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Ask a Vet
Author: TriSec
Date: 02/24/2015 11:26:53
Good Morning.
We interrupt our regularly-scheduled Ask a Vet for a special report.
Although none of the actual anniversary dates lined up with this column, we look back 70 years this week to one of the most violent battles in all of recorded warfare.
On 19 February 1945, the United States Marines invaded the miserable island of Iwo Jima, in the middle of nowhere in the Pacific. At the time, it was vitally important - it lies about halfway between the Marianas Islands and mainland Japan. In Japanese hands, fighters based there could harass the bomber stream, and conversely the Americans could use it as their own fighter base and emergency airstrip for damaged bombers returning from a raid.
Yesterday was the anniversary of perhaps the most famous photograph of all time.
In our era of "clean" war, it's sometimes difficult to grasp the magnitude of what happened at that place. Over the course of 36 days of active fighting, the US forces suffered 26,000 casualties...including 6,800 killed in action. Compare that to 32,021 casualties in Iraq (NOT including 4,493 killed in action). It's taken 14 years of war to reach those totals in the 21st Century.
27 Medals of Honour were awarded during the action on Iwo Jima, including 5 on a single day. This is the most soldiers so honoured for any single action in the entirety of US History, and accounts for 25% of all medals awarded to members of the USMC during the conflict.
Of the many, we'll take a look at just one:
In the end, Iwo Jima was the most important piece of real estate on Earth for a few months of battle. Its value to the United States was confirmed even before the island was fully secured, as the first B-29 in distress landed there on March 4. About 2,200 more would land there during the remaining 5 months of war, saving perhaps 25,000 airmen from a watery fate.
The United States retained ownership of the island until 1968, when it was returned to Japan. While there was a small pre-war civilian population, no one has lived there since the US abandoned the island. Every few years since 1985, the dwindling band of both United States and Japanese veterans return to the island to look over the invasion beaches, read the memorial plaque, and remember their comrades.
We interrupt our regularly-scheduled Ask a Vet for a special report.
Although none of the actual anniversary dates lined up with this column, we look back 70 years this week to one of the most violent battles in all of recorded warfare.
On 19 February 1945, the United States Marines invaded the miserable island of Iwo Jima, in the middle of nowhere in the Pacific. At the time, it was vitally important - it lies about halfway between the Marianas Islands and mainland Japan. In Japanese hands, fighters based there could harass the bomber stream, and conversely the Americans could use it as their own fighter base and emergency airstrip for damaged bombers returning from a raid.
Yesterday was the anniversary of perhaps the most famous photograph of all time.
In our era of "clean" war, it's sometimes difficult to grasp the magnitude of what happened at that place. Over the course of 36 days of active fighting, the US forces suffered 26,000 casualties...including 6,800 killed in action. Compare that to 32,021 casualties in Iraq (NOT including 4,493 killed in action). It's taken 14 years of war to reach those totals in the 21st Century.
27 Medals of Honour were awarded during the action on Iwo Jima, including 5 on a single day. This is the most soldiers so honoured for any single action in the entirety of US History, and accounts for 25% of all medals awarded to members of the USMC during the conflict.
Of the many, we'll take a look at just one:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR posthumously to
PRIVATE GEORGE PHILLIPS
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS RESERVE
for service as set forth in the following CITATION:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Second Battalion, Twenty-eight Marines, Fifth Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the seizure of Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands, on 14 March 1945. Standing the fox-hole watch while other members of his squad rested after a night of bitter hand grenade fighting against infiltrating Japanese troops, Private Phillips was the only member of his unit alerted when an enemy hand grenade was tossed into their midst. Instantly shouting a warning, he unhesitatingly threw himself on the deadly missile, absorbing the shattering violence of the exploding charge in his own body and protecting his comrades from serious injury. Stouthearted and indomitable, Private Phillips willingly yielded his own life that his fellow Marines might carry on the relentless battle against a fanatic enemy and his superb valor and unfaltering spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of certain death reflect the highest credit upon himself and upon the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
/S/ HARRY S. TRUMAN
In the end, Iwo Jima was the most important piece of real estate on Earth for a few months of battle. Its value to the United States was confirmed even before the island was fully secured, as the first B-29 in distress landed there on March 4. About 2,200 more would land there during the remaining 5 months of war, saving perhaps 25,000 airmen from a watery fate.
The United States retained ownership of the island until 1968, when it was returned to Japan. While there was a small pre-war civilian population, no one has lived there since the US abandoned the island. Every few years since 1985, the dwindling band of both United States and Japanese veterans return to the island to look over the invasion beaches, read the memorial plaque, and remember their comrades.
On the 40th anniversary of the battle of Iwo Jima, American and Japanese veterans met again on these same sands, this time in peace and friendship. We commemorate our comrades, living and dead, who fought here with bravery and honor, and we pray together that our sacrifices on Iwo Jima will always be remembered and never be repeated.
Comments:
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Comment by 
Mondobubba on 02/24/2015 13:43:53
Mondobubba on 02/24/2015 13:43:53
This seems appropriate given the blog:
Henry V, Act 4 scene 3
...This day is called the feast of Crispian:
He that outlives this day, and comes safe home,
Will stand a tip-toe when the day is named,
And rouse him at the name of Crispian.
He that shall live this day, and see old age,
Will yearly on the vigil feast his neighbours,
And say 'To-morrow is Saint Crispian:'
Then will he strip his sleeve and show his scars.
And say 'These wounds I had on Crispin's day.'
Old men forget: yet all shall be forgot,
But he'll remember with advantages
What feats he did that day: then shall our names.
Familiar in his mouth as household words
Harry the king, Bedford and Exeter,
Warwick and Talbot, Salisbury and Gloucester,
Be in their flowing cups freshly remember'd.
This story shall the good man teach his son;
And Crispin Crispian shall ne'er go by,
From this day to the ending of the world,
But we in it shall be remember'd;
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
For he to-day that sheds his blood with me
Shall be my brother; be he ne'er so vile,
This day shall gentle his condition:
And gentlemen in England now a-bed
Shall think themselves accursed they were not here,
And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks
That fought with us upon Saint Crispin's day.
Henry V, Act 4 scene 3
Comment by 
Raine on 02/24/2015 14:29:48
Good Morning.
Raine on 02/24/2015 14:29:48
Good Morning.
Comment by 
wickedpam on 02/24/2015 14:36:33
wickedpam on 02/24/2015 14:36:33
Morning 
Comment by wickedpam on 02/24/2015 14:44:07
wickedpam on 02/24/2015 14:44:07
doofus - that's not what income equality or equal pay means 
Comment by Raine on 02/24/2015 14:52:58
Oh, so bummed I mis a dolt caller…..
Raine on 02/24/2015 14:52:58
Quote by wickedpam:
doofus - that's not what income equality or equal pay means
Comment by wickedpam on 02/24/2015 14:54:58
wickedpam on 02/24/2015 14:54:58
Raine - he was so annoying
Comment by Raine on 02/24/2015 14:59:17
I've no doubt about that. I am so tired of the same bullshit arguments that lack any critical thinking.
Raine on 02/24/2015 14:59:17
Quote by wickedpam:
Raine - he was so annoying
I've no doubt about that. I am so tired of the same bullshit arguments that lack any critical thinking.
Comment by wickedpam on 02/24/2015 15:01:27
cause all liberals are supposed to be poor and not like money - WTF people, really?!
wickedpam on 02/24/2015 15:01:27
Quote by Raine:Quote by wickedpam:
Raine - he was so annoying
I've no doubt about that. I am so tired of the same bullshit arguments that lack any critical thinking.
cause all liberals are supposed to be poor and not like money - WTF people, really?!
Comment by Raine on 02/24/2015 15:10:56
I think conservatives might not understand that we want to raise people up and not be stepping on people.
Raine on 02/24/2015 15:10:56
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:Quote by wickedpam:
Raine - he was so annoying
I've no doubt about that. I am so tired of the same bullshit arguments that lack any critical thinking.
cause all liberals are supposed to be poor and not like money - WTF people, really?!
Comment by 
Scoopster on 02/24/2015 15:13:56
Scoopster on 02/24/2015 15:13:56
Mornin' all.. 
Comment by wickedpam on 02/24/2015 15:17:01
Seems they have lost their compassion for anyone less then them. Its sad.
wickedpam on 02/24/2015 15:17:01
Quote by Raine:I think conservatives might not understand that we want to raise people up and not be stepping on people.Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:Quote by wickedpam:
Raine - he was so annoying
I've no doubt about that. I am so tired of the same bullshit arguments that lack any critical thinking.
cause all liberals are supposed to be poor and not like money - WTF people, really?!
Seems they have lost their compassion for anyone less then them. Its sad.
Comment by Mondobubba on 02/24/2015 16:08:17
Bill-O stop? When has anything embarrassing stopped him before? When has his lack of truthfulness stopped him before? As long as he keeps pulling in the ratings he will have a job at Fox. I think that says more about Fox then Bill-O.
Mondobubba on 02/24/2015 16:08:17
Quote by Raine:
At what point does Billo-O stop?
Bill-O stop? When has anything embarrassing stopped him before? When has his lack of truthfulness stopped him before? As long as he keeps pulling in the ratings he will have a job at Fox. I think that says more about Fox then Bill-O.
Comment by Raine on 02/24/2015 16:24:10
the thing is, he's now threatening journalists. And to my knowledge this time — as opposed to progressives… main street non partisan journalists are going after him.
Raine on 02/24/2015 16:24:10
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
At what point does Billo-O stop?
Bill-O stop? When has anything embarrassing stopped him before? When has his lack of truthfulness stopped him before? As long as he keeps pulling in the ratings he will have a job at Fox. I think that says more about Fox then Bill-O.
Comment by Mondobubba on 02/24/2015 16:29:00
But it is that liberal NY Times practicing gotcha journalism! Yes, I know I am being a Devil's advocate.
Mondobubba on 02/24/2015 16:29:00
Quote by Raine:the thing is, he's now threatening journalists. And to my knowledge this time — as opposed to progressives… main street non partisan journalists are going after him.Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
At what point does Billo-O stop?
Bill-O stop? When has anything embarrassing stopped him before? When has his lack of truthfulness stopped him before? As long as he keeps pulling in the ratings he will have a job at Fox. I think that says more about Fox then Bill-O.
But it is that liberal NY Times practicing gotcha journalism! Yes, I know I am being a Devil's advocate.
Comment by Raine on 02/24/2015 16:30:38
WTH?
Raine on 02/24/2015 16:30:38
Appearing on ABC’s This Week with his former communications director, George Stephanopoulos, former President Bill Clinton expressed dismay with the Republican Party’s attempts to destroy the Affordable Care Act, claiming that the the GOP is “sitting around just begging for America to fail.â€
Addressing a clip of Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) claiming he intends to change his references to “Obamacare†as “Hillarycare†if the national healthcare program collapses because he wants presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton “to own it,†the former president marveled at the GOP’s obsession with wanting the program to fail.
Comment by Raine on 02/24/2015 16:33:39
I understand you are, but when people start saying things like this, I think Bill-O is becoming a detriment to even Faux.
I Wasn't aware that he made the threat to a woman.
Raine on 02/24/2015 16:33:39
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:the thing is, he's now threatening journalists. And to my knowledge this time — as opposed to progressives… main street non partisan journalists are going after him.Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
At what point does Billo-O stop?
Bill-O stop? When has anything embarrassing stopped him before? When has his lack of truthfulness stopped him before? As long as he keeps pulling in the ratings he will have a job at Fox. I think that says more about Fox then Bill-O.
But it is that liberal NY Times practicing gotcha journalism! Yes, I know I am being a Devil's advocate.
I Wasn't aware that he made the threat to a woman.
Comment by Raine on 02/24/2015 16:34:47
I am actually really tired of people getting a pass at the horrible things they do because… Fox.
Raine on 02/24/2015 16:34:47
“I am coming after you with everything I have,†Mr. O’Reilly told me. “You can take it as a threat.†http://t.co/gXsH3Zqaig
— Emily Steel (@emilysteel) February 24, 2015I am actually really tired of people getting a pass at the horrible things they do because… Fox.
Comment by Mondobubba on 02/24/2015 16:37:57
When one of Sen Franken's books came out he did a very public bullying of the PR flack for it at public event. He's a thin-skinned asshole with no sense of shame. The "Liberal Washington Post" is picking on him.
What I am saying for those in the conservative bubble, Bill-O's a hero. It just doesn't matter.
Mondobubba on 02/24/2015 16:37:57
Quote by Raine:I understand you are, but when people start saying things like this, I think Bill-O is becoming a detriment to even Faux.Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:the thing is, he's now threatening journalists. And to my knowledge this time — as opposed to progressives… main street non partisan journalists are going after him.Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
At what point does Billo-O stop?
Bill-O stop? When has anything embarrassing stopped him before? When has his lack of truthfulness stopped him before? As long as he keeps pulling in the ratings he will have a job at Fox. I think that says more about Fox then Bill-O.
But it is that liberal NY Times practicing gotcha journalism! Yes, I know I am being a Devil's advocate.
I Wasn't aware that he made the threat to a woman.
When one of Sen Franken's books came out he did a very public bullying of the PR flack for it at public event. He's a thin-skinned asshole with no sense of shame. The "Liberal Washington Post" is picking on him.
What I am saying for those in the conservative bubble, Bill-O's a hero. It just doesn't matter.
Comment by wickedpam on 02/24/2015 16:41:40
wickedpam on 02/24/2015 16:41:40
Think Bob was just talking about Thom there - "some radio liberals don't know how to be entertaining".
Comment by Raine on 02/24/2015 16:43:11
I had that feeling as well.
Raine on 02/24/2015 16:43:11
Quote by wickedpam:
Think Bob was just talking about Thom there - "some radio liberals don't know how to be entertaining".
Comment by wickedpam on 02/24/2015 16:44:25
You know my constant complaint about Thom. Extremely informative but duller then dishwater.
wickedpam on 02/24/2015 16:44:25
Quote by Raine:I had that feeling as well.Quote by wickedpam:
Think Bob was just talking about Thom there - "some radio liberals don't know how to be entertaining".
You know my constant complaint about Thom. Extremely informative but duller then dishwater.
Comment by Mondobubba on 02/24/2015 17:51:14
Mondobubba on 02/24/2015 17:51:14
Comment by Scoopster on 02/24/2015 17:58:20
Ya know, if this didn't come from the Guardian, or had been published in association with another major news outlet, I'd have a lot less trouble thinking it was a legitimately sourced story.
I know that sounds disturbing, but The Guardian has that kind of detrimental track record.
Scoopster on 02/24/2015 17:58:20
Quote by Raine:
This is highly disturbing.
Ya know, if this didn't come from the Guardian, or had been published in association with another major news outlet, I'd have a lot less trouble thinking it was a legitimately sourced story.
I know that sounds disturbing, but The Guardian has that kind of detrimental track record.
Comment by 
livingonli on 02/24/2015 19:07:09
livingonli on 02/24/2015 19:07:09
And I pop in time just for crazy judge Ray Moore come up on Thom Hartmann's show.
Comment by Raine on 02/24/2015 19:20:58
Raine on 02/24/2015 19:20:58
OMG, this is hilarious. Mondo, you are going to LOVE THIS. How your pretentious local record store asshole got that way. HEre are just three:
(phone call)
Customer: “Do you buy records? I got records that haven’t even been degenitalized yet.â€
*
Teenage girl asks for classic rock gift suggestions for her dad.
Clerk: “How about Alice Cooper?â€
Girl: “Oh no, he hates female singersâ€
*
(phone call)
Customer: “Hello. Is this a restaurant?â€
Clerk: “noâ€
Customer: “OK. Do you take 8 track records?â€
Comment by Raine on 02/24/2015 19:21:38
It's an interesting conversation, I must admit.
Raine on 02/24/2015 19:21:38
Quote by livingonli:
And I pop in time just for crazy judge Ray Moore come up on Thom Hartmann's show.
It's an interesting conversation, I must admit.
Comment by Mondobubba on 02/24/2015 19:36:03
DE-LITE-FUL!
Mondobubba on 02/24/2015 19:36:03
Quote by Raine:
OMG, this is hilarious. Mondo, you are going to LOVE THIS. How your pretentious local record store asshole got that way. HEre are just three:(phone call)
Customer: “Do you buy records? I got records that haven’t even been degenitalized yet.â€
*
Teenage girl asks for classic rock gift suggestions for her dad.
Clerk: “How about Alice Cooper?â€
Girl: “Oh no, he hates female singersâ€
*
(phone call)
Customer: “Hello. Is this a restaurant?â€
Clerk: “noâ€
Customer: “OK. Do you take 8 track records?â€
DE-LITE-FUL!
Comment by Scoopster on 02/24/2015 19:44:26
HAHAHAHAAH!
Scoopster on 02/24/2015 19:44:26
Quote by Raine:
OMG, this is hilarious. Mondo, you are going to LOVE THIS. How your pretentious local record store asshole got that way. HEre are just three:(phone call)
Customer: “Do you buy records? I got records that haven’t even been degenitalized yet.â€
*
Teenage girl asks for classic rock gift suggestions for her dad.
Clerk: “How about Alice Cooper?â€
Girl: “Oh no, he hates female singersâ€
*
(phone call)
Customer: “Hello. Is this a restaurant?â€
Clerk: “noâ€
Customer: “OK. Do you take 8 track records?â€
HAHAHAHAAH!
World’s most awesome 80+ year old white lady comes in and picks up a Ying Yang Twinz CD and then asks if we have the Three Six Mafia CD with “Whoop That Trick†because “that’s the one they won the academy award for.†She buys both.
Comment by Raine on 02/24/2015 20:20:46
Raine on 02/24/2015 20:20:46
Comment by Mondobubba on 02/24/2015 20:30:57
But hilarious!
Mondobubba on 02/24/2015 20:30:57
Quote by Raine:Well, that was random!!!Quote by Mondobubba:
I knew it! Gavin Newsome is a replicant!
But hilarious!
Comment by Raine on 02/24/2015 21:11:29
Raine on 02/24/2015 21:11:29
Keystone XXL: Dead on veto.
Comment by Raine on 02/24/2015 21:11:44
Raine on 02/24/2015 21:11:44
Comment by Raine on 02/24/2015 21:12:30
Raine on 02/24/2015 21:12:30
Tough crap orange man:
In response, @SpeakerBoehner calls Pres. Obama's #KeystoneXL veto a "national embarrassment" http://t.co/SFl78WBl2p pic.twitter.com/EaMFNCt0oa
— CBS News (@CBSNews) February 24, 2015
Comment by Raine on 02/24/2015 21:35:34
Raine on 02/24/2015 21:35:34
could use some prayers for Oma.
She's really really sick.
She's really really sick.
Comment by wickedpam on 02/24/2015 21:47:41
Of course! Always sending positive vibes and prayers her way, and yours tool
wickedpam on 02/24/2015 21:47:41
Quote by Raine:
could use some prayers for Oma.
Of course! Always sending positive vibes and prayers her way, and yours tool
Comment by 
BobR on 02/24/2015 22:00:46
Who do they think they're fooling calling it a "jobs bill"?
Oh yeah - the typical FOX "News" viewer
BobR on 02/24/2015 22:00:46
Quote by Raine:
Tough crap orange man:In response, @SpeakerBoehner calls Pres. Obama's #KeystoneXL veto a "national embarrassment" http://t.co/SFl78WBl2p pic.twitter.com/EaMFNCt0oa
— CBS News (@CBSNews) February 24, 2015
Who do they think they're fooling calling it a "jobs bill"?
Oh yeah - the typical FOX "News" viewer
Comment by Scoopster on 02/24/2015 22:40:04
OH noooooo! {{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{ 
Major Healing Vibes for Oma~! }}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}
Scoopster on 02/24/2015 22:40:04
Quote by Raine:
could use some prayers for Oma.
OH noooooo! {{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{
Major Healing Vibes for Oma~! }}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}
Comment by Scoopster on 02/24/2015 22:41:02
Scoopster on 02/24/2015 22:41:02
Comment by Raine on 02/24/2015 23:18:27
Raine on 02/24/2015 23:18:27
Thanks Guys.
Right now it's touch and go. I will know more after one of my sisters gets back in touch with me.
Right now it's touch and go. I will know more after one of my sisters gets back in touch with me.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 02/25/2015 00:59:15
Will in Chicago on 02/25/2015 00:59:15
Raine, I pray that your Oma will be well. May she be healed and whole soo