Iwo Jima

On the anniversary of the flag raising on Iwo Jima, today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Marine Corps Veteran Donald E. Longfellow, who fought in the battle.

The Code Talkers used native languages to send military messages before World War II. Navajo, which was unwritten and known by few outside the tribe, seemed to fit the Corps’ requirements. They took their language and developed a “Type One Code” that assigned a Navajo word to each English letter. In addition to being unbreakable, the new code also reduced the amount of time it took to transmit and receive secret messages.

The Friends of the National World War II Memorial honored Veterans from the Battle of Iwo Jima during a 75th anniversary commemoration Feb. 19.

Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Marine Veteran James Cate, who was injured during combat in Iwo Jima, earning him a Purple Heart.

Ira Hayes was a Pima Indian Marine and one of the last surviving members of the Iwo Jima flag raising in World War II.

Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Marine Corps Veteran Samuel Franklin Hartman, who served in the Pacific during World War II from 1942 to 1945.

Jack Lummus was a two-sport professional athlete and two-way end for the New York Giants, as well as a Medal of Honor recipient for his heroics during the U.S. assault on the island of Iwo Jima.

Charles E. Baker served in the Marine Corps during World War II from 1944 to 1946 and fought in Iwo Jima.

On February 19, 1945, thousands of Marines landed on a beach of volcanic ash in the Pacific. For five weeks, Marines, Navy Corpsmen and Seabees fought for control of the heavily-fortified island. Williams recalls his experiences and the action that earned him the Medal of Honor.

Richard Overton lived in his Texas home smoking cigars and enjoying a daily routine before passing away at age 112. He was the oldest living American.

The Alabama National Cemetery Support Committee hosted their 8th annual Keep the Spirit of '45 Alive ceremony to establish recognition of WWII legacies.

David Patterson Sr. served in the Marine Corps during World War II as a Navajo code talker and played a crucial role in the battle of Iwo Jima.