Mark Millican: ‘A common virtue’ 80 years ago

Published 11:00 am Wednesday, February 19, 2025

After the Battle of Iwo Jima was won and mop-up operations were underway, a Marine Corps commander directed his troops to walk through a graveyard full of fallen Marines so they would have one last opportunity to say goodbye to their buddies before departing.

Don Graves remembers several men stopping and bunching up at the entrance to the impromptu cemetery, and when he got there he saw why — a handwritten sign bore these words: “Hey fellas, tell them we did our best so they can have more tomorrows.”

The vignette was shared Monday at the Towns County Recreation and Conference Center between Young Harris and Hiawassee, where Marine Corps League members of Unicoi Detachment 783 hosted a Battle of Iwo Jima Memorial Service. Today, Feb. 19, is the 80th anniversary of the beginning of the pivotal assault in World War II that secured the Pacific island for American troops and planes.

With its Iwo Jima Memorial replica and a stunning view of Lake Chatuge with snow-laden mountains in the background, the center was an appropriate setting for around 75 people, many of them older Marines, to honor and remember those who died and all who fought there. It was noted that only four men are still alive who were at Iwo Jima during those six weeks of combat, and also that it is one of the bloodiest battles in Marine Corps history.

More than 6,800 Marines were killed and there were more than 19,000 casualties at “Iwo,” as the leathernecks call it.

Army Maj. Gen. Frank Lozano served as keynote speaker, and pointed out the “courage, resilience and indomitable spirit of Iwo Jima” among Marines during the battle against 20,000 Japanese troops.

“On the black, sandy beaches there was an unrelenting barrage of artillery, mortar fire and hidden machine gun nests,” he said. “It was one of the most grueling, bloody battles in world history … (and the Marines) fought for the freedom of the world … the bravery displayed on Iwo Jima inspired Americans and resulted in one of the most famous photos in history. (The Marines) represented the spirit of the American military and all who fought.”

A late member of the Unicoi detachment, Navy Chief Petty Officer Clarence “Bud” Johnson, saw the iconic raising of the flag on Iwo’s Mount Suribachi while he was aboard ship, and provided special input to the sculptor who fashioned the on-site replica.

Lozano, who saw action in more recent conflicts in Bosnia, Kuwait and Iraq, noted that when the Marines and Navy took Iwo, it was the beginning of the end for Japan, and gave American bombers direct access to the island that was 750 miles away.

“Their (the Marines’) legacy of sacrifice, unity and unbreakable will to fight for what is right … (was) not just to secure an island but the future for generations to come,” he said. “We offer a special salute to all who served and gave their lives there … (and note their) common bond with soldiers, airmen and sailors. We honor all their courage and sacrifice. They defended freedom for all, not just a select few.”

Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz said of the Marines at the Battle of Iwo Jima, “Uncommon valor was a common virtue.” Twenty-seven Medals of Honor were awarded to Marines and Navy sailors and corpsmen during the campaign. Many went to Marines posthumously after they dove on grenades to save their fellow Marines.

“Greater love has no man than this, than to lay down his life for his friends,” John 15:13 tells us. Indeed. It bears remembering.

Mark Millican is a retired newspaper editor and former staff writer for the Dalton Daily Citizen.