Met a Marine !!

[mrbsox]

Setting at breakfast this morning at a local 'buffet Corral' with some house mates. As we're eating, a couple come in and set down, escorting an elderly gentleman to a chair. As the gentleman turns to sit, his 'cover' reads;

IWO JIMA SURVIVOR
with pins for 2 PHs, as well as unit pins I did not reckognize.

At one point, the lady whom was obviously his daughter, got up to go refill, and I met her around the end of a corner. After introducing myself as a veteran Marine, I asked if HE would mind meeting another Marine. Her eyes widened, and I could tell it would mean alot to HIM, as well as her.

He WAS true to form, humble, but forthright. He was glad to talk for a few minutes, and I was eager to listen.

These 'old Men of the Corps' are getting scarse. He gave me some stats I had not heard before, if someone could check them out.

Given the 22 (?) square miles of Iwo, Marine casualties amounted to @ 850 per square mile. Japaneese casualties amounted to @ 37,000 per square mile.

These old ears don't always work right, and there was a lot of background noise going on. Could someone research this for me.
Thanks.

I left them knowing that I felt it a honor to shake the hand of a TRUE piece of American history. And he echoed that our current Marines, are 'doing us proud'.

Semper Fi

[Carl V. Strout]

I finally found some input on Iwo Jima tough as leather neck who served on that Old Glory flag rasing blood shed rock. My brother Philip P. Strout i believe Gunny Sgt. was in the 5th Div 28 Marines Co.C. i believe same outfit that raised Old Glory which is yet another salute to a dedicated special godly blessed group of human spirit answering the call for America & freedom .Phil is now 84 yrs old living in VA. Marine boot camp Parris Island i believe 1939 Allso served on USS Ranger. I have a friend at church David Bynum that allso was on board ship with himI Salute you all from Guardelcanel & all other combat islands you served & died for America & freedom for all as at this moment in Iraque against a nother Hitler type ennimie.
God Bless you each & everyone still able to read this.
Buckeye

[Namvet67]

Semper Fi Buckeye...You hat should read "Okinawa Survivor"

[Carl V. Strout]

Funny you mention that I got veteran licence plates for birthday have hat with stars & found one last week at surpless military store that says WW2 Veteran & Proud Of It
Thanks Buddy. Buckeye
PS I have couple neighbors who served Viet Nam.I sincerely hope that you feel same way about our Texas Comdr. In Chief. I allso had a lot of pride for Sam Rayburn & cried with sadness when i saw Lyndon Johnson holding his head with hands as he looked out White House WindowTrying to acess how to win that Viet Nam war.
Buckeye

[Timber]

Never thought I would but was talking with one of our retired firemen when he mentioned that he still has his original SS card that was in his wallet when he waded in on Iwo Jima. Also had the great honor to know and spend a short time with Gunny Hathcock before he reported to Heaven's Gate for his final tour of duty.

[Toby M]

Mr. Strout. I tip my hat to you Sir...I read your profile and I sincerely hope I can have your health and determination when I am your age.

[JAMarine]

Nice Read Marine.

Happy Birthday Brother.

rich

[mrbsox]

Back at ya Rich.

I'll be raising a glass to

'Fallen Brothers' :marine:

as I always do. This year I will be missing Roger, personally, in that toast.
There are 'Golden Corrals' out here in Louisville, and they do a 'Veterans' free dinner every Veterans day, Monday the 15th this year.

Look forward to seeing you at reunion next year if you can make it out again.

Terry

[wsimkins]

Terry,

If you are in Louisville, come on across the river to Jeffersonville and join us for a get together tonight at 6pm at the VFW Post on VFW Blvd. We would love to have you.

[mrbsox]

Thanks for teh invite, but heading home (Nashville) after work tonight. Ear mark me one for later though.

I don't get across the river often, except to run over to 'Keisslers'. Hmmmmmmm..... Christmas is coming up !!

Terry

[jerryd6818]

mrbsox,
Below are the casuality figures for Iwo Jima, taken from http://history.acusd.edu/gen/WW2Timeline/LUTZ/iwo.html
As you can see, 37,000 per sq mile is a tad inflated. Still and all, it was a very bloody campaign for both sides.

U.S. personnel 6,821 Killed 19,217 Wounded 2,648 Combat Fatigue Total 28,686
Marine Casualties 23,573

Japanese Troops 1,083 POW and 20,000 est. Killed

[Carl V. Strout]

Thanks Jerry Awesome history read the pages reflects back to Civil War when Gen. Pickett ordered march through fields near Gettiysburg, Penn. all that lead balls from musket fire.If my memory is correct 4000 men in 1hr?