World War II 'Hero of Iwo Jima,' John Keith Wells, dies in Arvada

The Denver Channel ^ | 2/15/16 | Lance Hernandez

[MileHi]

Rest well Lt. Wells.

Thanks for your service.

[XHogPilot]

What does it mean?

No matter how it’s written, it’s difficult to comprehend...

Picture Lt. Obama in the place of Lt Wells on that day. The Lt is given an order for an extremely dangerous, likely suicidal, frontal assault. Lt Obama orders his men out of their protective trenches, while he continues to cower in his foxhole, continuing to order his Marines up the hill. “Leading from behind” is what it’s called.

What really happened, was Lt Wells didn’t order his men into extreme danger, he led. He left it up to his men’s own courage and commitment to choose to follow. He led an incredibly brave charge up an exposed hill. By Lt Wells’ courageous leadership and action that day, the battle was won.

It’s hard to comprehend.

Lt Wells did not order his men, he led.

[onedoug]

From Iwo Jima back to the interior of the Earth. Geology. Oil.

Semper Fidelis.

RIP.

Lord, receive the soul of John Keith Wells. Amen.

[rlmorel]

That was how I interpreted it, but I agree.

Poorly written.

That said, RIP Lieutenant, Sir.

[ken5050]

FYI..there’s a superb book...”Texas Aggie Medals of Honor”, by James R. Woodall. It tells the stories of the seven Aggies who received the CMoH during WW II. A good read.

[oh8eleven]

By Lt Wells' courageous leadership and action that day, the battle was won. It's hard to comprehend.
My only (lousy) explanation is that those in combat never think they're going to die. It's always the "other guy" who's going to get it.
It's from that mindset that so many men accomplish truly unbelievable acts of heroism.

[wbill]

11 grandkids and 22 great grands. That’s a life well-lived, right there.

[PGR88]

Picture Lt. Obama in the place of Lt Wells on that day.

ERROR. DOES. NOT. COMPUTE.

[doorgunner69]

Obola would never have gotten off the ship. Would have reported to sickbay for a bad cough.

[stormer]

My dad was at Iwo.

[Skooz]

RIP, sir.

We, the living, owe you and those with whom you served every free breath we take.

Godspeed.

[Verginius Rufus]

Another WWII vet died yesterday—Preston Hubbard, a survivor of the Bataan Death March. He was 97.

[alexander_busek]

My 7th-grade Science teacher at HSJH was one of those Marines who hoisted Old Glory on Iwo Jima. One of the most inspirational teachers I ever had - and he never mentioned his heroism to us kids (I learned of it only years later through newspaper accounts).

Regards,

[MCF]

My Uncle lived through the march, but died in the camp in August of 1944.

[jmaroneps37]

Sir, take command of the guard detail at the Pearly Gate for your new C O St. Peter
God Bless you Sir ooh rah!
and Semper Fi

[fieldmarshaldj]

RIP.

[Impy]

RIP

Not many guys live to see 22 great grandchildren born.