Thanks. I was doing that post from work and my library is at home. Thought maybe somebody might pick me up on the actual US service component at Ie Shima. While we're clarifying, it was Captain Henry T. Waskow of Belton, Texas of the 36th Didivision USA who had been in command of his company since he and his men had left the States. One of his Sergeants told Pyle, "after my father, he came next". His body had come down the mountain, with other dead soldiers, on the backs of mules. "He always looked after us" another soldier said to Pyle.
There's more, but you should read it yourselves. It's from Pyle's acclaimed book, "BRAVE MEN". Ernie Pyle was buried at Ie Shima and the inscription on his grave marker read, "At this spot the 77th Infantry Division Lost A Buddy. Ernie Pyle.18 April 1945."
Big Digger
"Brave Men" is a classic bit of literature.I have an original first printing and cherish it.