The Sands of Iwo Jima

Having met, photographed, inaterviewed and written about several World War II veterans who fought in the battle of Iwo Jima, I have heard all about the unique volcanic black sand that the Marines had to deal with as they struggled ashore under constant bombardment from Japanese machine guns, mortars and artillery. Some likened it to ball bearings since it was impossible to get traction on or to dig a foxhole into. The sand's nature was so notorious that in 1949, John Wayne starred in a classic war movie entitled "The Sands of Iwo Jima".     

On June 10 I was thrilled to participate in the second anniual Cheers for Heroes fundraiser at the Lake George Beer Hub, where I rendezvoused with two WWII vets, 98-year-old George Jensen of the 2nd Marine Division and 93-year-old August Bolton of VMSB454, and two active Marines, Sgts Martin and Vivier, currently stationed at the Armed Forces Recruiting Office in Saratoga Springs. The two generations of Marines really hit it off and many stories were swapped.

As we were leaving, gunnery Sgt. Martin invited me down to his office to give me a small sample of actual Iwo Jima sand, which he was able to collect when he spent a week on the island a few years ago. He is trained as an F-18 mechanic and he was sent there to repair two F-18s that were stranded on Iwo Jima. I accepted his offer, and he spooned out a few ounces for me yesterday which I will pass along to George Jensen. Just looking at the sand gives me the willies!

The experience brings the history of WWII back almost to life. I never thought a handful of sand could have such an emotional impact!