My father was in the 4th Marine Division. He was at Saipan and witnessed the suicides off the cliffs. It upset him greatly. He said the women would throw the children off first, then they would jump.
Of course, that was nothing like the absolute Hell he witnessed on Iwo Jima.
My Dads friend who was killed on Saipan was in the 4th Marine div.
Iwo Jima had no civilians, as you know.
Wow, your Dad saw two bad ones and a lot in between.