15-136 Garand Picture of the Day - 24th Marines

[Mark in Rochester]

Official USMC Photo.

There are two “413” markings in this photograph, meaning at least two of these Marines are from Company B – the man facing away from the camera in full gear (on his shovel) and the man with the black undershirt and rosary (on his helmet.) Presumably, the wounded man and his other helper are from Baker Company as well; the helping man on the right appears to have his name stenciled on his helmet, but the photo doesn’t quite pick it out. They are also presumably moving back through the command post of either Company B or the First Battalion itself on their way to the aid station – note the officer on the telephone at center, and the rebar and concrete of a wrecked Japanese emplacement providing cover – but without the full caption it’s hard to say for sure. As Iwo Jima ground on and more and more replacements came to the front line, UNIS markings became more scarce – the original Marines who’d inked them onto their gear just weren’t around anymore. The wounded man has the look of a replacement with his carefully bloused trousers, smooth face, and general cleanliness. Again, though, without a photographer’s caption that recorded the unit, date, and location, any attempts at identification will be best-guess at their most optimistic.

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.