Ernie's Last Mission

[frankderrico]

I bought a bunch of military type books at an auction and thought you guy's might find some of these photos interesting. These are from a book called "An Ernie Pyle Album" published in 1946. All pictures of Pyle with captions. From his early days untill the end. Alot of carbines from the pacific. Both Army And Marines. The first two are Ernie on Okinawa with the First Mar Div. The second two are the Ie Shima with the 77th. Div. the day before Ernie was killed by a Japanese machine gunner, on April 18, 1945.
There is another on Okinawa that didn't scan well. Ernie is with 9 Marines, one on horseback. There are 6 carbines in the photo.
The second picture with the Marine smoking looks like the profile of a Winchester stock to me.
Hope you enjoy.....Frank

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[usgicollector]

Ernie Pyle's Final Resting Place Punchbowl National Cemetery Honolulu Hawaii
They are redoing some of the cemetery to raise sunken headstones. His was being done now.

[firstflabn]

Nice pics! That third one is kinda fuzzy, but could be an adjustable rear sight near the left margin. No surprise that there are lots of carbines. A G-Series marine division as used on Okinawa had over 4000 more carbines than Garands; in the infantry battalions it was virtually dead even.

[frankderrico]

firstflabn, looking in the book I think you're right. adjustable sight T1 band, and a video cammara over his shoulder. Good catch.....Frank

[Bob K]

While we are on the subject of "ERNIES" last mission, here is the last known pic of him. Looks like he is resting peacefully.

[Jefe]

Old thread, but wanted to add.

I have that book. My father was a SSG, Hvy Mortar Section Sergeant, Co D, 305th Inf, 77th Inf Div.

He had talked w/ Ernie Pyle shortly before Pyle was killed. My dad was about 100yd away.

The 77th Inf Div put up a nice memorial to Pyle on the Island.