3 May 2021 Garand Picture of the Day - The Rest of the Story

[Mark in Rochester]

Marine Pfc. Paul E. Ison runs through Japanese machine gun fire on Okinawa, May 10, 1945. He was the first of his unit to cross 'Death Valley' when the 29 year old father of four was photographed by Pvt. Bob Bailey. World War 2.

On the morning of May 10th, eleven days after the 1st Marine Division entered the fray, Ison was part of a four man team with Lima Company, 3rd Battalion ordered to first go to the rear to pick up 96 pounds of dynamite, then take his team up to the line to set charges that would knock out defensive pillboxes and positions. In route to the objective area, he and his team would have to cross a draw located between two hills commanded by the Japanese known as "Death Valley".

Upon arrival at the ammunition dump, the team was informed that the required explosives had already been prepositioned at the forward line. This meant they would not be further burdened with the additional weight of munitions for their harrowing traverse across the war torn valley. The team crossed successfully, one at a time, dodging heavy fire and incoming rounds to join the assault platoon on the other side. This was when a young photographer captured the photo of a single Marine Corps rifleman, who was Paul E. Ison, moving forward under fire with resolute determination. Upon arrival, his team learned that the explosives had not, in fact, been sent ahead. They quickly realized they would need to cross two more times in order to first return for the charges and then carry the satchels filled with TNT back across Death Valley. Miraculously, they all survived the deadly gauntlet three times and went on to successfully complete their mission. The Marines attacked and took the hill in eight grueling hours.




Paul E. Ison - Wikipedia

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