Posted on 02/23/2017 12:29:54 PM PST by smokingfrog
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - The oldest surviving officer from the Battle of Iwo Jima has died.
Lt. Gen. Larry Snowden died over the weekend at the age of 95 in the state Capitol. Those who knew him called him a Marine's Marine, and a general's general.
Snowden was a 23-year-old captain, commanding 200 men at Iwo Jima.
Snowden told News4Jax in 2013 that one of WWII’s most famous battles was far different than the romanticized version.
“I've read many accounts that says when the flag went up, the troops all over the island stood up and cheered. No way," Snowden said. "Where I was, (if) you stood up, you were a dead Marine.”
Snowden was wounded twice and went back into action despite having a 1½-year-old son at home.
“I had a momentary flash of what it would mean to me if somebody were telling me that my son is dead,” Snowden said.
For many, just knowing him was an honor.
“He is skillful and courageous in battle," Col. Glen Suttfin said. "He was gracious to the defeated. He always took care of his troops, and they didn't necessarily have to be on active duty with him. It didn’t matter where they were. If they were troops, veterans, he took care of them.”
Snowden went on to fight in Korea and Vietnam.
After his tour in Vietnam, he said it was OK not to like the war.
(Excerpt) Read more at news4jax.com ...
RIP
Semper Fi Devil Dog, Rest in Peace
Semper FI!
RIP, Marine.
RIP.
Sleep well tonight, Marine. You’ve earned your place in Heaven.
Semper fi
Do or Die
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.