Montgomery William - WWII Veteran Interview

WWII Veteran, William Montgomery, was interviewed on April 24, 2015, in Lutz, Florida. During World War II, PFC Montgomery served with the 2nd Battalion, 26th Marines, 5th Marine Division of the U.S. Marines. PFC Montgomery participated in the initial invasion of Iwo Jima and served there for 37 days as a scout and sniper. PFC Montgomery received the Presidential Unit Citation for his service. ‪@MakingHistoryProject‬
Summary:
Montgomery William, born on March 23, 1926, in Greenville, South Carolina, grew up in Florida and moved to Maplewood, New Jersey, after Pearl Harbor. He enlisted in the Marine Corps right after high school graduation in June 1944, motivated by a desire to serve and influenced by his uncle's service and death in the Marine Corps during WWII.
William underwent rigorous training, including boot camp in San Diego and Scout and Sniper School, before being assigned to a Battalion Intelligence Unit as a forward observer and scout sniper. His unit was part of the 5th Marine Division, which played a crucial role in the Battle of Iwo Jima.
During the 37 days he spent on Iwo Jima, William participated in significant combat operations, including the day the American flag was raised on Mount Suribachi. Despite the heavy casualties and the intense and dangerous nature of his duties, William was never injured, a fact that left him feeling both fortunate and guilty given the high number of casualties among his peers.
After the war, William was part of the occupation forces in Japan, near Nagasaki, witnessing the aftermath of the atomic bombings and the end of WWII. He reflects on the profound impacts of war, including the physical and psychological toll it takes on those who serve, highlighting the concept of "battle fatigue" (now known as PTSD) and the importance of acknowledging and addressing the invisible wounds of war.
Post-war, William led a successful career in the insurance industry and settled in Jacksonville, Florida. He emphasizes the value of patriotism, hard work, and responsibility, hoping future generations will learn from the experiences of veterans like himself and maintain a strong sense of duty and faith.