William C. Erler, Iwo Jima Paramarine, 26th Marine Regiment.

[tdogchristy90]

Following Kurt's lead on the wonderful paramarine group he posted I thought I would follow up. While I was earning my master's degree in history (which I've since finished, hallelujah) I worked with the Institute on WW2 and the Human Experience at Florida State University. They had a hand full of collections I was very fond of while working with them. One of them I posted previously, Atomic Bomb POW. Now following Kurt's lead I give you the paramarine of the FSU collection and a gentleman whose story has left a soft spot on this historian's heart. Enjoy...

 

 

PFC William C. "Chuck" Erler was born on December 16, 1923, in Columbus, Ohio to William and Ruth Erler. He graduated from North High School in 1941 and began working for the Pennsylvania railroad. On December 9, 1942, Erler enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. During basic training, Erler became close friends with brothers from Columbus, Luther and Harold Crabtree. Erler proved himself in training, where he earned his marksmanship badge and qualified as an Expert Rifleman. Erler shipped overseas on July 20, 1944. 

He was a member of the 4th battalion of the 1st Marine Parachute Regiment, an experimental group aimed at mirroring the roles filled by the Army parachute regiments. The parachute regiment was ultimately seen as impractical for the Pacific theater and Erler and his friends, Luther and Harold, were transferred to the 26th Marine Regiment, 5th Marine Division. This Division was formed for the upcoming landings on the island of Iwo Jima. On February 19, 1945, Erler went ashore during the invasion of Iwo Jima. A newspaper article suggests that he was a flamethrower operator during the battle, but this cannot be corroborated.

An astonishing episode involving Erler and the Crabtree brothers is told in historical records. Erler and brothers Luther and Harold were serving in the same company when Harold was killed by Japanese machine-gun fire on February 26, 1945. Luther and Erler ran under fire to retrieve his body. The following day, Erler wrote his parents, "Dear Folks, We just got relieved of off the front lines. Words can't describe my thoughts of the situation, still going. Love your son." 

William Erler was killed in action at Iwo Jima on March 2, 1945. He was 21 years old. His remains were returned to the United States in 1948 and he is buried in Eastlawn Cemetery in his hometown of Columbus, Ohio.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[tdogchristy90]

[tdogchristy90]

 

 

[tdogchristy90]

[tdogchristy90]

[tdogchristy90]

For reference, the newspaper article mentions the event in which Erler and Luther went to retrieve Harold Crabtree. Likewise, the V-mail is Erler's correspondence with his folks the day following the events discussed in the newspaper. 

 

Finally, the group photo is as identified. Viewer's left to right: Moe - Harold - Craig - Luther - William (Erler)

 

FSU WW2 Collection.

[BigJohn#3RD]

God Bless them all. RIP Marine

[Brian R]

What an exceptional set and one that really shows the man/men behind these awards. These guys were so young -  just look at the bar picture. Great presentation and research!

 

 

[themick]

A very outstanding group, tdog.  Thank you  for sharing it.  

 

Steve

[scottplen]

Great group ! Thanks for honoring his memory .

[Kurt Barickman]

Glad you decided to share that group on the Forum; would like to see if Mark could post his Choiseul KIA group again too.

 

Kurt

[tdogchristy90]

Harold Crab tree was KIA 79 years ago today, Feb 26, 1945. Erler was KIA on March 2, 1945.

[KASTAUFFER]

Very nice! It was a pleasure to meet you at the show.

 

Kurt