re: Iwo Jima memories from 69 yers ago

My paw paw told me a cool story about how he and his buddies docked at Iwo after the Marines took it over. They "acquired" a jeep and rode it all over the island while they were there. When it was time to ship off, they loaded the ride on their ship and had transportation the rest of the war. Ship's captain never asked where it came from.

You are an 87 year old badass. Please post more.

Crazy.

I just sat down and interviewed an Iwo Jima vet. I believe he was in the 27th replacement. Get in touch with me.

My grandfather served in the 5th on Iwo. Had a mortar shell land in his foxhole and lost a leg. He was carried off the field by one of his men (like something you see in a movie) and shot twice while being carried. He rehabbed in Philly for almost a year, came home and lived a normal, productive life without complaint. He was the greatest influence in my life while alive and still is in memory.

It seems insufficient to post something so momentous on a message board. To all those who fought there, and those who died there, I can only offer my humblest gratitude for everything you endured. History will remember you long after other generations fade into obscurity.

My dad served in New Guinea. From what I have heard it was a brutal place to try to survive in, then you throw in fanatical Japs and it had to be hell on earth.

Anyway Mr. Edward Teach, Thank You.

I sure hope you stay around to post with us for a while.....

My favorite uncle was a Marine who fought in all the major battles of the island hopping campaign & while he never mentioned anything of those battles, he HATED the Japanese till the day he died. He was mild mannered & very laid back, but whenever anything related to the Japanese came up, he would turn almost violent.He brought home some Marine battle pictures, however, and for whatever resaon, there were several of Marine flamethrowers in action.This was the real war, not the John Wayne version seen in the movies.

Thank you for your service.

My Dad was on the USS Mississippi for the first ( nine years of his 27 year career. He loved the "Mighty Mo'' and would talk about her glory and might as long as people would listen. He was in charge of the last few reunions, as a youngster I attended many of them. I'm sure My Dad and your FIL knew each other.