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thedrifter
02-05-09, 08:00 AM
IWO JIMA REUNION
Reported by: Darrell Franklin
Wednesday, Feb 4, 2009 @09:43pm CST


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In two weeks, survivors of one of the bloodiest battles in all of World War II will gather in Wichita Falls for possibly the last time. Several hundred attended the first Iwo Jima reunion here in 1992, but last year there were only around 40. And, it's because of that, the reunion is now more meaningful than ever for the few vets still alive, those determined to go on paying tribute to their fallen comrades, and assure their sacrifices are never forgotten. This will be the 18th Iwo Jima reunion for Frank Jones, and now only a few dozen other survivors, since Montague County Resident, Cy Young founded the event. Jones was a landing boat officer at Iwo Jima. Frank Jones/Iwo Jima Veteran: "There were about 5- or 6- battleships, several cruisers, destroyers, lined up and just firing point blank into that island. I thought, boy this is going to be easy. There's no way anyone can be alive in there. But, they were all in their bunkers, concrete caves." And so, a battle that was expected to last only 2- or 3- days went on for around 36. More than 68- hundred American lives were lost, as well as thousands of others at sea and in the air while supporting the battle. Jones: "It's the worst battle the Marines have ever been in. There were 27- Medal of Honor winners at Iwo Jima. The most of any battle. Some wars didn't even have that many. And, there are only two left. A Navy Corpsman, who can't travel anymore, and a Marine, Woody Williams will be here for our reunion later this month." Others who've attended throughout the years include crew members of the Enola Gay, survivors from the U.S.S. Indianapolis, and the Navajo Code Talkers. Most of these heroes are gone now, but some will return to Wichita Falls at least one more time, 64- years after a bloody battle on a volcanic island, helped finally bring an end to World War II. This year's reunion is set for February 19th through the 22th at the Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel. Among the guests and speakers will be a former 16- year old kamikaze pilot who's mission was scrubbed when Japan surrendered. For event and ticket information, just call Jack Lavy at 692-2561.

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http://texomashomepage.com/content/fulltext/?cid=32141

Ellie