UPDATED: Iwo Jima today -- it's still a gut-clutcher

UPDATE: Marine who led WWII charge up Mount Suribachi on Iwo Jima dies   February 17, 2016  "The Marine who led the charge to place the first American flag above Iwo Jima has died.

First Lt. John Wells, 94, died Feb. 11 at the Arvada Care Rehabilitation Center in Arvada, Colorado.

Wells received the Navy Cross, Bronze Star and Purple Heart after leading his Marines in a frontal assault up the slopes of Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II.

He didn’t make it to the top after taking multiple enemy rounds, but continued to command, leading his men to victory. His platoon raised the first flag atop the mountain, hours before the iconic photo of the second flag raising was captured.

. . . 

His published his memoir of the Battle of Iwo Jima, “Give Me 50 Marines Not Afraid to Die,” in 1995.

. . . "The engagement gained his platoon the distinction as the most decorated platoon to fight in a single engagement in the history of the Marine Corps." . . .


Solo's Hideaway Fun Pages

"A heavy machine gun, possibly a Japanese Type 92 Heavy Machine Gun, lies abandoned in

a bunker overlooking the landing beaches. There are still dozens of these bunkers all over

the island. Most of them were destroyed during the battle. This pillbox still bore the scars of

the fighting. It was pockmarked with bullet holes and the inside was blackened. I imagine a

flame thrower was used to clear that pillbox."

This monument was erected on the spot where Franklin Sousley, Harlon Block, Michael Strank, John Bradley, Rene Gagnon, and Ira Hayes raised the American flag 4 days into the battle for Iwo Jima . Iwo Jima is like Mecca for the Marines. Visiting Marines leave personal mementos behind during their 'pilgrimages'.

The Eagle, Globe and Anchors on the left and right side of the monument are completely covered in dog tags left by visiting Marines and service men to honor the 6,131 killed.

Hat tip to Ron Gazda, Texas.