Iwo Jima Today

Well I'll sart this out with telling you that I was on Iwo Jima in 1946-1947, I was also in Korea for the Korean war <I was there for a little over 11 months. That was a dirty old hell hole.not only the land but the people too. I was with the 756 railroad operation dept.We ran the Hosp.trains up to pick up the mmen that were shot and the dead ones to.We had a car on the back of the train to put the dead ones in.Going up and coming back we got shott up pretty bad. So you shot ever one that you could see .Some nights you would kill12 to 15 maybe not all dead but ALL shot. We alway said a good Korean is a dead one. Well any one that was there give me a call on 309-647-1444 or email me on Rossonotes@aol.com
S/Sgt.GW Rosson

Well here I am setting here with the comp.with nothing to do. Sure do wish that Bob Bolus would get on the ball as he is trying to get up a team to go back to Iwo Jima. I could spend a month on the island and could peek busy all the time,,I still say that I can take you to the cave that has around 200 dead Marines still with there dog tag on them. When I was there it was about 120 inside the cave. The island has rose uo 64 feet in the last 65 years due to the under water eruptions.Right now it raises 8:inch a year. And yes the Japs are still looking for over 18000 of there men. So help me I can show them where there is 14000 of them , I was them covering them up with a bull doser. I know thwt I can't write down all so if you are interested call me 309-647-1444 or email me on Rossonotes@aol.com Thank you.
S/Sgt. GW Rosson

I was a combat aircrewman flying Navy PB4Y Liberators and Privateers out of Iwo Jima from May 1945 until the end of the war. We flew raiding missions against the Japanese ships which moved war goods from port to port in Japan. We also flew anti-sub patrols around the huge invasion fleet which was forming off Japan, and which was withdrawn after the A-bomb was dropped on Hiroshima. We lived in tents and Quonset huts in an area northwest of the main airstrip in the highlands on the north end of the island, an area once occupied by sulfur miners and known as Nishi village. Many Japs had committed suicide by leaping from the cliffs at Kitano Point and the odor in the evening breeze made holding down your dinner a nightly excersize. Several transport ships had been purposely sunk to form a breakwater midway down the west coast of the island and were fun to climb on and dive from. The army used DUKW's to bring supplies in from transports using the breakwater and we would help the soldiers load the supplies (from which there was always a case or two of beer which would somehow break open). Drinking water had to be distilled and the only shower we had was salt water, so when a rain squall appeared, even at 2 AM, there would be a mad scramble to a spout we,d made in the roof of the hut for a fresh water rinse. Chow was mostly C rations and the bread was flown up from Tinian, so it was hard and dry. We also got a lot of New Zealand mutton (ugh)so please don't serve me lamb chops! My last combat action took place on August 4 when we attacked and sank a small freighter off the coast of Suruga Wan then entered Sagami Bay where we were attacked by two Jap zeros and shot both of them down.

I still need ?????????????'s on Iwo Jima. About the cave ,tunnels,dead Japs or any thing that you want to ask, as long has ti has to do with Iwo Jima.
S/Sgt. GW Rosson

I could use some email from any of you that have service time. call me on 309-647-1444 or email me on Rossonotes@aol.com. i was on Iwo Jima for two years 1946-1947. Also I was in the Koren war 195- most of the year. I've got lots of pictures on both places. Call me 309-647-1444 or email me Rossonotes@aol.com.
S/Sgt. GW Rosson

My father Carl Ray Mikell severed on Iwo Jima in 1946 and 1947 as a member of the Army Air Force. He passed away last night July 12, 2010. He was so proud of his service to his country and the sacrifice that all of the brave men and women made then and now.

Mitch, I just got your email on Iwo jima. I was on Iwo Jima in 1946 -1947. Ive got pictures of the 4th Marine cemetaries, it was on blue beach. The QM had keep it up real good at the time. I was the first Sgt.in our comany. Mitch you ask the ????????? and I'll give you the anc. I've been in most of the caves and tunnels on the island. The biggest cave was the Jap's Gen. cave. It goes down 76 feet and has five levels. I've been in all of them. I could go on and on but I'll give you my phone number and my email. My phone is 309=647-1444 and my email is Rossonotes@aol.com Bob Bolus is a good friend of mine, he wants me to go back with him to iwo Jima. I said that I would. More later.
S/Sgt. GW Rosson

This makes the 4th time I've put this on and it didn't go thru.
S/Sgt. GW Rosson

I would like to talk to some of the men that were on Iwo Jima.To see if our stories are the same.Well have a nice day.
S/Sgt. GW Rosson

Hello S/Sgt. GW Rosson - good morning! I hope today finds you well enough. I just emailed you and if you didn't get it, let me know and I'll do it again. Thanks, Carolyn DeVries

Carolyn De Vries, Give me a call or email. Phone 309-647-1444 or email Rossonotes@aol.com. God to hear from you.
S/Sgt/ GW Rosson

I was reading your reply on 6-13-2010. You said that I could get Norn Holgate phone number and that I could call him. Thanhs I guess your name is Oliver Burger, Well my name is Gareth Rosson.My email is Rossonotes@aol.col You could call me on 309-647-1444.I was on Iwo Jima in early 1946-1947. I was the frist Dgt over the Ordance dept there. I've been in most of the caves and tunnels, there were a lot of dead Japs in most of them.Some still had some meat on them but it was hard and dry.This was about six months after the war was over,the smell was bad. I had three of my men that went in all the caves and tunnels with me , a T/5 John Willinghoff, T/5 Walker and aPFC weel the name has left me for now. Ha Ha Getting Old I guess. We went into one cave on the first level it was around 120 degrees, we went on down to the next leveland it got hotter then hell around 180 degrees there and the were appro 150 dead Marines there with there dogs still on them, The smell was so bad the T/Walker got sick and had to go back up. The Jap Gen.'s cave is the biggest cave there. It goes down 76 feet under ground and has five levels. We went thru all of the levels.I've got a web that I had mad listing about 25 pictures and that many stories of some of thr things that we did.Its getting late so I'll close for now.I would have sent this to you but I didn't see your email.
S/Sgt G>W>Rosson

Come on all you Iwo Jima men, Where are you? email me Rossonotes@aol.com or call 309-647-1444. I was there in 1946-1947.
GW Rosson

My fathers name was William Watts from Indiana. He was a marine and fought on Iwo Jima. He died 4 years ago at the age of 80. I found a note in his shirt pocket, it was a letter he was writing about his life as a marine. Growing up, he did not speak of his time in the war. We had no idea of what he endured and the acts he had to perform while serving his country. This letter explained some things to us about his life that we never knew. Upon his death, we got all of his medals and came to realize what he had done fighting for his country. I know there are few veterans from Iwo Jima left, but it would be great if there was someone out there that knew my dad. Especially if it was the person my dad gave his guitar too before he stepped onto the island.

My uncle, Roy C. Johnson (pfc), served in the 26th Marines and was killed on Iwo Jima. He was from South Bend, WA. Anyone out there know him or have any additional info on his time in the Marines or on the island? Thanks in advance, especially to those who served.

Hi, All you Iwo Jima men, woman, people. Ha Ha I need some email I've read all that I've gotten so far. So if you haven't wrote a email today, start now.
GW Rosson

I just watched a special on Iwo Jima, I never really cared about history before in school.. but now that I am older I am really interested and grateful. I just wanted to say thank you to all who has served! You are appreciated! Much Love, and God Bless! <3

Steve Maurys on 5-31-2010, Yes I was on Iwo Jima in 1946 and 1947. I have been in a lot of the caves there,Lots of dead Japs there and the smell was bad. I may be able to help you. Give me a callon 309 647 1444 email Rossonotes@aol.com.
S/Sgt. GW Rosson

To: Rett Floyd on 5-29-2010, You go to Iwo Jima today hit that and then what ever comes up you hit Iwo jima death search and it will you what you want.
S/Sgt. GW Rosson

Just one more thing ,bring up Iwo Jima today and go down to the # 17 picture. You can see the two block houses about 400 feet apart The Marines took both of them . Now there is a tunnelgo from one to the other. We went into the one on the left, there is a small door going into the tunnel. About 200 feet in it ( about half way) we came on to about 25 dead Japs there .Now it was about 120 derees there to hot to stay so we got the hell out of there. Now hear this the island has rose 62 feet in the last 65 years due to under water eruotions, now they say that it will get 8 inch. higher each year at the going rate. Later You can call me on 309 647 1444
S/Sgt. GW Rosson

Well I'm still waiting here for some ???????????? on Iwo Jima from any one. I was there in 1946-1947 the meat on the bones was still there but hard and dry. The smell was bad at the time. I've been in most of the caves and tunnels. There were a lot of dead Japs there. Some of the men would know out the gold teeth in the Japs, one man had a sock half full of them. I guess he must needed the money.Ha Ha Well you have a nice day. call me on 309-647-1444 or email Rossonotes@aol.com.
GW Rosson

To Pamela Miller on May 25 2010. Call me on 309 647 1444. If you got the ?????? I've got the anc.
S/Sgt. GW Rosson

My uncle was one of the Marines that died on the beach of Iwo Jima. I was not born until April, 1945 so I never knew him. His name is Eugent Nugent Miller from Akron, Ohio. If anyone has any information on him I would like to hear from you.

My father told me he landed with the 4th on Iwo. He was Navy on the USS 158 Newberry he is still around too May God Bless You.

Cannot help but read all the statements here that I can. Cannot help but feel the chasm. The feeling of all who lie there, all touched, all the all including me just walking around any place anytime.

The top of any mountain whistles with a restless breeze. It calls. It warns to turn away. It cajoles. It cries. It is the wind and much more. For at least a few miles, it has touched no other human.

Cannot help but wonder what the wind on those peeks, tall and low, of Iwo Jima, have to say.

May all alive and out there come home from their own Iwo Jima's to their family and kin, be they one our side our theirs.

I would first like to thank all the brave men for their sacrifice on Iwo Jima. My grandfather was a navy pharmasist second class and was on Iwo during the invasion. Until his untimely death a number of years ago he would tell me stories (nightmares) of what he saw heard and participated in. Not that it will ever take the place of his lost friends, he was credited with saving a number of lives while under direct fire for which he recieved the Silver Star that is now in my possession.

I would like to thank all the men and women during WWII that risked their lives for this great country.

I sure would like to get a call or two on Iwo Jima. You ask the ?????????? and I'll see if I can get you a good anc. on each one. You have a nice day.
S/Sgt. GW Rosson

I am so thankful to faithful United States Marines and all the brave men & women of the United States of America. As an American father of 4 children I have instilled in my children thankfulness and gratitude to the many that have given their lives for our freedom. I want them to know their history of their country for themselves. As Americans the history must be told and told correctly and never forgotten.
God Bless America!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Grady O'

Hello All,

To those that served - THANK YOU

I'm one of the Marines who took down the Loran tower and am looking for any other Marines who were part of that group to swap pics.

I have some good photos, but others had some good videos and I'd like to get some of those videos if possible.

My email is joshua79109@yahoo.com.

Thank You

To any veterans reading this who have served, your service is greatly appreciated and not forgotten. I have been watching the series the Pacific, it is difficult to watch, and I can only begin to understand the horrors that were faced in places like Iwo Jima. I have always been intrigued by this battle in particular and WWII in general. You have my outmost respect. God bless you all.

Jeff Harris
Toronto, Canada

Allison, Yes it take a act of god to get on Iwo Jima. Both myself and Bob Bolus have been trying to get to go to Iwo Jima. Bob asys he will foot the bill on every thing. He wants to bring Sgt. William Genaust back to the states. They have been looking for him for 65 years now. When I was there in 1946 on hill # 362A there was a marker showing where this man Genaust is at. ( I know where ).
S/Sht. GW Rosson

Mustangs on Iwo Jima: My grandfather was stationed on Iwo and flew a P-51D escorting B-29s to Japan. At the end of the war I am told they did not bring the planes home but simply pushed them over the edge of cliffs and onto the beaches of the island. (My grandfathers plane included) I have seen a few pictures as evidence of this from 1952 but would like to see more and hear more about this. I would like to know where on the island these planes were pushed too and how long did they remain there... are there still some there today? Anything anyone can tell me would be great and pictures would be even better... i am trying to find my grandfathers plane in this heap!

Sean Mooer:
seanmooer@cybertrybe.com

I need a source for a World History project on Iwo Jima if any of you could tell me what the very first fealings where when we beached, or some stories on fighting on the island

I have had the honor to go to Iwo Jima while i was serving in the Marine Corps from 2005-2009. the feeling you get on the island is an erie one. just knowing the battles that once took place there is incredible and the bravery of all the men who fought there. i could not imagine storming those beaches, because the sand is so soft and your feet just sink atleast 6 inches every step you take. i wish i could have spent more then just a day there exploring the island. it is definetly a memory i will never forget. if any men who served in the battles of Iwo Jima feel free to email me at jtjackson86@yahoo.com i would love to hear what you have to tell and i want to learn as much as i can about the battles.

My Dad was in the 4th Marine Division, 14th Artillery Regiment from March 1943 to November 1945. His name was Wilfred Gregg. He passed away in July 1996. He was on Roi atoll, Namur atoll, Saipan,Tinian and Iwo Jima. He rarely spoke of the war and then it was funny stories, never of combat. When I was in college he allowed me to interview him for a history project. It was the most that he had ever spoken of the war. I realised that my father had seen more before the age of twenty than I would ever see.It is one of my most treasured possessions.
He often spoke of two men that ge served with, Bill Gee of Texas and Victor P.(Ric) Regetti of Ohio. If anyone knows of these men, please contact me.

The people that write on this, If you would give you phone number and email you would get a lot more anc. I do give mine on any thing that I write. phone me 609-647-1444 Thank you.
S/Sgt.GW Rosson

Dear Mr. Dills,

My uncle,Lt.Col Harvey Scandrett flew with the 506th Airborn. He was lost with 25 others flying an escort mission. Did you know him? He was my mothers only sibling. I'd greatly appreciate any info you could send me. I've sent pictures we have from the war he sent my grandmother. I'd love to share.

Sincerely greatfal to all that serve in our military,
Mary Joshnon

I'm still looking for John Willinghoff or any Willinghoff. Call me 609 647 1444 or Email Rossonotes@aol.com
S/Sgt. GW Rosson

Sgt. Rosson,

Will do. I will call him and give him your info.
Thanks for keeping us safe.

I kmow where that Sgt william Genaust is I sees a marker 1946 sayiny this thr man was killed and I can get him out of there and that is why Bob Bolus wants me to go over there with him, I said that I would go wtih him.I also know where there is a plane that went down 65 years ago with 27 army men with them, I al know wrere appro. 220 Marines arre at ( DEAD for 65 years. I t was so hot thjey could not get them out. Now due to the eruptionsthe islsnd has rose 62 feet in the last 65 years The island ssssthe island get 8 inch higher each year. So the tunneelsare ahave cooled off a hot and you can go in them no
S/Sgt GW Rossos call m,e 609-647-1444

TO: Kevin Jones, Well I know what you were saying is ok,I have been on blue beach too. And yes you can not dig a fox hole on the beach as the black sand will fill it back in as fast as you can dig it out. Tell your dad Hi for me and thanks as I know that it must have been Hell for him. Tell him to email me Rossonotes@aol.com You have a nice day.
S/Sgt. GW Rosson

I want to thank all the Marines, Sailors, Soldiers and Airmen who served so bravely in conditions that must have been absolute hell that none of the rest of us could even begin to imagine! I am A retired Navy Corpsman who spent time with the 1st Marine division ( Fox Company 2/5). I joined in 1978 and at that time all the training was still geared toward fighting in the jungle. I always wondered how I would have answered the call of a wounded Marine or other Marines yelling "Corpsman Up". Would I have found the courage to jump into the bullets and artillery to do my duty. I would like to think so but never got the chance. I have always felt a connection to the Pacific war campaign. You guys that served were the best that we had to offer and you will never be forgotten! I hope and pray that you and your families will find peace in your sacrifices. God Bless You!

I will be 88 in April. I was a fighter pilot in the Mediterranean, 94 missions strafing and divebombing.
I have my story at www. charlies-web.com.

I urge you to get your dad's story down in print.

The local vet museum will probably do a 45 minute video-tape and send it to the Veteran's History Project at the Library of Congress. Google this.

But you should get him out on the deck on a nice day with a video-camera with lots of memory and get him to talk! Just start at the beginning and tell EVERYTHING, both the Good, the Bad and the Ugly!

Have some one put it on a disc.

Then you can hire a typist that can transcribe it and you can get on your computer and produce hard copy.

That will be the finest Christmas present you could give to your siblings and their children!
---Chas---

To: Mr Matt Hancock, You had a little story on this, on2-19 2010.Y0u needed some pictures for your class. I'll send you a web that has 25 or 30 good pictures and that manny stories too.If you have any ??????? callme 609 647 1444.
S/Sgt. GW Rosson

Mark Castleman, If you want to know about Iwo Jima give me a call 609 647 1444. I would be glad to talk to you on this.
S/Sgt. GW Rosson

this picture is awesome.. i think that it symbolizes american history

I was in the U.S.N.Amphibious Forces,my home ship was U.S.S,Logan,APA196.Amphibious force attack ship.
My job was Signalman on the Boat Group Commander's LCP(landing craft personal).He was in charge of the 28 landing craft of our ship.We landed 4th Marine Div,assault waves on Iwo at about 9:am Feb 19,1945.
I have many many vivid memories of the five days I lived in those damn Higgins Boats.
Just a few;My original impression was it was like watching a newsreel until we went by a cruiser on the way to the beach,just as it fired a broadside with all of it's 8 inch guns.I never heard anything so loud in my life!The next was all of a sudden seeing morters fall around us on the way in.To this day I admit I was never so damned scared in my life!I sure as hell was no longer watching a newsreel!
And of course,there was DDay plus 4 at about 10;30 A;M when the cox'n said there was a flag up on the top of "the volcano".It was up for a while ,then it went down and a bigger one went up about 1:p.m.I had no comprehension of the historical signifgance of what I just witnessed!

Anyone thats wants or needs infro. on any thing about Iwo Jima please put your phone on your note, being there for two years I can anc. a lot of ?????? B i need your phone number Thanks
S/Sgt. GW Rosson

I was staione on Saipan in 1944-45 with the 20th
Airforce . Japs would bomb usfrom Iwo. Was very
happy to have the island taken. Was sent to Iwo
i Sept.45 spent 2 months there before beinshipped home for discharge. Tok a lot of pictures of
pilots on top of t, Surabachi but never any of my
own. Never went into the caves because there could
have been lve japs andI did not want to be the last
casualty of WW2. Looking down from the top of that
mountain I marvel at the heoism ofthe young men
who took that miserable piece of real estate.
I walked through the graves on Iwo and Saipan
and I still think of them every night

To Sizzle,I think that we did wrong giving Iwo Jima back to the Japs. We lost to many good men there to do that.
S/Sgt. GW Rosson call me 609-647-1444

Richard Gay, Sir, I had a good friend of mine that was in the 4th Marines but he was killed after four days there. I was there in 1946-1947 I was first Sgt. over the Ordance dept. I went down to the 4th Marines cemetaties on blue besch It was well keep up at that time . They moveed the bodies from there starting in mid. 1967 and comp. All the cemetsries in 1949. I would be glad to talk to you on this,I've been in most of the tunnels and caves. There were a lot of dead Japs in all the caves. Some caves had as many as 2o or so in them.If you are willing to talk please give me your phone number. Mine is 609-647-1444. Email Rossonotes@aol.com Have a good day.
S/Sgt, GW Rosson

I was there for only a few hours on a C-130 resupply flight in 1989. The heat and sulfer smell in the caves was unbearable. My hat's off to the brave Marines.

4th Marine Div. , 14th Battalon I'm still around

Back in 1982, March/April timeframe, I was aboard the USS Peleliu, LHA-5 as a technical rep for the AV-8 Harriers and VMA-513. We were on a WESTPAC cruise and Iwo Jima was our second stop crossing the Pacific (Hawaii was first). The Marines onboard the Peleliu and our escort ships USS New Orleans and the USS Cleveland were to make a mock amphibious assault of Iwo Jima. The Marines were instructed to make the attack on the beach, but no further than the black sands. This was due to the memorials, unexploded ordinance, respect for the dead, etc. At the time, we were told that this was the first time since WWII that the US Marines and US Navy had been back to the island to do an amphibious assault since the original assault in WWII. It was quite a moment for me to watch the marines and the Harriers practice their assault. I was also permitted to board a US Marine CH-46 to observe from above and also to make a landing at the airfield to present a plague or something like that to the Japanese assigned to take care of the island and airfield. It from my photos of Iwo Jima in 1982 compared to these photos, they have cleaned up the bays and the island quite a bit. There were numerous ship wreakage in the bay on the north side of Mt. Surabatchi. Now there appears to be only one or two left. The vegetation growth on the island kept us from seeing any cave entrances. Great photos!

My Dad spent 34 months overseas in World War II. I never get tired of listening to him. I am fascinated with World War II. He can still tell you dates of incidents and where he was. He was in the 82nd Airbourne and was eventually discharged from the 101st when the war ended.

I am in an NJROTC program at my high school in Bastrop, Texas. I love researching on WWII as well as learning about the people who fought there. I am also a future U.S. Marine and would like to hear from those that fought in the greatest battle the Marine's ever faced.
Now i am a platoon commander in my unit, and i would like to show my cadets how it was back then and how war changes the world. I would like to hear more further writings from those on this forum and wish to hear from anyone. Thank you. Justinmdrn@yahoo.com 512-629-7006

Mr. Tankersley,
I am serving in the Coast Guard our of Guam and will be flying to Iwo Jima in a few days for the 65th Anniversary. I never knew or even heard that there was a Loran station in Iwo Jima. That had to be one hell of a tour. Do you have any information about when the Loran Sta was decommissioned? Any history or stories you have would be appreciated. This is the last year that Loran will be in service as the Coast Guard has become another victim of budget cuts. I would love to hear from you.

V/r

BM1 Wilkinson
1st LT
USCGC WASHINGTON

George where in the hell did you see all the dead people?
S/Sgt GW Rosson

I just opened a book that Dad and his fellow Marines compiled in the late 1980s entitled "2nd Armored Amphibian Battalion USMC WWII - Saipan, Tinian, Iwo Jima." It was published in 1991 under ISBN 0-9626571-0-7 and Library of Congress Catalog # 90-61496. The book is of personal memories and accounts, and I saw your father, JW, in a photo with the others in D Co. My dad was in C Company, and I am blessed to have an 'autographed' copy from Dad to me. Thank you for mentioning the other book - I will need to find a copy!

My father only spoke about the War when he happened to be with others who were there. I am told that he had nightmares the rest of his life, and his worst memory (there were many, though) was of seeing the civilians jump off the cliffs at Saipan. May our fathers and all those others who have died rest in peace now and enjoy their eternal reward. Their descendants and the rest of the world owe them so much.

My grandfather served with the 95th NCB (Seabees)and landed at the end of the 1st week. He survived the bonzai attack on the airstrip in the last week. Looking for any info on the seabees that were there in Feb of 1945

Hi Howard

I also was in the Coast Guard and stationed from March 1951 to March 1952 on Iwo Jima Loran station. If you send me you Email address I will send you some picture taken in 1951. I am curios to know if it has changed in 30 years.

A few years ago I did get a chance to read the unit history that the unit's reunion association put together back in the late 80's "2nd Armored Amphibian Battalion Association (1991)" (ISBN-13: 978-0962657108) They sold it to their members back then but dad didn't order one. I had to go through an inter-library loan program to get it. Definitely worth the wait, and a very good read. I also have some pictures of my dad on Saipan and some of the unit's group photos from graduation in San Diego and another from when they were on Maui before heading out.

I served on Iwo Jima from the Summer of 1982 to the Summer of 1983, my first duty station out of Coast Guard basic training. My memories of the place are vivid and I consider myself blessed that I got to spend a year in such a unique place in the world.

I am a passionate reader and studious of history, with special emphasis on the battles of the Second World War.
God and mother country have in his soul to all the heroes who were in so great battle IWO TO-JIMA, is an honor and privilege to let me know these unknown heroes, but with all the glory of service to his mother country.

Please I request people claiming to have photos of IWO TO - JIMA, tunnels, moments of battle,etc. Please send to my email alexanderanaya1@hotmail.com, I will always be grateful.

Thank you.

God Bless you.

Soy un apacionado lector y estudioso de la historia, con especial enfasis en las batallas de la segunda guerra mundial.
Que Dios y la Patria tenga en su gloria a todos los heroes que estuvieron en tan GRANDIOSA batalla de IWO TO -JIMA, es un honor y privilegio que me permitan conocer a eston heroes desconocidos, pero con toda la gloria del servicio a su Patria.

My dad was a Marine on IWO. He was shot in the head. Spent two years in hosp. in California before discharge. He died in 1963 @ 40yo from a brain tumor. His name is Thomas Roger Hickey.

I had the honor of serving on Iwo from 11/1981 to 12/1982 while in the U.S. Coast Guard.

True heroes fought and died there and it's in the air no matter where you step or look. Thanks is just not enough to express the gratitude to those who gave all on such a tiny, but important piece of land.

This truly is hallowed ground and an important day in our history.

Rene Noriega
Machinery Technician 2nd Class
U.S. Coast Guard

To all you guys out there who fought on Iwo and to all of your fallen comrades, I offer my enormous debt of gratitude for your courage and the sacrifices so many had to make. May god bless you all and watch over you now and forever.

got any facts about ira hayes the one who helped put put the american flag on iwo jima if you do leave thwm off at my email at aiyanabears@gmail.com !!!:-)> Thanks

John Willinghoff or any one that has the same last name Please call me 309-647-1444 or email me Rossonotes@aol.com. This man was my best friend on Iwo Jima. I've been trying to find him for a long time Thanks a lot!!!!!
S/ Sgt. GW Rosson

I need help, I was on Iwo Jima in 1946-1947 as a first Sgt. My best friend was in the same company as I was. If any one can help me I would say thank you. I've been trying to find a John Willinghoff or any one that knows of him Please let me know.( his kids or just any one that may know of him. Call me on 609-647-1444 or give me your number and I'l call you. My email is Rossonotes@aol.com Thank you more then I can tell you!!!!!!!
S/Sgt. GW Rosson

Reply to Larry Hunsberger on 2-13-2010 Yes they still have all three airfields there but they are only using one of them.
Bill Call 609-647-1444

I,M CURIOUS AS TO WHAT THE MILITARY DID WITH ALL THE BROKEN AIRCRAFT THEY HAD LEFT OVER AFTER THE WAR. I DIDN,T EVEN SEE A RUNWAY IN LATER PHOTOS.BY THE WAY THANK YOU FOR SERVING THERE AND PUTTING AN END TO THE WAR.

Rick, You want the Iwo Jima casualty list call me 609-647-1444 ask for Bill.
S/Sgt GW Rosson

s/sgt rosson i am looking for info on edward hoy from kent ohio kia on iwo. cannot seem to find casualty lists. Maybe you can direct me or give info where to look. rlatham777@yahoo.com

Hi. In anc to your 2-9-2010 wanting to know about a man that was on Iwo Jima. I was there in 1946-1947. I've been in most of the tunnels and caves on Iwo Jima. You asks the ???????? and I'll give you the anc. Phone 309-647-1444 or give me your phone number and I'll call you. also my email is Rossonotes@aol.com Have a good day.
S/Sgt. G. W. Rosson

looking for info on edward hoy usmc from kent ohio kia on iwo. i have no specific other than he was kia somewhere on surabachi. i would greatly appreciate any help and information.

Kai-nalu you wrote on 1-25- 2010. that you may call me on 309-647-1444 This is not a long distancs call for you or send me your phone number and I'll call you. Have a nice day
S/Sgt. GW Rosson or email Rossonotes@aol.com I go by Bill

The reply. on 1-25-2010 from Dane Kai-nalu T. To GW Rosson I would like a call from you 309-647-1444 This is on Iwo Jima. Thank you.
S/Sgt. G W Rosson

Hello, I will give you a call later on today I would love to know more about the battle of Iwo Jima. You can call me Kai. It's short for Kai-nalu, it's Hawaiian. So ill give you a call later.

Sincerly,
Dane Kai-nalu T.

I've got a lot of anc. on about any thing to do with Iwo Jima.I was there 65 years ago, Been in most of the caves and tunnels. Saw a hell of a lot of dead Japs. ( the smell was bad. ) Call me on 609-647-1444 any time.
S/Sgt. G W Rosson

Hi, I would still like to have some calls on ANY ???????? you have on Iwo Jima.You cal call me on 309-647-1444 or email me Rossonotes@aol.com
S/Sgt. G W Rosson I go by Bill now.

Were the bodies of the service men killed on Iwo Jima move?

Anc. To Jonn on His reply on Nov 11, 2009.John yes I have pictures of all the caves and tunnels also maps of all of them. If you need anc. call me 309-647-1444 or email me Rossonotes@aol.com You have a nice day.
S/ Sgt G W Rosson

Hi, You asks the ??????? I'll give you the anc.Iwas only 18 years old when I got to Iwo Jima. I was there in 1946-1947 I guess for a boy of my age at that time I seen a lot of dead Japs. ( That was good ). Like I said before if you have any ???? let me know.
G W Rosson Call 609-647-1444 or email Rossonotes@aol.com I would really reather talk then play with this comp.
G W Rosson ( I go by Bill )

Bill

I've put my email n a lot of places. I've had very little. email or calls. I was there right after the war was over !046-1947. I've been in a lot of the tunnels and caves. I also have maps of all the tynnels and caves. Any one that wants infro. on Iwo Jima , call me 609-647-1444 or email me R0ssonotes@aol.com. Thankd
Bill

It was asked a few times, who owns Iwo Jima today? in my opinion, it is over 6,800 Marines that own that piece of realestate, free and clear.

Sierra Foxtrot,
Paul Marquis USMC
Vietnam & KheSanh Vet
Purple Heart 1968

Need anc. Caoo me 609-647-1444 or Email Rossonotes@aol.com
Bill

Muscles,I was on Iwo Jima in 1946-1947. I've in most of the tunnels and caves. The Jap Gen cave, The Hosp cave and a hell of a lot other. Lots of dead Japs. If you want to talk call me on 609-647-1444 Or Email me on Rossonotes@aol.com I was a first Sgt in the Army there.We are planning on going back there soon.
Bill

Blake, I was on Iwo Jima in 1946-1947. I've been in most f the caves and tunnels. You ask the ??????? and I'll give you the anc. to them. i would like to see your pictures.
When I was there I was S/Sgt G. W. Rosson now I'm just Bill Ha Ha Have a good day.
Bill

When you open up Iwo Jima today and go down to the 9th picture you can see an airplane in the water. One went down in 1946 and it had 20 enlisted men and Capt Queen and more. Iwo Jima has rose appro. 60 feet since then Maybe?????????
S/Sgt. G W Rosson call 309-647-1444

This stuff is pretty cool. I wish I could go there one day...

I was on Iwo Jima 1946-1947.I will talk to anyone on Iwo Jima. Call me 309-647-1444 or email me Rossonotes@aol.com.
S/Sgt. G.W. Rosson

On the subject of who owns Iwo, it was returned to the Japan Gov. in 1968/69, and the barrages on the west side of the island are made out of concrete, and when I was there in 56/57 they were a haven for some of the most small colorful fish that I have ever seen. I never did go into any of the caves, just stuck my head into a few, not my cup of tea. I have a lot of photos of the island, will find them and try to post for you guys to see, Blake

I was stationed on IWO 56/57 with the USAF, 6361st ABSQ. I would like to know what happened to the orignal small monument that mused to on top of Sirbichi, the one in the most recent photo does not match the one I have photos of, hope someone can help. At one time the runway on Iwo was the longest in the Far East at over 5000'. I have really enjoyed the site, thanks Blake McNeely

i think the pictures here are just amazing. my question is is there any living people on this beautiful at all. i to give all my respects to all the good young men who died on this island.

I was on Iwo Jima in 1946-1947. I've been there and done that. I've been in most of the tunnels and caves , all have a lot of dead Japs in them.The Jap Gen. cave is the biggest on. It goes down 76 feet. The Hosp. cave is next it goes down 47 feet.If any one wants info. get hold of me. At 24803 E. Old Beach Rd. or phone me 309-647-1444 or email me Rossonotes@aol.com
Have a nice day.
Used to be a S/Sgt. now just plain old Bill

I had the distinct honor of spending two days on Iwo Jima. There are still sunken troop carriers off the beaches. Japanese machine gun nests throughout, along with empty shells scattered through out the island. Tunnels are filled with pottery, tables, and uniforms of what I believe were the Japanese soldiers who died wearing them. On the top of Suribachi there is a monument wall with dogtags left from Marines wayt back in the day to the present. While on the island you can't help but feel the emotions of the battlke that took place, I will never forget those days I was honored to see that history. God bless the men who passed fighting for what they believed in. Semper Fidelis

I think the pictures are brilliant. Well obviously that is mount sirabaji on the end of the island. I see they must have erected a memorial on the mount. You can see that is a volcanic island.

My love goes to the brave young men who took the island.

Kevin...England