February 23, 2009
Iwo Jima Tribute To Our Heroes
On February 19, 1945 about 30,000 United States Marines of the 3rd, 4th and 5th Marine Divisions, under V Amphibious Corps, landed on Iwo Jima and a battle for the island commenced. The landing was called Operation Detachment.
Following the American victory, a group of US Marines reached the top of Mount Suribachi on February 23, 1945 and raised the American flag. They were persuaded to re-enact the event shortly afterwards by AP photographer Joe Rosenthal. The photo later won a Pulitzer Prize and is the subject of the USMC War Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery.
At 2 AM on the morning of February 19, battleship guns signaled the commencement of D-Day. Soon 100 bombers attacked the island, followed by another volley from the naval guns. At 8:30, Marines disembarked toward the shores of Iwo Jima. Their objective -- Suribachi Mountain, at the south of the island, which guarded the beaches.
The Marines faced heavy fire from Suribachi and inhospitable terrain, rough volcanic ash which allowed neither secure footing or the digging of a foxhole. They were sitting ducks. Still, by that evening, the mountain had been surrounded and 30,000 Marines had landed. About 40,000 more would follow.
The climb up Suribachi was fought by the yard. Gunfire was ineffective against the Japanese, but flame throwers and grenades cleared the bunkers. Finally, on February 23, the summit had been reached. The erection of the American flag that day proved an inspiration not only to the combatants but to a grateful nation for years to come.
Every man and woman who has served as a United States Marine since February 1945 has carried with him or her the legacy of Iwo Jima. It is woven into their consciousness just as tightly as the fabric that makes up their uniform. The sacrifices made on that battlefield inform them every day of the inalterable standards to which history might make them also accountable. The courage and sense of duty of their fellow Marines on Iwo Jima breathes dignity into their own acts.
None of these men will ever be forgotten.
Posted by Wild Thing at February 23, 2009 07:45 AM
This is what my birthday means to me, the raising of that flag for freedom from oppression and tyranny. A simple but poignant reminder that war is to be fought to win, not to a negotiated standstill that is never resolved. Those flag raisers sent a message to Japan that we would conquer their evil empire and it inspired the entire war effort.
I'm no Marine but served in the same theater with the 3rd Division in I Corps, there are no finer men on earth. These men were and still are professional fighters. We all start as 0311 or as we dogfaces say, 11 Bravo, some make it a career, some branch off to support their warrior brothers in various roles, mine was a support role. Each of us play a part in the interdependent bigger picture.
One of those was Edward Albert Heimberger, another was Lee Marvin, both served us and entertained us. None of us can appreciate the hell these Marines went through unless you've felt the rush of incoming fire yourself.
Thank you Marines and Semper Fi.
Posted by: Jack at February 23, 2009 09:34 AM
God bless the US Marine 3d Platoon and photographer's Louis R. Lowery and Joe Rosenthal for capturing the greatest pictures in our times!
Take that ... JAPS!
Posted by: darthcrUSAderworldtour07 at February 23, 2009 10:15 AM
-"Every man and woman who has served as a United States Marine since February 1945 has carried with him or her the legacy of Iwo Jima." This aint no-shit.
Every year the Divsion commander, usually a Major General, has what is known as the CG inspection. It take two days to complete. Starts with a 'Junk on the Bunk' inspection and is finished on the second day with a huge inspection of every Marine in Division at the parade deck. The Regiments are all lined up in formation, then companies and finally platoons. The General rides in a specially made Jeep(Now I have no Idea what they use)for the purpose of viewing each regiment. As the General passes by each regiment in turn is called to attention and after he passes parade rest is called. this takes about an hour to complete. After this cursory inspection of the Division, of some 20,000 Marines. He returns to the reviewing stand. The division Sergeant Major calls the Division to attention, orders right face, right shoulder Arms, and Pass in review. At which point the 2nd Marine Division band starts off the parade with Semper Fidelis. As the first company passes the reviewing stand the company commander calls 'eyes right', there are four ranks of Marines the first rank closest to the stand faces forward the rest turn their heads sharply towards the reviewing stand. Now you have the whole Division in motion. Once the first company passes the stand the band starts the Marine's Hymn, this is when you see the Pride in the Corps, posture and bearing is always important but when the "Hymn" is played you can see the whole division stand just a little bit taller. This is one of the most impressive sights. The next sight is to head for the chow hall, because after 'pass in review' the inspection is over. Usually some great dinner is waiting. If I have forgotten anything it's been 45 years since my last CG inspection.
Some of the men on Iwo Jima were present at my first CG inspection, in 1963, the pride and tradition of the corps is passed along from generation to generation of Marines.
Its just the way it is.
Posted by: Mark at February 23, 2009 12:11 PM
I THANK all those that have fought for our FREEDOM each, and every day. The DEPTH of my RESPECT for all the BRAVE MEN, WOMEN, and Service Animals, that gave their all, their ONE, SINGLE, and -PRECIOUS- LIVES for our FREEDOM is I-m-m-e-a-s-u-r-a-b-l-e. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU.
Posted by: pontiff alex at February 23, 2009 02:39 PM
"From the Halls of Montezuma... to the top of Mount Suribachi - OOH RAH, SEMPER FI and GUNG-HO Leathernecks...a few good men...the few... the proud... the MARINES... SIMPLY THE BEST!"
Posted by: drstrangeloveb52isok at February 23, 2009 04:03 PM
Jack, beautifully put.
"Those flag raisers sent a message to Japan that we would conquer their evil empire and it inspired the entire war effort."
Posted by: Wild Thing at February 23, 2009 06:58 PM
Darth, yes God bless the photographers too.
Posted by: Wild Thing at February 23, 2009 07:02 PM
Mark, that gave me goosebumps. Thank you Mark for sharing about that.Semper Fi
Posted by: Wild Thing at February 23, 2009 07:05 PM
pontiff alex, well said.
Posted by: Wild Thing at February 23, 2009 07:09 PM
Posted by: Wild Thing at February 23, 2009 07:10 PM