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A Battle Remembered
Veterans of the Battle of Iwo Jima and their families observe the World War II battle’s 65th anniversary during a ceremony at the National Museum of the Marine Corps.
V
eterans of the Battle of Iwo Jima and their families gathered at the National Museum of the Marine
Corps in Triangle, Va., Feb. 19 to mark the 65th anniversary of the World War II battle. “Iwo Jima occupies a place in our his-
tory like no other battle,” said Gen. James T. Conway, commandant of the Marine Corps, during the ceremony. Conway said he thinks that’s a result of the determina- tion, courage, and sacrifice of the men who fought there, noting the savagery of the battle. “It was kill or be killed,” he said. The battle was the first U.S. attack on
Japanese soil and represented some of the fiercest fighting in the Pacific campaign of World War II. In the battle’s 36 days, more than 6,800 Americans died, with about 19,000 wounded. Five sailors and 22 Ma- rines received the Medal of Honor after the battle. Retired Marine Corps Commandant
Gen. James L. Jones, President Obama’s na- tional security advisor, thanked the veterans for their service. “We honor your legacy for the lives you saved,” he said. Jones added today’s Marines gain strength from the ex- amples set by the veterans of Iwo Jima. Veterans in attendance included Till
Toledo, Frank G. Willetto, and Keith Little, three Navajo code talkers. At the cer-
THIS MONTH IN HISTORY
■ On May 17, 1987, without any warning, an Iraqi warplane attacked the U.S. Navy frigate Stark in the Persian Gulf, killing 37 American sailors. Both sides characterized the attack as a mistake.
PHOTO: CPL. SCOTT SCHMIDT, USMC
emony, retired Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Larry Snowden pre- sented Conway with a war document he carried home from the battle.
F
Hall of Fame
ormer Army Maj. Tammy Duckworth
and Brig. Gen. Wilma
Vaught, USAF-Ret., were inducted into the U.S. Army Women’s Foundation Hall of Fame March 17. Duckworth, VA assistant secretary of Pub- lic and Intergovernmental Affairs, served in Iraq; piloted helicopters; and has received many distinguished service awards, includ- ing a Purple Heart, an Air Medal, and an Army Commendation Medal. Vaught is president of the board of direc-
tors of the Women in Military Service for America Memorial Foundation Inc. One of the most highly decorated women to serve in the U.S. military, she has achieved many “firsts” that helped lay the foundation for thousands of women in the Army. “[Duckworth and Vaught] have shown
extraordinary dedication, valor, and patrio- tism through their service,” said Maj. Gen. Dee Ann McWilliams, USA-Ret., president of the U.S. Army Women’s Foundation. “Their sacrifices have not only contributed greatly to our country but also have paved the way as leaders and role models to the Army women following their service.” MO
MAY 2 0 1 0 MI L I T A R Y O F F I C E R 7 5
Frank Willetto, left, and Keith
Little, Navajo code talkers, were among the honorees at a Feb. 19 ceremony marking the 65th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima.
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