Blood Plasma Box from the Battle of Iwo Jima

[Brian Keith]

John Jaqua of Portland, IN was the ARC representative assigned to the 28^th Marines, 5^th Marine Division. The marines featured in the famous Mount Suribachi flag raising photograph were also from the 28^th Marines. Jaqua, as part of his Red Cross Duties, assisted the medical and chaplain’s staff during the battle. I posted his Citation here: http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/index.php?/topic/262284-5th-marine-division-iwo-citation/

This box end panel was from Red Cross supplied blood plasma that was saved as a souvenir by Jaqua. Behind the panel is the ARC envelope he put it in to preserve it. On the back of the panel, stuck to some of the box glue, are some fine grains of the distinctive black volcanic sand from Iwo Jima. The museum of the Soldier in Portland, IN has an exhibit of Jaqua’s items. Sadly, in the late 1980’s, Jaqua sold two Japanese officers swords from Iwo to one of those “Motel” militaria buyers for $200. The buyer didn’t care about the veteran’s or the swords WW II history.

BKW

 

Sometimes seemingly insignificant items speak volumes.

[RyanWWII]

Very cool. Thanks for sharing!

[Brian Keith]

Thanks for your comments, I'm glad you enjoyed seeing it.

BKW

[ViewfinderGyrene]

Incredible

[BEAST]

Nice souvenir Brian!