Thank you all for your comments and views. I appreciate it very much. I have uploaded another two videos of Iwo Jima. I recently visited and decided to do a series of the videos. Part 1 is a little like this one with a couple of new places. Here is the link. ruclips.net/video/Lfw_4GZKPSk/видео.html and Part 2 is from Hill 362A, we found some amazing artifacts just lying on the ground. Here is the link to that one. ruclips.net/video/howXJlnGub8/видео.html I hope you enjoy.
My Dad was with the Fifth Division and 75 years ago last month witnessed the flag raising. He survived and returned to Fort Benton , Montana to raise up 9 great kids. He passed in March of 2014 and was buried in his original Marine Corp Blues uniform- medals on his chest.Your video is an inspiration for me to put IWO on my bucket list. I m am fifty eight and recently diagnosed with cancer. I am determined to go to this sacred place.
Brian...thank you for the view and the comment. Also thank you very much for the story of your father. But I really want to say I appreciate his service.
My uncle Bertil Fellman was kia here. I often look where the 4th Marine Division went ashore and wonder where and how he got hit. A feeling of loss and of gratitude for his sacrifice, the uncle I never knew.
In the late '80s I was a Marine CH-46 pilot aboard the USS New Orleans. We pulled up to Iwo at night right off the coast. The next morning I went topside to have a look. I could not believe how freaking small the Island was. Later that day I flew a Ch-46 to that airport. The Group CO back home at MCAS Tustin wanted some sand from Iwo Jima so I told my crew chief to jump out and fill up a Mason Jar. After that we took a self guided tour of the Island at 200 feet and also hovered right over MT Suribachi. It was unbelievable and I will never forget it. My son is stationed in Okinawa as a crew chief on the MV-22. I hope one day he will get to see Iwo like I did.
Thank you for your service. I served in the United States Marine Corps from 1973 to 1977. I served on Okinawa Aug74-Sep75 at Camp Foster close to where your son served Futenma Air Station. Semper Fi from an old Marine Sgt...OUT
As a retired Navy Serviceman myself, I once was stationed aboard Naval Station Midway Island from 1980- 1981. Which at that time was considered isolated duty. Some of the old relics of WWII were still present, and the significant history of the Island was certainly an eye opening experience to imagine the battle that occurred there. Of course, in any theater of the Pacific War, it was indeed historical, and IwoJima is one of the places I would love to visit, as my bucket list. Great sacrifices were made during that era, and as a former Military Man myself, it’s one big reason I continue to pride myself, and my service to this great Nation. Lest We Forget Comrade….Thank You for posting, and thank you for your service as well, and bless you on all your historical adventures 😎😇🇺🇸🇵🇭🇺🇸🇵🇭🇺🇸🇵🇭🇺🇸⚓️🙏👍
Thank you! Really appreciated seeing this. Never got to this Island, but Marines before and after my tour with 3/3/3 on Okinawa, did have training exercises there. What I do have, thanks to a Marine friend is a small jar of the black sand from the beaches. It is very granular compared to the volcanic powder that blew out of Mount Saint Helens in Washington State. My District Manager at the time lived in Spokane and gave several us a small jar of it from what he had to shovel off his driveway! There is no comparison between the hard granular Iwo sand and the Mount Saint Helens dust!
Your video was very interesting and brought back a lot of memories. I spent a year on Iwo from 76-77 at the USCG LORAN station. I t looked a lot different back then, but there were no tourists allowed on the island and the only inhabitants were the 62 JSDF personal at the airbase and the 32 Coasties at the LORAN station at the north end of the island at Kitano Point. Spent many a day up on Suribachi as well as walking invasion beach. We use to fish off the concrete ships at shipwreck beach. Weekends were spent either cave crawling or exploring the island. Not much else to do. usually once a month or so we would play a game of softball with the Japanese, which was always a treat. At the time it was probably the longest year of my life and I looked forward to getting off the island. Looking back now I relish my memories of it and would do it over again in a heartbeat. I understand the Coast Guard shut down the LORAN station in 1993 and turned it over tho the Japanese. Thanks for the memories.
Thanks Jonathan. I was raised with an old Marine who fought on Iwo Jima. He was a tough man and his son was my best friend. Most people in our neighborhood were scared of him. He was so gruff and looked like a ROCK. For me (and about a dozen of us ) we knew differently. We were probably around 5 years old when we first met him. He was so gentle with us. We KNEW he dearly loved us and would do anything for us: he was extremely protective. The only time he spoke of Iwo Jima was the description of how a beloved Sgt died in front of him. He wept in front of us kids. we were so small but we loved this old Marine. I never knew the horrors of Iwo Jima. You have made it possible for me to see where "Doug" was some 74 years ago.........when he was only 19. I am 61 and I miss this old war horse. He was buried with full military honors in California. I miss him but give thanks to God for men like him who taught us integrity, character and love even though he faced and survived indescribable violence. Semper Fi Jon
@Bluegrass...thank you so much for the wonderful comment. I also appreciate all that the greatest generation accomplished for us. We owe them and still owe them a debt of gratitude. I am happy I could bring some joy to you by watching this video. I thank him for his service and I thank you for being his friend. Semper FI.
My great uncle was killed by a Japanese bayonet somewhere on that island, he was only 18 years old. It's hard to imagine what a hellish place it was compared to the beautiful place it is now; thanks for sharing.
@MysteryFan my great grandmother was walking down main street in their home town after the war and saw one of his friends that he enlisted and fought with. She begged him to tell her what actually happened to her son on Iwo, so the soldier reluctantly told her.
Visiting this island is on the top of my bucket list. My father was on Iwo with the 4th Marine Division. He told us he was on Iwo but that’s all he told us, he never told us anymore than that. I can’t tell you how many documentaries about Iwo I’ve watched trying to see if I can catch a glimpse of my dad. My son is in the Navy he was on Iwo last year he sent me home a small bottle of the black sand. I keep it next to a shadow box with the ribbons and medals my dad had on his uniform. He died at 80 years old, a proud Marine!!
Thank you for this video. I will never have the honor of going and visiting Iwo Jima. This was wonderful for me for my dad, Billy Ray Riddle was in the 3rd Marine Division and fought on Iwo Jima. I remember his stories he used to tell me when I was a kid and all through out my life. My earliest memory was being inside a store in Tulsa called Looboyles which sold outdoor supplies. Guns knives, tents, kind of like a Army Surplus store, but nicer. A group of men were standing around talking about where they were in the war. Someone finally asked my dad if he was in the war? My father said he served "I was there on Iwo." I remember everyone's response. Kind of shock, dismay and impressed by the others. I was like 7 or 8 so I had no clue what any of it meant. "Iwo Jima? You were on Iwo Jima" a guy said. A younger guy who wasn't as old as my dad asked "where you on the front lines?" I remember to this day verbatim what my dad said. "Hell it didn't matter where you were standing on Iwo, you were on the front lines." I of course had no clue what ANY of that conversation meant at the time. In the 80s I found a VHS tape at Walmart. The United States Government official movie about the victory at Iwo Jima. A short clip of the flag raising was shown in this video of the flag raising! I was in my 20s and my dad probably 50. It was the full 25 minute or so movie released in 45 or 46. There was a scene where a tank drives by. (My dad drove tanks and operated the flame thrower). "There goes one of our tanks from our bunch!" He said. "How do you know?" "Well, it said Beelzebub, we were B Company and the guy driving that tank couldn't play cards for shit." I was rolling! 🤣 My mom died in 2001 and my dad in 2008. Both their funerals were on the same day. MAY 1st. I was fortunate enough to move in with my dad, into the home I grew up in and take care of him, day by day, as he slowly died of congestive heart failure and alzheimer's disease. But one evening a year or so before his death, we were watching a show on the History channel or equivalent thereof and they were telling a story (not Iwo Jima) about a battle on a Pacific Island. A battle in which the Army was fighting on the West end (where there was a mountainous area with one dirt road in and out). The Marines had fought the Japanese on the East end of the island and had mopped them up rather quickly. It was then the Marines were sent in to finish up the job on the opposite end where the Army had been fighting. The narrator on the TV was telling this story along with vintage black and white film of soldiers passing each other on an old dirt road. The announcer said something like: "as the Marines were marching in to replace the beleaguered Army units which had been fighting the Japanese for months, one Army infantryman was seen to step out of line and was overheard saying to a Marine 'watch out and take care Jarhead, its HELL in there." At that very moment my dad said (sitting comfortably in his recliner sipping his afternoon iced tea) "get the fuck out of here...we'll handle it." My father wasn't talking to me. He wasn't talking to the narrator, he was talking to the Army guy who stepped out of line. My dad. 80 years old 🤪🤣 still a Marine!!!!! From "the floating 3rd in reserve" he used to say. Finally, as it was obvious the 3rd Division was going to be needed and sent to shore on Iwo Jima, they were told "fellas, if you survive this, you guys are gonna be the first bunch on when we invade Japan." Can you imagine? That's why you'll never hear me say we shouldn't have dropped bombs. I wouldn't be here today had it not been for two atomic bombs and a tick bite! But, the tick bite story is from my mom's side of the family and has nothing to do with Iwo Jima and I've taken too much of your time already. Thank you again for your efforts in bringing me something I will never see but means so very much to me. Joe
Thank you for your comment. I appreciate the story. That makes my video better when those who watch tell the stories of their grandfather, father or uncles that fought and returned. I thank him for his service.
My Uncle Joe Gamez was a Platoon Sargent on Iwo Jima with the Fifth Marnies. He lived to be 98! He passed away in 2007! THE GREATEST GENERATION!!! They don’t make MEN like this anymore! GOD HAS ALL OF THE BEST MARINES SIMPER FI
There is always 2 sides to a coin and that also applies to war. Very well displayed in this video and the music was well placed. Iwo Jima is sacred land for both the Marines and the Japanese. May their souls Rest In Peace.
I was a young AW3 21yo Naval Aircrewman flying in the SH60B helicopter back in 1990. We were on our way back to San Diego from doing patrols in the Persian Gulf during Operation Desert Shield on board the USS Obrien (DDG 975). I had the honour of flying around the island at 50 feet and 120 knots and landing on top of MT. Surabachi. I had to lean out the cabin door in my gunners belt to help the pilots clear the tail rotor from trees and bushes on approach. It was surreal to say the least. We were able to walk around for a few minutes and take in the view. I still have a rock from the US memorial. There was fresh fruit and cigarettes laid out at the Japanese memorial and lots of steam coming up from the back side of the mountain from the volcano. When we took off, the Japanese airport control tower came up on the radio to ask what we were doing and if we needed help. We replied we were fine and we would be departing the area and be returning to our ship which was about 50nm away. All seemed ok at the time. Later we found out that we created an international incident. The Japanese government contacted Pacfleet and wanted to know why we were on their territory. Myself, the other crewman AW1 David Hackney and co-pilot (cant remember his name)had to give statements and go in front of a review board. The aircraft commander LT. Clifford Muzzio was grounded and eventually passed for promotion and made to leave the Navy. The Japanese were out for blood and it was definetly politicly driven. The sad thing is, LT Muzzio was a former Marine CH-46 pilot that transfered over to the Navy Seahawk program. It was a very profound moment for him to stand there where they rose that flag being a former Marine. All those brave Marines and Sailors that lost their lives to take that island and we give it back to them makes me sick. To the victors goes the spoils I say! Proud to have served, FLY NAVY!
Derrick Shaw I served in the Corps in Okinawa in the early eighties. Always wanted to see Iwo Jima. Got to see Philippines, Tinian, Korea. And yes the U.S. government turned all captured territories back over to the Japanese in 1975. And they hated us on Oki. By the way, great story.
My wife's great grandfather earned the Navy Cross on Iwo Jima as a Colonel. He retired as a Brigadier General. Not just for officer stuff, but for real Marine heroism. His citation can be Googled by searching BGen John R. Lanigan. He was truly a ground pounding Marine badass.
Having been there twice, once being the 50th Reunion tour, the island is truly awe inspiring. My uncle served in the Marines D Company 28th Regiment 5th MarDiv - - KIA 1 March 1945. I walked the hill 362 where he was killed. Hard to describe the feelings. It is nice to see others appreciate the efforts and trials of the men from both nations who fought and died on this waterless spec of volcanic ash
@bat...thank you for your comment and view. You are absolutely correct it is hard to describe the feeling being on that island. I thank your uncle for his service.
Great video, thanks. I've been to Iwo Jima three times and each time it was so surreal. God bless those on both sides who died for their country in 1945.
Thank you for sharing this. My Grandpa fought there . He talked about when they raised the the American Flag during the battle. He said us can hear cheers and the Ships were blowing there horns and ringing ship bells. He was shot 3 different times while he was there.
Seeing this island as it is today in amazing. The shot you took from atop Mount Suribachi lets one whose never been there realize just how small Iwo Jima really is. And when it dons on you it took 4 days to get up there...…….. truly a sobering realization. Brings tears to the eyes, God Bless'em all each and everyone.
My father served on Iwo. He was in the Army Air Corp 20th Air Force, 7th Army AC, 413th Fighter/Bomber Grp, 413th F/B Sqd. as a P-47 T-BOLT mechanic. His unit was one of the first 3 to land after the Marine's secured the center air field. They were there to support the Marines and the B-29's flying off Siapan enroute to Japan. Great video....very much enjoyed.
I remember when I was in 7th grade I had a computer teacher and his name was Mr. Neil. Idk how we touched on the subject of WW 2 but we did and he was telling me stories of his Grandpa that was fighting on the Pacific. Then he said that he was ganna bring something from his house that was his family's treasure. And it was an original picture with signitures of the soilders who were raising the flag. His grandpa was one of those soilders raising that very flag. I still remember very vivdly how he handed the picture to me and I was just in a state of "awe" because i was holding a relic from the past, and not just that but a piece of American history on the palm of my hands. I'm currently 21 years old and to this day that will forever be in my mind.
Thats awesome dude. You should watch the movie Flags of our fathers. its all about the guys who raised the flag. Also another movie about the japanese side of the battle is called Letters from Iwo Jima. Both good movies
Hector, my young friend, At your young age of 21, you are privileged to have a personal connection to the Battle of Iwo Jima, to World War II, and to some of the great Americans who fought for this blessed country. Look about you as you step through life; notice the difference between yourself on the one hand, and the many others on the other hand who have no personal connection -- or even a basic interest -- in the this history of the United States. You might find yourself outnumbered by those who don't know or care, but you will never be overpowered.
It's strange how much effort, resources, and lives mankind invested in the war. Like how that tiny, remote island in the middle of nowhere was so important only because it played a role in the war. Such an island would be meaningless if not for the war, yet it hosted the great battle seeing thousands to their deaths. You'd think the countless dead, when they stared up at the stars, lying where they fell, would have rather been back home with their families, not fighting for a piece of rock, no matter how strategically significant.
"The soldier above all others prays for peace, for it is the soldier who must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war." --Douglas MacArthur
A great video thank you I will show this to my sons. I was there in 00’. I was lucky enough to get picked go on a battalion trip with my unit 3/4K. One of the things that blew my mind was when we got to the top of Mt. Suribachi it was about midnight with a HUGE full moon. You could see pretty much the whole island. We went to the right side past that bunker where it was just sand, there were some 2nd Lt’s also up there that we didn’t want to be around ha! I scooped my hand down about 8” and it was as hot as an mre heater. The next morning is when we found the big tunnels etc. As a young Marine it was mind blowing and eye opening
Other thing was on the beach if you scooped up that Holy black sand and let it fall between your fingers more often than not we would find old projectiles from the battle
@@JapanTreasureHunters1 Don’t thank me. It was my pleasure. But thank you. It’s kind of a family business (though most are sailors 🤷🏻♂️) Thank you again for your film. I lost most of my pictures (35mm film and things from my travels in my divorce) so it’s cool to see places I’ve been via other’s prospectives
to the Gallant young men of the 3rd 4th and 5th Marine divisions we owe you a great deal of gratitude thank you for your service and thank you for bringing this wonderful video to us Semper Fi
This is very moving..the epitome of bravery for any soldier that was on this island..only to think after this horrendous battle the two countries are strong allies today..amazing
Never Amazes me the jackasses on the internet who Down vote a historical video about so many soldiers who gave their lives on both sides. 156 loads that would have better off had they been swallowed as of 3/2019. Great video! Keep up the good work.
Excellent video. Great to see what the island actually looks like today. Thank you keeping the memory of this battle alive. All those brave Marines and Sailors who died to take that island. People forget so quickly.
So sad that all those young men, on both sides, died and we will never know what they would have brought in to this world. My dad fought with the Army on Guadalcanal, he rarely talked about his time there. Thanks for posting. JN
My Uncle Bill was wounded there on the first day by machine gun fire, he was the only man from his squad who survived the first day.....his leg wound was so severe that he wore a brace on his leg for over thirty years afterward...he died in 2012.
May Dad was a US Naval Aviator (tail gunner on an SBD Dauntless) stationed at Pearl Harbor (Ford Island NAS) from 1943 - 1945. He never spoke much of his WWII service, even though I frequently asked. One thing he did tell me, however, really stuck in my mind. I'll paraphrase what he told me one night at the dinner table: "I was always amazed at the contrast between the boys [Marines] heading off ( i.e., boarding ships at Pearl Harbor that were sailing off to battle) and the men returning" (i.e., Marines disembarking at Pearl from ships returning from combat). "The boys lining up to board were always laughing, joking, pranking each other, etc. But the Men returning (from combat; disembarking down the gang planks) were always silent, walking slowly, usually staring down at their feet. At times they seemed like ghosts coming off those ships". He then added: "I always wondered what kind of hell they encountered". Thanks for your videos. They made me think of that story Dad told me.
Thank you for the video it was great to see where my grandfather was in WWII. February 19, 1945 would be the first day my grandfather Chester Kitchens a 19 years old Private machine gunner would be at battle. He would not be on the island very long as Chester was a heavy machine gunner. At the Battle of Iwo Jima, the average life expectancy of a Marine heavy-machine gunner was 30 seconds, from the time he set up the weapon. He was on the island for just 2 days as he was shot in the head on February 21st. He would pass away in 2009 a few days before his 83rd birthday. Not bad for a Marine who never learned how to swim. I am very grateful for his time that he spent serving our country.
I was stationed on board the USS Enterprise CVN 65 from 1987 to 1991 and we passed by Iwo Jima and the captain anounced that Suribachi was visible, I went up and saw it for myself. It wasn't physically impressive but knowing the historical significance made it awe inspiring!
Dan Sapp My Grandfather fought on Saipan and then Iwo Died in 1987 from emphysema 4 packs of filterless camels a day He would stand in his garage when I was so young when the thunder and rain came jingling change in his pocket staring out into the void smoking cigarettes He was reason I joined Marine Corps Semper Fi
@@michaelweber4008It must have been after, late 89 to early 90 was our around the world change of home port cruise from Alameda to Norfolk. What I said in my comment is absolutely true, I remember it vividly but exactly when is vague because it was so long ago.
you try to image the horrors that occurred in every frame of this video but you just cannot get close... so many young lives.. just boggles the mind.. thanks for the upload.. IWO footage is hard to come by thx again
These remnants of war must be preserved and protected to serve as a livng memorabilia of those who had not experienced the bitterness effects of war! ........ From the philippines
Thank you for sharing........My uncle Floyd Vaughn Hallmark was KIA on March 1, 1945 taking out Hill 362A, and I think of him and this wretched island frequently. I hope to visit there one day. Ken FLOYD Clark
Thank you for this. I was there in 2002 and I was only able to see mount suribachi and I guess what would be the east beach. I would have loved to have seen more. My great uncle was KIA on Iwo. My dad was also there in the 80s.
I was there in Dec 2017 while I was still an active duty Marine out of Iwakuni, Japan. My Grandfather was on an LST at Iwo Jima. He was lucky to make it home. I am now retired and live in Japan. My Priest is a close relative to the Japanese Col who was also an Olympic Equestrian rider. He brought his horse to Iwo Jima. Another of his relatives was on the Yamato. It’s amazing to talk with him about family history. He got emotional when I handed him a jar of the black sand. I want to go back but I don’t think I’ll ever get the chance. Thank you for the video.
Nice Vid & tribute to our men who fought there. My father was a USN Corpsman with 4th Marine Division. Back then they were called Pharmacists Mates. He was attached to the 3d Bn 25th Marine Regiment at Saipan, Kwajalein Atoll Roi-Namur & Iwo. Just before the assault on Iwo they pulled him to run evacuations of the wounded on the barges from shore to the hospital ships. He said once he had a bad feeling about IWO, that he just felt his number would have been up and would not have made it off that island like so many of his buddies. His company took 70% casualties the first few days.
I got emotional watching your video. The loss of life on both sides shows us the incredible valor that was displayed here back in February 1945. RIP to all those who lost their lives defending our freedom.
Amen to that. When I think of our guys charging up those hills ... it's is impossible to imagine it. Those guys had titanium cajones, which is why to this day I am SO respectful of that almost-gone generation.
God bless this 🇺🇸Patriot🇺🇸 for doing this tour and showing us how amazing this island of historical importance is!! God bless our troops and God bless America.We need more great Americans like this man!
I remember when they teased the pacific for bf5. They said they went to the actual islands and did it foot by foot. I thought they were kidding but after seeing that first shot it looks identical (except for a lot more green which you mentioned).
Spree thanks for the view and the comment. I haven't played the game but saw some gameplay and it looks really close. Maybe they used some shots from my video for the game.lol. thanks again
VR naval Aircrewman here, we stop here quiet a bit when we are in this theater. I was very grateful to be able to spend some time on the ground here and imagine what the USMC had to endure to take this island. I’m a big history WWII buff and I and very happy I was able to see this place for myself.
They were some tough son of bitches on both sides. These Marines came home and only reluctantly talked about their experience in hell. Real Patriots who put their life on the line for America.
My grandfather fought at Iwo Jima, ironically my wife's grandfather did too. My grandfather ran the amphibs up on the beach landing the Marines. My wife's grandfather was a radio man on a destroyer that told the fleet the flag had just been raised on Mt. Suribachi.
My Uncle Bill (who passed away on Christmas Eve 2012) was a Marine Private who was wounded on the first day of the invasion, he and another Marine were the only survivors of his Demolition Squad which was nearly wiped out on that first day....he wore a brace on his shattered leg for over 20 years after the war.
The really sad thing, about this battle...is that by the end. It was a literal slug fest. The Marines had overwhelming force, and the Japanese literally had nothing left to fight with. Ammunition was gone, food was gone, and water...was gone. But, the strategic importance of this island..could not, and cannot be overlooked. Just think, how many lives of the B-29 Super fortress crews were saved...when they had to make emergency landings on Iwo's airfield..when they otherwise, would've had to ditch in the ocean. Thank you for the tour..as unfortunately, unless you're a member of the Marine Corps....or a Japanese citizen, you cannot go to the island. So thank you for posting this.
It looks so tranquil and quiet. One can only try to imagine the terror of hell on earth the young men that fought there witnessed.. Deepest respect for that special and hard as nails generation.
1:18 Just looking from that perspective and imagining the amount of fire you could pour down on that beach from that mountain is enough to give me chills
Another great historical tour! You’ve mad me feel like I was able to tour Iwo Jima myself! Keep up the good work. I was hoping to see the deadly “gorge” on the northern part of the island.
@Paul thanks for your comment. I appreciate the kind words. I tried to get as much as I could with the time that I had. I had missed a couple things I wanted to get. I will be posting another video of a few of the caves I went into. Thanks again for your comment and have a great day.
"Gimme that old Marine Corps spirit-It was good enough at Iwo then its good enough for me"........(Marines running cadence, Parris Island 1966) Great video. Semper Fidelis.
Published on Dec couldn't have been an accedent. Thank you for this video. In Iraq and Afghanistan I thought we had it bad, but that beach was inhumane...it has never escaped me that with it so exposed we could have lost more there. Thanks again for the video, interesting to see it in pictures and film clips from then and what it is like today.
My grandfather was there with the 5th Marine division ("Sound rangers") I have always wanted to see this stuff and never had before watching this, thank you.
My uncle was with the 5th Marine Div and died on Iwo Jima on I believe 3/18/45. A cousin died in France. A number of other relatives were in WW2 and survived. It was a tough war for them though.
Iwo Jima and Okinawa were really tough battles. I have heard that soldiers that survived those battles still get nightmares about them. More than Europe, I think, USA and Japanese fought each other much more fiercely.
Thanks for your post on the historical sites on Iwo Jima. "The raising of the flag on Iwo Jima, means a Marine Corps for the next 500 years." ~ James Forrestal, Secretary of the Navy
Can you imagine all those sailors on their ships, tears in their eyes as they watch through binoculars the flag of freedom being raised on the island? It sure stirs the soul.
I last step foot on Iwo Jima 23 years ago after a flight in from Kwajalein. Saw many artifacts, monuments, landing crafts left on the beach and walked to the beach. It was amazing to stand on the beach and know what took place. Departed with a jar of sand and that sand sits atop my dresser to this very day in honor of those who fought for the chunk of rock. God Bless.
Being in a situation like that, I highly doubt he talks about it. My grandpa was in Korea and Vietnam and the only people he talked about it with were his buddies at the legion. Never even told my grandma a thing. He kept it to himself.
I like the fact that they have marked history where it stood and they have depicted both sides of the battle not just there own. I hope they stay displayed and respected for all to remember the tragedies of war and to pay homage to the fallen.
10:15 that appears to be the Douglas C-124 Globemaster II that crashed on November 20, 1955 from a propeller going into reverse after take off...all 11 on board died.
Really appreciate the video posting and tour sacred ground that Island is all that happened we shall never forget the service and sacrifice of that the greatest generation to ever live.
That gun still sat hauntingly in the emplacement looking out! Imagine how many beautiful lives that tragically claimed? Great video on the human tragedy that was Iwo Jima.
My father landed on there when he was in the Navy. he was on a amphibious ship that landed on the beach to get the wounded Marines off the island. My father was shot in the leg he said when he was carrying a marine to the boat and had to keep going. My father said he couldn't stop or he and many others might have not made it back. I hope the men my father saved lived a long life and survived the rest of the war.
It was small sacrifices like your father did. that were replicated across all the theatres of war that made the difference between winning and losing. As a child born in the 1960's, I give thanks and gratitude for your father's and everyone else that served in these horrific situations of war.
Great video of a very special place. I saw someone made a comment about being haunted, during the battle like on many of the other Japanese held islands it was easier to seal tunnel holes as they went along, if a tank or bazooka wasn't available usually blast it with flame thrower to push them back in or to deplete the oxygen then blow the hole with a charge and seal it. Hard to imagine how many Japanese were never found and are still there today.
Thanks for your comment. You are absolutely correct. They did that and also we did that too. As far as the know there is only a few hundred Japanese that have not been found or accounted for. There are a lot of caves that are off-limits because of how unstable they are. Thanks again for the comment and have a great day.
Correct me if I am wrong, but the video is of the second flag raising and was a reenactment with a much larger flag. The first raising was just before I think by one person but the flag wasn't big enough so an order was given to replace it. There were more than 26,000 American casualties. Japaneses killed - 19,000 with just over 1,000 taken as prisoners. The last two Japanese soldiers to surrender did so in January 1949 or 3.5 years after the war had been over. Thanks for sharing.
The second flag was brought in from a ship stationed off shore by an officer who had it aboard. The second raising was essentially done for a better photo op and it was taken with the original group of marines and a Navy corpsman. All the actual details and facts are in a book called Flag or our Fathers. It was written by the same Navy's corpsman grand son ( I believe) and an excellent read about the battle and the men who raised the flag. Ssgt Fishguts USMC
@@fishguts4247 Thanks for the additional info. Do you know did all six do the first raising? Or was it one guy? History's Lost and Found S2E4 was about the Flags of Iwo Jima. Didn't both flags wide up in the Smithsonian?
@@fishguts4247 It was written by his son who is a real POS. If you read his other book, "Fly Boys" he comes across as a apologist for the Japanese. He is also actively trying to disprove that his father was one of the men who raised the flag.
Thank you all for your comments and views. I appreciate it very much. I have uploaded another two videos of Iwo Jima. I recently visited and decided to do a series of the videos. Part 1 is a little like this one with a couple of new places. Here is the link. ruclips.net/video/Lfw_4GZKPSk/видео.html and Part 2 is from Hill 362A, we found some amazing artifacts just lying on the ground. Here is the link to that one. ruclips.net/video/howXJlnGub8/видео.html I hope you enjoy.
I envy you these experiences and I'm sure you realise the value of these opportunities. Thank you for sharing it with us!!!
My Dad was with the Fifth Division and 75 years ago last month witnessed the flag raising. He survived and returned to Fort Benton , Montana to raise up 9 great kids. He passed in March of 2014 and was buried in his original Marine Corp Blues uniform- medals on his chest.Your video is an inspiration for me to put IWO on my bucket list. I m am fifty eight and recently diagnosed with cancer. I am determined to go to this sacred place.
Brian...thank you for the view and the comment. Also thank you very much for the story of your father. But I really want to say I appreciate his service.
My uncle Bertil Fellman was kia here. I often look where the 4th Marine Division went ashore and wonder where and how he got hit. A feeling of loss and of gratitude for his sacrifice, the uncle I never knew.
In the late '80s I was a Marine CH-46 pilot aboard the USS New Orleans. We pulled up to Iwo at night right off the coast. The next morning I went topside to have a look. I could not believe how freaking small the Island was. Later that day I flew a Ch-46 to that airport. The Group CO back home at MCAS Tustin wanted some sand from Iwo Jima so I told my crew chief to jump out and fill up a Mason Jar. After that we took a self guided tour of the Island at 200 feet and also hovered right over MT Suribachi. It was unbelievable and I will never forget it. My son is stationed in Okinawa as a crew chief on the MV-22. I hope one day he will get to see Iwo like I did.
M Daly...thank you for the view and comment. Also thank you for your service. Happy New Year to you and yours.
Thank you for your service. I served in the United States Marine Corps from 1973 to 1977. I served on Okinawa Aug74-Sep75 at Camp Foster close to where your son served Futenma Air Station. Semper Fi from an old Marine Sgt...OUT
As a retired Navy Serviceman myself, I once was stationed aboard Naval Station Midway Island from 1980- 1981. Which at that time was considered isolated duty. Some of the old relics of WWII were still present, and the significant history of the Island was certainly an eye opening experience to imagine the battle that occurred there. Of course, in any theater of the Pacific War, it was indeed historical, and IwoJima is one of the places I would love to visit, as my bucket list. Great sacrifices were made during that era, and as a former Military Man myself, it’s one big reason I continue to pride myself, and my service to this great Nation. Lest We Forget Comrade….Thank You for posting, and thank you for your service as well, and bless you on all your historical adventures 😎😇🇺🇸🇵🇭🇺🇸🇵🇭🇺🇸🇵🇭🇺🇸⚓️🙏👍
Thank you! Really appreciated seeing this. Never got to this Island, but Marines before and after my tour with 3/3/3 on Okinawa, did have training exercises there. What I do have, thanks to a Marine friend is a small jar of the black sand from the beaches. It is very granular compared to the volcanic powder that blew out of Mount Saint Helens in Washington State. My District Manager at the time lived in Spokane and gave several us a small jar of it from what he had to shovel off his driveway! There is no comparison between the hard granular Iwo sand and the Mount Saint Helens dust!
Your video was very interesting and brought back a lot of memories. I spent a year on Iwo from 76-77 at the USCG LORAN station. I t looked a lot different back then, but there were no tourists allowed on the island and the only inhabitants were the 62 JSDF personal at the airbase and the 32 Coasties at the LORAN station at the north end of the island at Kitano Point. Spent many a day up on Suribachi as well as walking invasion beach. We use to fish off the concrete ships at shipwreck beach. Weekends were spent either cave crawling or exploring the island. Not much else to do. usually once a month or so we would play a game of softball with the Japanese, which was always a treat. At the time it was probably the longest year of my life and I looked forward to getting off the island. Looking back now I relish my memories of it and would do it over again in a heartbeat. I understand the Coast Guard shut down the LORAN station in 1993 and turned it over tho the Japanese.
Thanks for the memories.
Thanks Jonathan. I was raised with an old Marine who fought on Iwo Jima. He was a tough man and his son was my best friend. Most people in our neighborhood were scared of him. He was so gruff and looked like a ROCK. For me (and about a dozen of us ) we knew differently. We were probably around 5 years old when we first met him. He was so gentle with us. We KNEW he dearly loved us and would do anything for us: he was extremely protective. The only time he spoke of Iwo Jima was the description of how a beloved Sgt died in front of him. He wept in front of us kids. we were so small but we loved this old Marine. I never knew the horrors of Iwo Jima. You have made it possible for me to see where "Doug" was some 74 years ago.........when he was only 19. I am 61 and I miss this old war horse. He was buried with full military honors in California. I miss him but give thanks to God for men like him who taught us integrity, character and love even though he faced and survived indescribable violence. Semper Fi Jon
@Bluegrass...thank you so much for the wonderful comment. I also appreciate all that the greatest generation accomplished for us. We owe them and still owe them a debt of gratitude. I am happy I could bring some joy to you by watching this video. I thank him for his service and I thank you for being his friend. Semper FI.
What these men went through took courage beyond my comprehension. All I can say is thank you.
My great uncle was killed by a Japanese bayonet somewhere on that island, he was only 18 years old. It's hard to imagine what a hellish place it was compared to the beautiful place it is now; thanks for sharing.
@MysteryFan my great grandmother was walking down main street in their home town after the war and saw one of his friends that he enlisted and fought with. She begged him to tell her what actually happened to her son on Iwo, so the soldier reluctantly told her.
I am sorry for your loss.
Visiting this island is on the top of my bucket list. My father was on Iwo with the 4th Marine Division. He told us he was on Iwo but that’s all he told us, he never told us anymore than that. I can’t tell you how many documentaries about Iwo I’ve watched trying to see if I can catch a glimpse of my dad. My son is in the Navy he was on Iwo last year he sent me home a small bottle of the black sand. I keep it next to a shadow box with the ribbons and medals my dad had on his uniform. He died at 80 years old, a proud Marine!!
Thank you for this video. I will never have the honor of going and visiting Iwo Jima. This was wonderful for me for my dad, Billy Ray Riddle was in the 3rd Marine Division and fought on Iwo Jima. I remember his stories he used to tell me when I was a kid and all through out my life.
My earliest memory was being inside a store in Tulsa called Looboyles which sold outdoor supplies. Guns knives, tents, kind of like a Army Surplus store, but nicer. A group of men were standing around talking about where they were in the war. Someone finally asked my dad if he was in the war? My father said he served "I was there on Iwo." I remember everyone's response. Kind of shock, dismay and impressed by the others. I was like 7 or 8 so I had no clue what any of it meant. "Iwo Jima? You were on Iwo Jima" a guy said. A younger guy who wasn't as old as my dad asked "where you on the front lines?"
I remember to this day verbatim what my dad said. "Hell it didn't matter where you were standing on Iwo, you were on the front lines." I of course had no clue what ANY of that conversation meant at the time.
In the 80s I found a VHS tape at Walmart. The United States Government official movie about the victory at Iwo Jima. A short clip of the flag raising was shown in this video of the flag raising! I was in my 20s and my dad probably 50. It was the full 25 minute or so movie released in 45 or 46.
There was a scene where a tank drives by. (My dad drove tanks and operated the flame thrower). "There goes one of our tanks from our bunch!" He said. "How do you know?" "Well, it said Beelzebub, we were B Company and the guy driving that tank couldn't play cards for shit." I was rolling! 🤣
My mom died in 2001 and my dad in 2008. Both their funerals were on the same day. MAY 1st. I was fortunate enough to move in with my dad, into the home I grew up in and take care of him, day by day, as he slowly died of congestive heart failure and alzheimer's disease.
But one evening a year or so before his death, we were watching a show on the History channel or equivalent thereof and they were telling a story (not Iwo Jima) about a battle on a Pacific Island. A battle in which the Army was fighting on the West end (where there was a mountainous area with one dirt road in and out). The Marines had fought the Japanese on the East end of the island and had mopped them up rather quickly.
It was then the Marines were sent in to finish up the job on the opposite end where the Army had been fighting. The narrator on the TV was telling this story along with vintage black and white film of soldiers passing each other on an old dirt road.
The announcer said something like: "as the Marines were marching in to replace the beleaguered Army units which had been fighting the Japanese for months, one Army infantryman was seen to step out of line and was overheard saying to a Marine 'watch out and take care Jarhead, its HELL in there."
At that very moment my dad said (sitting comfortably in his recliner sipping his afternoon iced tea) "get the fuck out of here...we'll handle it."
My father wasn't talking to me. He wasn't talking to the narrator, he was talking to the Army guy who stepped out of line. My dad. 80 years old 🤪🤣 still a Marine!!!!! From "the floating 3rd in reserve" he used to say.
Finally, as it was obvious the 3rd Division was going to be needed and sent to shore on Iwo Jima, they were told "fellas, if you survive this, you guys are gonna be the first bunch on when we invade Japan." Can you imagine? That's why you'll never hear me say we shouldn't have dropped bombs. I wouldn't be here today had it not been for two atomic bombs and a tick bite! But, the tick bite story is from my mom's side of the family and has nothing to do with Iwo Jima and I've taken too much of your time already.
Thank you again for your efforts in bringing me something I will never see but means so very much to me.
Joe
Thank you for your comment. I appreciate the story. That makes my video better when those who watch tell the stories of their grandfather, father or uncles that fought and returned. I thank him for his service.
Thank you for sharing this, glad he was able to keep the spirit of his friends alive.
Nice Job Joe. Your Dad was the Best of the Best, Greatest Generation
My Uncle Joe Gamez was a Platoon Sargent on Iwo Jima with the Fifth Marnies. He lived to be 98! He passed away in 2007!
THE GREATEST GENERATION!!!
They don’t make MEN like this anymore!
GOD HAS ALL OF THE BEST MARINES
SIMPER FI
There is always 2 sides to a coin and that also applies to war. Very well displayed in this video and the music was well placed. Iwo Jima is sacred land for both the Marines and the Japanese. May their souls Rest In Peace.
I was a young AW3 21yo Naval Aircrewman flying in the SH60B helicopter back in 1990. We were on our way back to San Diego from doing patrols in the Persian Gulf during Operation Desert Shield on board the USS Obrien (DDG 975). I had the honour of flying around the island at 50 feet and 120 knots and landing on top of MT. Surabachi. I had to lean out the cabin door in my gunners belt to help the pilots clear the tail rotor from trees and bushes on approach. It was surreal to say the least. We were able to walk around for a few minutes and take in the view. I still have a rock from the US memorial. There was fresh fruit and cigarettes laid out at the Japanese memorial and lots of steam coming up from the back side of the mountain from the volcano. When we took off, the Japanese airport control tower came up on the radio to ask what we were doing and if we needed help. We replied we were fine and we would be departing the area and be returning to our ship which was about 50nm away. All seemed ok at the time. Later we found out that we created an international incident. The Japanese government contacted Pacfleet and wanted to know why we were on their territory. Myself, the other crewman AW1 David Hackney and co-pilot (cant remember his name)had to give statements and go in front of a review board. The aircraft commander LT. Clifford Muzzio was grounded and eventually passed for promotion and made to leave the Navy. The Japanese were out for blood and it was definetly politicly driven. The sad thing is, LT Muzzio was a former Marine CH-46 pilot that transfered over to the Navy Seahawk program. It was a very profound moment for him to stand there where they rose that flag being a former Marine. All those brave Marines and Sailors that lost their lives to take that island and we give it back to them makes me sick. To the victors goes the spoils I say! Proud to have served, FLY NAVY!
Derrick...great story. Thank you for your view and comment. But most importantly thank you for your service.
Derrick Shaw I served in the Corps in Okinawa in the early eighties. Always wanted to see Iwo Jima. Got to see Philippines, Tinian, Korea. And yes the U.S. government turned all captured territories back over to the Japanese in 1975. And they hated us on Oki. By the way, great story.
My wife's great grandfather earned the Navy Cross on Iwo Jima as a Colonel. He retired as a Brigadier General. Not just for officer stuff, but for real Marine heroism. His citation can be Googled by searching BGen John R. Lanigan. He was truly a ground pounding Marine badass.
Having been there twice, once being the 50th Reunion tour, the island is truly awe inspiring. My uncle served in the Marines D Company 28th Regiment 5th MarDiv - - KIA 1 March 1945. I walked the hill 362 where he was killed. Hard to describe the feelings. It is nice to see others appreciate the efforts and trials of the men from both nations who fought and died on this waterless spec of volcanic ash
@bat...thank you for your comment and view. You are absolutely correct it is hard to describe the feeling being on that island. I thank your uncle for his service.
Great video, thanks. I've been to Iwo Jima three times and each time it was so surreal. God bless those on both sides who died for their country in 1945.
Went there a few times myself for training, on this video he didn't show the piles of dog tags I saw there
@Edwin, the reason I didn't show was because they were cleaned up. What I show is what is left.
Thank you for sharing this. My Grandpa fought there . He talked about when they raised the the American Flag during the battle. He said us can hear cheers and the Ships were blowing there horns and ringing ship bells. He was shot 3 different times while he was there.
@Bo thank you for your comment and story. I thank him for his service. Have a great day.
Seeing this island as it is today in amazing. The shot you took from atop Mount Suribachi lets one whose never been there realize just how small Iwo Jima really is. And when it dons on you it took 4 days to get up there...…….. truly a sobering realization. Brings tears to the eyes, God Bless'em all each and everyone.
Warren...thank you for your view and your comment. I am so glad that you enjoyed the video.
My father served on Iwo. He was in the Army Air Corp 20th Air Force, 7th Army AC, 413th Fighter/Bomber Grp, 413th F/B Sqd. as a P-47 T-BOLT mechanic. His unit was one of the first 3 to land after the Marine's secured the center air field. They were there to support the Marines and the B-29's flying off Siapan enroute to Japan.
Great video....very much enjoyed.
I remember when I was in 7th grade I had a computer teacher and his name was Mr. Neil. Idk how we touched on the subject of WW 2 but we did and he was telling me stories of his Grandpa that was fighting on the Pacific.
Then he said that he was ganna bring something from his house that was his family's treasure. And it was an original picture with signitures of the soilders who were raising the flag. His grandpa was one of those soilders raising that very flag.
I still remember very vivdly how he handed the picture to me and I was just in a state of "awe" because i was holding a relic from the past, and not just that but a piece of American history on the palm of my hands.
I'm currently 21 years old and to this day that will forever be in my mind.
Thats awesome dude. You should watch the movie Flags of our fathers. its all about the guys who raised the flag. Also another movie about the japanese side of the battle is called Letters from Iwo Jima. Both good movies
Hector, my young friend, At your young age of 21, you are privileged to have a personal connection to the Battle of Iwo Jima, to World War II, and to some of the great Americans who fought for this blessed country. Look about you as you step through life; notice the difference between yourself on the one hand, and the many others on the other hand who have no personal connection -- or even a basic interest -- in the this history of the United States. You might find yourself outnumbered by those who don't know or care, but you will never be overpowered.
I can't even imagine the courage of those men. Thank you.
The sad thing is that it's so beautiful. God bless you yanks! From Australia
It's strange how much effort, resources, and lives mankind invested in the war. Like how that tiny, remote island in the middle of nowhere was so important only because it played a role in the war. Such an island would be meaningless if not for the war, yet it hosted the great battle seeing thousands to their deaths. You'd think the countless dead, when they stared up at the stars, lying where they fell, would have rather been back home with their families, not fighting for a piece of rock, no matter how strategically significant.
"The soldier above all others prays for peace, for it is the soldier who must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war."
--Douglas MacArthur
A storm that lasted 36 days.
A great video thank you I will show this to my sons. I was there in 00’. I was lucky enough to get picked go on a battalion trip with my unit 3/4K. One of the things that blew my mind was when we got to the top of Mt. Suribachi it was about midnight with a HUGE full moon. You could see pretty much the whole island. We went to the right side past that bunker where it was just sand, there were some 2nd Lt’s also up there that we didn’t want to be around ha! I scooped my hand down about 8” and it was as hot as an mre heater. The next morning is when we found the big tunnels etc. As a young Marine it was mind blowing and eye opening
Other thing was on the beach if you scooped up that Holy black sand and let it fall between your fingers more often than not we would find old projectiles from the battle
Thank you for the comment and your service. The first time I got there it was truly amazing the feelings that arise knowing what went on there.
@@JapanTreasureHunters1 Don’t thank me. It was my pleasure. But thank you. It’s kind of a family business (though most are sailors 🤷🏻♂️) Thank you again for your film. I lost most of my pictures (35mm film and things from my travels in my divorce) so it’s cool to see places I’ve been via other’s prospectives
to the Gallant young men of the 3rd 4th and 5th Marine divisions we owe you a great deal of gratitude thank you for your service and thank you for bringing this wonderful video to us Semper Fi
@On target...thank you for watching. I appreciate it. It was my pleasure to make this video for you. Thank you for your service.
This is very moving..the epitome of bravery for any soldier that was on this island..only to think after this horrendous battle the two countries are strong allies today..amazing
Thank you for your comment and view. I am glad that you enjoyed the video.
Thank you. Good video for those of us that cannot make it to that scared island. RIP all soldiers from both the USA and Japan. War is hell.
Greg...thank you for your view and comment. It is well appreciated and I am happy you enjoyed it.
Never Amazes me the jackasses on the internet who Down vote a historical video about so many soldiers who gave their lives on both sides. 156 loads that would have better off had they been swallowed as of 3/2019.
Great video! Keep up the good work.
I'm really amazed. Can't believe there are guns and planes still left there from 74 years ago.
Artemis...it is truly amazing what is there. It is a once in a lifetime trip. Thank you for watching and commenting.
Dedicated to the men on both sides who passed away during the fighting!!
Well said. Thank you for your view and comment. It is well appreciated.
For once i thought this is a battefield v game tour review. lol
My apologies if this was misleading. But I appreciate the view and comment. Thank you.
Japan Treasure Hunters wasn’t misleading for me but I was just playing bfv on Iwo Jima and its amazing how accurate they got it in the game
Thank you for the comment. Makes me happy to know that my video is accurate with the game. Nice.
The Pacific maps of bfv are spot on. Especially iwo Jima
The Pacific war
Thank you for this, WW2 has always been a fascination of mine. I hope to visit this spot and many others one day!
Excellent video. Great to see what the island actually looks like today. Thank you keeping the memory of this battle alive. All those brave Marines and Sailors who died to take that island. People forget so quickly.
So sad that all those young men, on both sides, died and we will never know what they would have brought in to this world. My dad fought with the Army on Guadalcanal, he rarely talked about his time there.
Thanks for posting.
JN
@Joe thank you for your comment. It is well appreciated. I am glad you enjoyed the video. Thank you.
I'd probably cry being there. Just imagining what it had to of been like
My Uncle Bill was wounded there on the first day by machine gun fire, he was the only man from his squad who survived the first day.....his leg wound was so severe that he wore a brace on his leg for over thirty years afterward...he died in 2012.
Thank you for your view and your comment. I thank your Uncle for his service.
Wow, you are so lucky to see this in person. I'd love to. God bless the greatest generation.
May Dad was a US Naval Aviator (tail gunner on an SBD Dauntless) stationed at Pearl Harbor (Ford Island NAS) from 1943 - 1945. He never spoke much of his WWII service, even though I frequently asked. One thing he did tell me, however, really stuck in my mind. I'll paraphrase what he told me one night at the dinner table:
"I was always amazed at the contrast between the boys [Marines] heading off ( i.e., boarding ships at Pearl Harbor that were sailing off to battle) and the men returning" (i.e., Marines disembarking at Pearl from ships returning from combat). "The boys lining up to board were always laughing, joking, pranking each other, etc. But the Men returning (from combat; disembarking down the gang planks) were always silent, walking slowly, usually staring down at their feet. At times they seemed like ghosts coming off those ships". He then added: "I always wondered what kind of hell they encountered". Thanks for your videos. They made me think of that story Dad told me.
Thank you for the story. It reminds me of "With the Old Breed " by EB Sledge and how Sledge was after the war ended.
Wonderful tour! So well done, thank you. Having Marines in the family make your work so important.
@Jay thank you for your comment. I appreciate it and appreciate you taking time to watch the video. Have a great day.
Thank you for the video it was great to see where my grandfather was in WWII. February 19, 1945 would be the first day my grandfather Chester Kitchens a 19 years old Private machine gunner would be at battle. He would not be on the island very long as Chester was a heavy machine gunner. At the Battle of Iwo Jima, the average life expectancy of a Marine heavy-machine gunner was 30 seconds, from the time he set up the weapon. He was on the island for just 2 days as he was shot in the head on February 21st. He would pass away in 2009 a few days before his 83rd birthday. Not bad for a Marine who never learned how to swim. I am very grateful for his time that he spent serving our country.
Brent...thank you for the story. I always like to read those accounts. Thank you for watching and commenting. But mostly I thank him for his service.
The Greatest Generation. You should be very proud of your grandfather! 19 years old at the time. I can’t imagine.
I was stationed on board the USS Enterprise CVN 65 from 1987 to 1991 and we passed by Iwo Jima and the captain anounced that Suribachi was visible, I went up and saw it for myself. It wasn't physically impressive but knowing the historical significance made it awe inspiring!
Dan Sapp I was on the Enterprise in 86-88 and that must have before or after I was there.
Dan Sapp
My Grandfather fought on Saipan and then Iwo
Died in 1987 from emphysema 4 packs of filterless camels a day
He would stand in his garage when I was so young when the thunder and rain came jingling change in his pocket staring out into the void smoking cigarettes
He was reason I joined Marine Corps
Semper Fi
@@michaelweber4008It must have been after, late 89 to early 90 was our around the world change of home port cruise from Alameda to Norfolk. What I said in my comment is absolutely true, I remember it vividly but exactly when is vague because it was so long ago.
you try to image the horrors that occurred in every frame of this video but you just cannot get close... so many young lives.. just boggles the mind.. thanks for the upload.. IWO footage is hard to come by thx again
These remnants of war must be preserved and protected to serve as a livng memorabilia of those who had not experienced the bitterness effects of war! ........ From the philippines
Thank you for sharing........My uncle Floyd Vaughn Hallmark was KIA on March 1, 1945 taking out Hill 362A, and I think of him and this wretched island frequently. I hope to visit there one day. Ken FLOYD Clark
God bless Floyd V Hallmark.
I thank you so much for sharing. My Daddy was there, injured & lost his best friend. What saved my dad’s life was his radio pack on his back.
As a South African who love millitary history this was great. Thank you for posting this.
Nice video ...very well made ! I like how u gave some explanations and let a lot of the shots, scenery, and monuments speak for themselves
Thank you for very much for your great comment. I appreciate it very much. I am happy that you enjoyed it. Have a great day.
thank you for sharing this video and for your respect of all of the fallen on both sides
Cody...thank you for watching and commenting. I really do appreciate it. I am glad that you enjoyed this video.
Amazing, I had no idea the island was so small. Thank you!
Great tour! Thanks so much for sharing this with us. Such important history for us to all remember.
TheCream...thank you for watching and commenting. I am glad you enjoyed the video.
Thank you for this. I was there in 2002 and I was only able to see mount suribachi and I guess what would be the east beach. I would have loved to have seen more. My great uncle was KIA on Iwo. My dad was also there in the 80s.
With the close relationship the US has with Japan now, it's hard to believe both countries where at war with one another. Great video.
I was there in Dec 2017 while I was still an active duty Marine out of Iwakuni, Japan. My Grandfather was on an LST at Iwo Jima. He was lucky to make it home.
I am now retired and live in Japan. My Priest is a close relative to the Japanese Col who was also an Olympic Equestrian rider. He brought his horse to Iwo Jima. Another of his relatives was on the Yamato. It’s amazing to talk with him about family history. He got emotional when I handed him a jar of the black sand.
I want to go back but I don’t think I’ll ever get the chance. Thank you for the video.
Kris...thank you for your amazing story. I hope retired life is treating you well. Thank you again...for the view and subbing. It is well appreciated.
Baron Nishi?
Nice Vid & tribute to our men who fought there. My father was a USN Corpsman with 4th Marine Division. Back then they were called Pharmacists Mates. He was attached to the 3d Bn 25th Marine Regiment at Saipan, Kwajalein Atoll Roi-Namur & Iwo. Just before the assault on Iwo they pulled him to run evacuations of the wounded on the barges from shore to the hospital ships. He said once he had a bad feeling about IWO, that he just felt his number would have been up and would not have made it off that island like so many of his buddies. His company took 70% casualties the first few days.
@Moe...thank you for the great story. I appreciate the comment. I also thank him for his service.
I was attached to 1st Bn in the same regiment. Semper Fi. Just got out in 2018.
@kelbourne. Thank you for your service. I hope you enjoyed your trip.
I got emotional watching your video. The loss of life on both sides shows us the incredible valor that was displayed here back in February 1945. RIP to all those who lost their lives defending our freedom.
Amen to that. When I think of our guys charging up those hills ... it's is impossible to imagine it. Those guys had titanium cajones, which is why to this day I am SO respectful of that almost-gone generation.
Loved it very much! Thanks for showing us around there
Thank you for your comment. It well appreciated. I am glad you enjoyed the tour.
God bless this 🇺🇸Patriot🇺🇸 for doing this tour and showing us how amazing this island of historical importance is!! God bless our troops and God bless America.We need more great Americans like this man!
I remember when they teased the pacific for bf5. They said they went to the actual islands and did it foot by foot. I thought they were kidding but after seeing that first shot it looks identical (except for a lot more green which you mentioned).
Spree thanks for the view and the comment. I haven't played the game but saw some gameplay and it looks really close. Maybe they used some shots from my video for the game.lol. thanks again
VR naval Aircrewman here, we stop here quiet a bit when we are in this theater. I was very grateful to be able to spend some time on the ground here and imagine what the USMC had to endure to take this island. I’m a big history WWII buff and I and very happy I was able to see this place for myself.
They were some tough son of bitches on both sides. These Marines came home and only reluctantly talked about their experience in hell. Real Patriots who put their life on the line for America.
My grandfather fought at Iwo Jima, ironically my wife's grandfather did too. My grandfather ran the amphibs up on the beach landing the Marines. My wife's grandfather was a radio man on a destroyer that told the fleet the flag had just been raised on Mt. Suribachi.
My Uncle Bill (who passed away on Christmas Eve 2012) was a Marine Private who was wounded on the first day of the invasion, he and another Marine were the only survivors of his Demolition Squad which was nearly wiped out on that first day....he wore a brace on his shattered leg for over 20 years after the war.
The really sad thing, about this battle...is that by the end. It was a literal slug fest. The Marines had overwhelming force, and the Japanese literally had nothing left to fight with. Ammunition was gone, food was gone, and water...was gone. But, the strategic importance of this island..could not, and cannot be overlooked. Just think, how many lives of the B-29 Super fortress crews were saved...when they had to make emergency landings on Iwo's airfield..when they otherwise, would've had to ditch in the ocean. Thank you for the tour..as unfortunately, unless you're a member of the Marine Corps....or a Japanese citizen, you cannot go to the island. So thank you for posting this.
This was the best tour video of Iwo Jima i could find! Great job! And god bless all the men who fought and died on that island!
@Bill. thank you for the view and comment. I am glad that you enjoyed the video. I really appreciate you taking your time to also write a comment.
It looks so tranquil and quiet. One can only try to imagine the terror of hell on earth the young men that fought there witnessed.. Deepest respect for that special and hard as nails generation.
1:18 Just looking from that perspective and imagining the amount of fire you could pour down on that beach from that mountain is enough to give me chills
Another great historical tour! You’ve mad me feel like I was able to tour Iwo Jima myself! Keep up the good work. I was hoping to see the deadly “gorge” on the northern part of the island.
@Paul thanks for your comment. I appreciate the kind words. I tried to get as much as I could with the time that I had. I had missed a couple things I wanted to get. I will be posting another video of a few of the caves I went into.
Thanks again for your comment and have a great day.
@@JapanTreasureHunters1 Thanks Again!
Fascinating glimpse on top where the flag was raised.
"Gimme that old Marine Corps spirit-It was good enough at Iwo then its good enough for me"........(Marines running cadence, Parris Island 1966)
Great video. Semper Fidelis.
Bravo3...Thank you for your service. I appreciate you taking your time to watch the video and to comment. Also, love the cadence.
Published on Dec couldn't have been an accedent. Thank you for this video.
In Iraq and Afghanistan I thought we had it bad, but that beach was inhumane...it has never escaped me that with it so exposed we could have lost more there.
Thanks again for the video, interesting to see it in pictures and film clips from then and what it is like today.
You guys went through Afghanistan & Iraq like shit through a goose, unlike the Soviets. Much respect. Your generation is no less.
My grandfather was there with the 5th Marine division ("Sound rangers") I have always wanted to see this stuff and never had before watching this, thank you.
@David. Thank you for your comment, I am glad that you enjoyed the video. I thank him for his service.
My uncle was with the 5th Marine Div and died on Iwo Jima on I believe 3/18/45. A cousin died in France. A number of other relatives were in WW2 and survived. It was a tough war for them though.
My dad capitured a Japanese rifle and sent it home. I have it and it still has the seal that all rifles were to have removed. Its priceless to me
Veekator prove it
That truly is awesome
Veekator can you make a video of it?
@@cameronharris955 Why should he ?
Iwo Jima and Okinawa were really tough battles. I have heard that soldiers that survived those battles still get nightmares about them.
More than Europe, I think, USA and Japanese fought each other much more fiercely.
Abhijit Rane bollocks
Well tbh I'd say they're probably all dead by now
Gus W Not true. We’re losing WW2 veterans everyday, but there are still some left.
I was born on Okinawa moved to live in Osaka for a few years then moved to the UK I'm a halfie lol.
Try Stalingrad and Leningrad first .... you want horror ... those places come first and second ....
Thanks for your post on the historical sites on Iwo Jima.
"The raising of the flag on Iwo Jima, means a Marine Corps for the next 500 years." ~ James Forrestal, Secretary of the Navy
Can you imagine all those sailors on their ships, tears in their eyes as they watch through binoculars the flag of freedom being raised on the island? It sure stirs the soul.
I last step foot on Iwo Jima 23 years ago after a flight in from Kwajalein.
Saw many artifacts, monuments, landing crafts left on the beach and walked to the beach. It was amazing to stand on the beach and know what took place.
Departed with a jar of sand and that sand sits atop my dresser to this very day in honor of those who fought for the chunk of rock.
God Bless.
Michael...thank you for your comment and view. Mostly thank you for your service. Iwo is a special place. I am happy you enjoyed the video.
Wow someday I wish I can visit this place! This is pure history
@Lebum thank you for your view and your comment. The island is utterly and truly beyond words.
Beautiful clip man. Very very very good job to this for everybody. Thanks. A LOT.
Thanks for your comment. I very well appreciate it. Have a great day!
I was there with the Navy in a landing craft with 5th Marines in it.
Bob...Thank you for your service.
That's it? How about some details. Love to hear it.
How bout some details
Being in a situation like that, I highly doubt he talks about it. My grandpa was in Korea and Vietnam and the only people he talked about it with were his buddies at the legion. Never even told my grandma a thing. He kept it to himself.
Thanks for giving us this video. Amazing.
I like the fact that they have marked history where it stood and they have depicted both sides of the battle not just there own. I hope they stay displayed and respected for all to remember the tragedies of war and to pay homage to the fallen.
I want to visit it someday
10:15 that appears to be the Douglas C-124 Globemaster II that crashed on November 20, 1955 from a propeller going into reverse after take off...all 11 on board died.
I would give anything to be able to visit but your video was the next best thing. Sacred ground for sure.
David thank you for your comment and view. I appreciate it very much.
Really appreciate the video posting and tour sacred ground that Island is all that happened we shall never forget the service and sacrifice of that the greatest generation to ever live.
"May those great men who have fallen here never be forgotten"
I hope the guns and tank will be preserved.thanks for this video.
The Holy Grail of artifact recovery....Well done....
@J&S Thank you for your comment. It is well appreciated. I am glad you enjoyed the video. Have a great day.
Given the vantage point from the mountain, it's amazing anyone got off that beach.
That gun still sat hauntingly in the emplacement looking out! Imagine how many beautiful lives that tragically claimed? Great video on the human tragedy that was Iwo Jima.
Naval HH...Thank you for your view and comment. Appreciate you taking your time to write.
Even though they were tough times i sometimes wish i was around back then just to see what it was like
My father landed on there when he was in the Navy. he was on a amphibious ship that landed on the beach to get the wounded Marines off the island. My father was shot in the leg he said when he was carrying a marine to the boat and had to keep going. My father said he couldn't stop or he and many others might have not made it back. I hope the men my father saved lived a long life and survived the rest of the war.
It was small sacrifices like your father did. that were replicated across all the theatres of war that made the difference between winning and losing. As a child born in the 1960's, I give thanks and gratitude for your father's and everyone else that served in these horrific situations of war.
I thank your heroic father.
Excellent video and thank you for posting this!
@Jack Thank you for your comment. It is well appreciated.
thank you for posting this from one that cannot make the journey
To Spooky of a place for me. Get goosebumps just watching this.
Grandpa was there as a machine gunner. Semper Fi Papaw 🤟🇺🇸
@last action medic thank you for your comment and I thank him for his service.
Great video of a very special place. I saw someone made a comment about being haunted, during the battle like on many of the other Japanese held islands it was easier to seal tunnel holes as they went along, if a tank or bazooka wasn't available usually blast it with flame thrower to push them back in or to deplete the oxygen then blow the hole with a charge and seal it. Hard to imagine how many Japanese were never found and are still there today.
Thanks for your comment. You are absolutely correct. They did that and also we did that too. As far as the know there is only a few hundred Japanese that have not been found or accounted for. There are a lot of caves that are off-limits because of how unstable they are. Thanks again for the comment and have a great day.
“Uncommon valor,was a common virtue.”
Semper FIdelis
Great musical accompaniment
A USMC Vet.
Thank you.
Thank you for your comment and thank you for your service. Have a great day.
Correct me if I am wrong, but the video is of the second flag raising and was a reenactment with a much larger flag. The first raising was just before I think by one person but the flag wasn't big enough so an order was given to replace it.
There were more than 26,000 American casualties. Japaneses killed - 19,000 with just over 1,000 taken as prisoners. The last two Japanese soldiers to surrender did so in January 1949 or 3.5 years after the war had been over.
Thanks for sharing.
The second flag was brought in from a ship stationed off shore by an officer who had it aboard. The second raising was essentially done for a better photo op and it was taken with the original group of marines and a Navy corpsman. All the actual details and facts are in a book called Flag or our Fathers. It was written by the same Navy's corpsman grand son ( I believe) and an excellent read about the battle and the men who raised the flag. Ssgt Fishguts USMC
@@fishguts4247 Thanks for the additional info. Do you know did all six do the first raising? Or was it one guy? History's Lost and Found S2E4 was about the Flags of Iwo Jima. Didn't both flags wide up in the Smithsonian?
Yes correct. This island IS the Marine Corps. Semper Fi from an old Marine Sgt 73'-77'
@@fishguts4247 It was written by his son who is a real POS. If you read his other book, "Fly Boys" he comes across as a apologist for the Japanese. He is also actively trying to disprove that his father was one of the men who raised the flag.