My father was in the Marines but did not fight on Iwo Jima--he was in the invasion of Okinawa which began April 1, 1945. My father is no longer living but a friend of his who also fought on Okinawa is going strong at 97. Time is taking its toll--in 12 years the youngest WWII veterans will be 100 years old, so we need to appreciate the ones who are still around while we can.
That’s why it’s important to make sure the younger generation knows this history and doesn’t forget it.
My dad was on Iwo and Okinawa with the Air Corps after he left North Africa. He went to A-20 flight school in between and flunked out. He was a supply Sgt. He never saw combat.
His friends who saw combat were very envious of him.
My dad landed at Iwo Jima, Green Beach on D-Day. 5th Marine Division; Pioneer. Stayed until the end. He left us in 1999.
I sure miss him.
Semper FI to a Marine family.
more people died (to include civilians)in the Battle of Okinawa, than died in the combined a-bombing of Nagasaki and Hiroshima
I had a dear friend who was at Iwo Jima. Russell died a few years ago, but was one of the most stalwart and salt of the earth people I’ve ever know.