re: The Battle of Iwo Jima began on this day 80 years ago...

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Uncle was there. He was around the group that put up the first flag. Lifelong marine.

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I had an uncle there as well. 3rd Marine Div. It was the closest he came to being wounded in action when a mortar round went off behind him and the shrapnel hit his pack. He turned around and cussed his buddy for kicking him to the ground so hard and was ready to fight him until it was pointed out that his pack was shredded and his mess kit was wiped out. Said he never even heard the explosion behind him.