The skin was all dryed up on them. If you would like to talk call 609-647-1444 Just ask for bill. Have a good day.
Bill
John Willinghoff or any one that has the same last name Please call me 309-647-1444 or email me Rossonotes@aol.com. This man was my best friend on Iwo Jima. I've been trying to find him for a long time Thanks a lot!!!!!
S/ Sgt. GW Rosson
Any one that has been on Iwo Jima Please call me or give me your phone number and I'll call you. My number is 309-647-1444 or email me Rossonotes@aol.com
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
I need help, I was on Iwo Jima in 1946-1947 as a first Sgt. My best friend was in the same company as I was. If any one can help me I would say thank you. I've been trying to find a John Willinghoff or any one that knows of him Please let me know.( his kids or just any one that may know of him. Call me on 609-647-1444 or give me your number and I'l call you. My email is Rossonotes@aol.com Thank you more then I can tell you!!!!!!!
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
Just Great Thank You!
Reply to Larry Hunsberger on 2-13-2010 Yes they still have all three airfields there but they are only using one of them.
Bill Call 609-647-1444
Yes they scraped all the airplane that was on Iwo Jima back in the 50th. I have pictures of all the old planes that were there.
S/Sgt. GW Rosson call 609- 647- 1444 or email me Rossonotes@aol.com
I,M CURIOUS AS TO WHAT THE MILITARY DID WITH ALL THE BROKEN AIRCRAFT THEY HAD LEFT OVER AFTER THE WAR. I DIDN,T EVEN SEE A RUNWAY IN LATER PHOTOS.BY THE WAY THANK YOU FOR SERVING THERE AND PUTTING AN END TO THE WAR.
To: Donna Boston,Yes Donna they were moved starting while I was there. They started in mid 1947 and finished in 1949. they moved the 3 & 4 Marines first then the 5th Marines.Call me on 609-647=1444 0r email me on Rossonotes@aol.com
S/Sgt GW Rosson
Rick, You want the Iwo Jima casualty list call me 609-647-1444 ask for Bill.
S/Sgt GW Rosson
Rick Latham, You want anc. call me 609-747-1444. Any thing about Iwo Jima I've got them.
S/Sgt GW Rosson
s/sgt rosson i am looking for info on edward hoy from kent ohio kia on iwo. cannot seem to find casualty lists. Maybe you can direct me or give info where to look. rlatham777@yahoo.com
The photos are simply awesome. I look at the quiet scenes there now and remember the news reports from 1945, and all the movies I've seen depicting the battle. All I can say is that I pray God the American people NEVER FORGET those good men who went to Iwo, both those who came home as well as the thousands who stayed there. I'm 67 now, and over the decades have sadly watched as the sixteen million WW II vets have slowly withered away. One of the best parts of this nation will go with the last of them. I do wish we had the same stuff in us today as did that generation that answered the call after December 7, 1941. Sgt. Rosson (plain old Bill), I'm a plain old Bill too, but I owe you and your companions a huge debt. I honor you, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I believe that you and those with you gave my generation our future. God bless you, sir.
Bill E. Smith - Atmore, Alabama
Hi. In anc to your 2-9-2010 wanting to know about a man that was on Iwo Jima. I was there in 1946-1947. I've been in most of the tunnels and caves on Iwo Jima. You asks the ???????? and I'll give you the anc. Phone 309-647-1444 or give me your phone number and I'll call you. also my email is Rossonotes@aol.com Have a good day.
S/Sgt. G. W. Rosson
looking for info on edward hoy usmc from kent ohio kia on iwo. i have no specific other than he was kia somewhere on surabachi. i would greatly appreciate any help and information.
looking for info on edward hoy usmc from kent ohio kia on iwo. i have no specific other than he was kia somewhere on surabachi. i would greatly appreciate any help and information.
Hi, I have a lot of time now. If you have any ??????? on Iwo Jima just call or Email Rossonotes@aol.com. I'm retired so call any time. If you got the ?????, I've got the anc. to all of them (TRY me )
S/Sgt. G W Rosson
Kai-nalu you wrote on 1-25- 2010. that you may call me on 309-647-1444 This is not a long distancs call for you or send me your phone number and I'll call you. Have a nice day
S/Sgt. GW Rosson or email Rossonotes@aol.com I go by Bill
Hi, I would like a call from any one on Iwo Jima. I could type this page full of things about Iwo Jima, but I don't like typing that well. Since I was on Iwo Jima for two years I have a lot of infro. on it. I was there in 1946-1947 as a S/Sgt over the Ordance dept. I've been in most of the caves and tunnels. The Jap Gen cave is the biggest one . It goes down 76 feet, having 5 levels. My phone number is 309-647-1444 or Emaim Rossonotes@aol.com. Have a nice day.
S/Sgt. GW Rosson
The reply. on 1-25-2010 from Dane Kai-nalu T. To GW Rosson I would like a call from you 309-647-1444 This is on Iwo Jima. Thank you.
S/Sgt. G W Rosson
Harold, are you sure it was the 20th Marine Division ? If so, the Corps has grown quite a bit since I was there in 1945.
Hello, I will give you a call later on today I would love to know more about the battle of Iwo Jima. You can call me Kai. It's short for Kai-nalu, it's Hawaiian. So ill give you a call later.
Sincerly,
Dane Kai-nalu T.
Is there anyone out there that is interested in Iwo Jima, if so call me on 609-647=1444 I'm here most of the time.I'll talk to you about the caves , tunnels, dead Japs and any thing else you want to talk about.
S/Sgt. G W Rosson
I've got a lot of anc. on about any thing to do with Iwo Jima.I was there 65 years ago, Been in most of the caves and tunnels. Saw a hell of a lot of dead Japs. ( the smell was bad. ) Call me on 609-647-1444 any time.
S/Sgt. G W Rosson
I'm a retired man from Cat. and was on Iwo Jima I like to talk to any one about Iwo Jima Call me on 309-647-1444 I was on Iwo Jima for two years.
S/Sgt. G W Rosson
Hi, I would still like to have some calls on ANY ???????? you have on Iwo Jima.You cal call me on 309-647-1444 or email me Rossonotes@aol.com
S/Sgt. G W Rosson I go by Bill now.
If anyone out there has any ???????? Please call me 309-647-1444 or email me Rossonotes@aol.com I was S/Sgt. G W Rosson then now I'm just plain old Bill Ha Ha Hve a good day.
Bill
Were the bodies of the service men killed on Iwo Jima move?
My father-in-law was killed on Iwo Jima Island on February 27, 1945. His name was Glenn Boston, from Parkesburg, West Virginia. I have a scrapbook that I just finished with his pictures, and all kinds of papers, from his enlistment papers to his discharge papers, the medals he was awarded his information regarding the benfits the wife and 2 boys received. Very intersting because my husband was only 18 months old when he was killed and only seen him once.
Anc. To Jonn on His reply on Nov 11, 2009.John yes I have pictures of all the caves and tunnels also maps of all of them. If you need anc. call me 309-647-1444 or email me Rossonotes@aol.com You have a nice day.
S/ Sgt G W Rosson
Hi, You asks the ??????? I'll give you the anc.Iwas only 18 years old when I got to Iwo Jima. I was there in 1946-1947 I guess for a boy of my age at that time I seen a lot of dead Japs. ( That was good ). Like I said before if you have any ???? let me know.
G W Rosson Call 609-647-1444 or email Rossonotes@aol.com I would really reather talk then play with this comp.
G W Rosson ( I go by Bill )
Bill
Hi, You asks the ??????? I'll give you the anc.Iwas only 18 years old when I got to Iwo Jima. I was there in 1946-1947 I guess for a boy of my age at that time I seen a lot of dead Japs. ( That was good ). Like I said before if you have any ???? let me know.
G W Rosson Call 609-647-1444 or email Rossonotes@aol.com I would really reather talk then play with this comp.
G W Rosson ( I go by Bill )
Bill
My father was in the 2nd armored amphibian battalion and was one of the first to land on the island in February 1945, and he watched both of the flag raisings. He was very proud of the Marines and loved 'his boys' very deeply. The bond between them remains strong even after death. His heart was always with all of them - those who returned home and those who gave their lives for their brothers, their country and for the world. Dad died several years ago and cherished some of the ash from the beaches which a buddy had given him years later. These photos are beautiful, and tears well in my eyes as I view them. Thank you, USMC, all of you!!!! Dad and his daughter salute you!
I've put my email n a lot of places. I've had very little. email or calls. I was there right after the war was over !046-1947. I've been in a lot of the tunnels and caves. I also have maps of all the tynnels and caves. Any one that wants infro. on Iwo Jima , call me 609-647-1444 or email me R0ssonotes@aol.com. Thankd
Bill
I was stationed on Iwo Jima for about 1 year in 1949, and visited many if not all of the caves and saw how the Japanese died in yhose caves. Also saw the original flag raising carving on top of Mt Suribachi. It was all so awe inspiring even though I was not in the war. I was stationed with the U. S. Coast Guard. During that year I learned very much about Iwo Jima. It is too bad we had to lose so many military men, but it was a strategic Island that had to be taken. Some times I can still smell the sulphur pits that were on the Island. Thanks to all who paid the ultimate price to help keep our country free. Jack Schneyer
It was asked a few times, who owns Iwo Jima today? in my opinion, it is over 6,800 Marines that own that piece of realestate, free and clear.
Sierra Foxtrot,
Paul Marquis USMC
Vietnam & KheSanh Vet
Purple Heart 1968
John, Yes I have 165 pictures of Iwo Jima I was there in 1946-1947 At that time every thing was BLACK. How it is all covered with green. GW Rosson ( Bill ) Email Rossonotes@aol.com
Need anc. Caoo me 609-647-1444 or Email Rossonotes@aol.com
Bill
Email me for anc.
Bill
Muscles,I was on Iwo Jima in 1946-1947. I've in most of the tunnels and caves. The Jap Gen cave, The Hosp cave and a hell of a lot other. Lots of dead Japs. If you want to talk call me on 609-647-1444 Or Email me on Rossonotes@aol.com I was a first Sgt in the Army there.We are planning on going back there soon.
Bill
The only people living there are appro 400 Japs that are running the air fields all three of them. I was there in 1946-1947 for more Infr. Call 309-647-1444 or email Rossonotes@aol.com
Bill
Blake, I was on Iwo Jima in 1946-1947. I've been in most f the caves and tunnels. You ask the ??????? and I'll give you the anc. to them. i would like to see your pictures.
When I was there I was S/Sgt G. W. Rosson now I'm just Bill Ha Ha Have a good day.
Bill
Are there any Hotels/Motels on the Island? Are there many people living on the Island?
I see that some have visited the Island, recently...Is that right?
I'm interested in having someone look at the monument with all the dog tags, etc hanging from the monument...
Thanks for a reply
When you open up Iwo Jima today and go down to the 9th picture you can see an airplane in the water. One went down in 1946 and it had 20 enlisted men and Capt Queen and more. Iwo Jima has rose appro. 60 feet since then Maybe?????????
S/Sgt. G W Rosson call 309-647-1444
los que dicen que estubieron en Iwo Jima durante la batalla mienten,tan simple xq ya no keda nadie vivo que estuviera en esa fecha en la isla.un saludo
This stuff is pretty cool. I wish I could go there one day...
I was a signalman in the Navy serving with a group of other signalmen, we were assigned to the 20th marine division, we went ashore on the fourth day of the battle, the day the marines put the flag on Mount Surabachi. We stayed on the island 14 months. I would be very pleased to have anyone in that comunication unit contact me. My nickname was "Muscles", all 125 pounds "ha ha"
I was on Iwo Jima 1946-1947.I will talk to anyone on Iwo Jima. Call me 309-647-1444 or email me Rossonotes@aol.com.
S/Sgt. G.W. Rosson
Yes I can anc. all that Elaim me Rossonotes@aol.com or call me on 309-647-1444 S/Sgt. G. W. Rosson they call me Bill
As ever Bill
On the subject of who owns Iwo, it was returned to the Japan Gov. in 1968/69, and the barrages on the west side of the island are made out of concrete, and when I was there in 56/57 they were a haven for some of the most small colorful fish that I have ever seen. I never did go into any of the caves, just stuck my head into a few, not my cup of tea. I have a lot of photos of the island, will find them and try to post for you guys to see, Blake
UNCOMMON VALOR WAS A COMMON VIRTUE! What an apt and fitting statement about those gallant men and boys who gave their "last full measure of devotion" on that natures blemish and God's defile Island that was Iwo Jima. I cannot comprehend the bravery and fortitude that allowed those youngsters to forge ahead into that maelstrom of death and destruction. Thank God for them and may their memory never fade from the minds and hearts of the American people. Semper Fi Leathernecks, and when I look on Heavens scenes somday, I know I'll be surrounded by a sea of green, the United States Marines.
I was stationed on IWO 56/57 with the USAF, 6361st ABSQ. I would like to know what happened to the orignal small monument that mused to on top of Sirbichi, the one in the most recent photo does not match the one I have photos of, hope someone can help. At one time the runway on Iwo was the longest in the Far East at over 5000'. I have really enjoyed the site, thanks Blake McNeely
You can find more photo's showing what the Japanese fortified positions look like today on this Japanese site. Just click on the different links to see various pictures and maps. You can always copy and paste the Japanese text into the google translator to get a rough idea of what it's all about.
http://www.iwojima.jp/index.html
i think the pictures here are just amazing. my question is is there any living people on this beautiful at all. i to give all my respects to all the good young men who died on this island.
I would like to know if the USA or Japan own it? and is the island used for anything now ??
I was on Iwo Jima in 1946-1947. I've been there and done that. I've been in most of the tunnels and caves , all have a lot of dead Japs in them.The Jap Gen. cave is the biggest on. It goes down 76 feet. The Hosp. cave is next it goes down 47 feet.If any one wants info. get hold of me. At 24803 E. Old Beach Rd. or phone me 309-647-1444 or email me Rossonotes@aol.com
Have a nice day.
Used to be a S/Sgt. now just plain old Bill
It is amazimg how small this island is and how so many gave their
lives in battle,god bless the U.S. Marines
I had the distinct honor of spending two days on Iwo Jima. There are still sunken troop carriers off the beaches. Japanese machine gun nests throughout, along with empty shells scattered through out the island. Tunnels are filled with pottery, tables, and uniforms of what I believe were the Japanese soldiers who died wearing them. On the top of Suribachi there is a monument wall with dogtags left from Marines wayt back in the day to the present. While on the island you can't help but feel the emotions of the battlke that took place, I will never forget those days I was honored to see that history. God bless the men who passed fighting for what they believed in. Semper Fidelis
I pay my respects the honourable soldiers that bravely defended iwo jima. without reinforcement from the mainland
I think the pictures are brilliant. Well obviously that is mount sirabaji on the end of the island. I see they must have erected a memorial on the mount. You can see that is a volcanic island.
My love goes to the brave young men who took the island.
Kevin...England
Would love to have a description of what the pictures are of, although most are just landscape pictures. It would be interesting to know what the structures are in some of the pictures. Any cave pictures?