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thedrifter
07-10-09, 07:07 AM
'The crazy ones were shooting film'

7/9/2009 By Sgt. Judith Carver , Marine Corps Base Quantico
MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. —

A photograph paints a picture not to be forgotten. War caught on film captures history in the making and documentation of battles fought and won play a vital role in preserving the past.

The 23 students at the Senior Enlisted Course here had the opportunity to meet with a World War II veteran and renowned cinematographer, retired Maj. Norman T. Hatch, on June 29.

The purpose of his visit was to provide senior leaders with information about public affairs and how it affects the Marine Corps, said Master Gunnery Sgt. Kelly Scanlon, the director of the Senior Enlisted Course. “It also gave guidance on how we communicate with the public."

Hatch enlisted in 1939 and went through many ranks, from private to technical sergeant, warrant officer to chief warrant officer and finally retiring as a major. His time spent as a cinematographer during World War II brought the battle of Tarawa home to those not fighting the war.

“I was the first one to document an amphibious landing during the engagement,” said Hatch. “The minute a boat would come in, a bomb would hit the boat.”

Hatch is noted for having said: “The brave ones were shooting the enemy. The
crazy ones were shooting film.”

During the class students also watched the film “Bomb Over Tokyo,” a 20-minute film from 1947 depicting the Marines fighting in Japan.

“I think you guys [combat correspondents and combat photographers] play a key role,” said Master Sgt. Derek L. Hayes, a student at the course. “Once the moment is lost you can’t get it back.”

“That picture or that story is going to resonate throughout the public mind,” said Hatch.

For more information on Hatch or to view a collection of documents and photographs, visit the archive section of the Gray Research Center.

Correspondent: judith.carver@usmc.mil

Ellie