In their search for a technical advisor for the 1949 film Sands of Iwo Jima, actor John Wayne and Republic Pictures turned to Graves Erskine, a distinguished military figure known for his impressive background.
Very few could match his extensive experience in the US Marine Corps. Erskine's military career spanned from World War I through his involvement in the Battle of Iwo Jima during World War II. One of his most well-known assignments came in 1921, when he was entrusted with the solemn duty of returning the remains of the Unknown Soldier from Le Havre, France, to the United States.
Graves B. Erskine - Wikipedia