Iwo Jima Feb 19, 1945

[TLeo]

I don't post much these days as my collecting has slowed way down. Occasionally I will pick up something special, especially if it has a local N.C connection. That is the case with the Purple Heart I picked up last year that was awarded  to a Marine from this area who lost his life on the first day of the Iwo invasion on this day in 1945. I am happy to be looking after this heart and honoring his memory. He was with the 5th Marine Division as they landed on the black sands of Iwo and lost his life that first day. He now rests in a local cemetary not far from here and may he and all the others rest in peace

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[Brian Dentino]

Beautiful and most righteous PH to a brave warrior.  One of many who lost their lives on the black sands of that small spit of sand that saw so much violence.

Great addition to your collection.

[Blacksmith]

Here is some more information to keep with it @TLeo, from "The Herald-Sun", Durham, NC, 3/16/45 (pg. 7):

[Blacksmith]

Always extra sobering to have a picture of them.  Hurts the heart - young man...  

 

From "The News and Record", Greensboro, NC, 3/16/45 (pg. 13).

 

[Blacksmith]

More, this from the "The Highpoint Enterprise", High Point, NC, 4/1/45 (Pg. 7).

[Blacksmith]

He had just come out of the replacement draft the month before.  

[Blacksmith]

Boot through Parris Island.

 

[Blacksmith]

His MCSN is 826312, if you ever want to request his records from MILPERCEN.

 

From "U.S., Navy Casualties Books":

 

[TLeo]

11 hours ago, Blacksmith said:

Always extra sobering to have a picture of them.  Hurts the heart - young man...  

 

From "The News and Record", Greensboro, NC, 3/16/45 (pg. 13).

 

Thanks for the newspaper photos and articles!  Here is is photo from boot camp taken fom his file and posted on  findagrave.