Iwo Jima Marine Recognized After 57 Years!

Gunny G's Marines Sites/Forums ^ | March 27, 2002 | Dick Gaines GySgt USMC (Ret.)

[gunnyg]

Many viewers of my websites have been aware of Ray "Doc" Fornof's efforts to have Sgt Raymond Jacobs recognized (officially) for his presence as the radioman in S/Sgt Lou Lowery's (leatherneck) photos of the first flag raising on Mount Suribachi, Iwo Jima on 23 February 1945.

Now, with the recent dedication of the Pacific War Memorial in Hawaii, that has become a reality!

For those who don't know--the information is here...
http://www.dreamwater.net/gunnyg/firstflag.html

The following is, in part, from an e-mail I received from Ray Jacobs today:

"You have been so generous with your support and space on your webpages in telling my story that I wanted to share with you one of the results of your help.

The Corps has on several ocassions officially recognized me as the radioman with Lt Schrier's patrol at the 1st flag raising on Iwo Jima.

Most recently such recognition was made by the Marine Corps Historical Division to the Pacific War Memorial Committee.The committee chair called the division to ask if they now officially recognize and acknowledge me as the radioman with Lt Schrier as pictured in Lou Lowery's photographs.The division spokesman said yes,the Corps agrees,I was that radioman.

Then that information was passed on to the PWM committee who approved adding my name to the granite etched reproduction of Lowery's picture of the first flag raising.

The committee included in it's ranks several retired high ranking former Marine officers.

The pictures were mailed to me by Ray Fornof who,as you know,led the charge in getting recognition for Charles Lindberg and me.You may use the pictures are you wish.I am just grateful to have them.57 years is a long time.

Semper Fi,
Ray"

You may contact Ray Jacobs at
Ray1Jacobs@msn.com
and, Ray "Doc" Fornof at
Doc666USMC@aol.com

Semper Fidelis
Dick Gaines

[gunnyg]

PWM Photo

[gunnyg]

Another PWM Photo

[colorado tanker]

Well done, well done.

[gunnyg]

And....another

[glock rocks]

good job, good news.

[GailA]

GOOD NEWS is always welcome.

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

SALUTE
from an old tin can sailor

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

Stop in and help support our military, their families and Vets!
Come on by and meet some very Patriotic FReepers.
See great graphics and posts and have a few laughs along the way.
New Thread Every Day!

[COB1]

Well done, gunny!
This is great news!
Here's one I borrowed from g'nad:

Thanks for the bump, brother Tonk!

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

"Thanks for the bump, brother Tonk!"

Always my pleasure to scout for my Marine FRiends.

[RaceBannon]

Here are some shots of the sculpture that this one at K-Bay is molded from!

[gunnyg]

Just for the record.

Morning, 1020, 23 February 1945, Mount Suribachi, Iwo Jima.

1/Lt H.G. Schrier's 40-man combat patrol from Easy Company, 2nd Battalion, 28th Marines.

That's Pfc Ray Jacobs (FoxCo 2/28) on the left, w/the radio on his back

[dcwusmc]

Semper fi, Gunny. Thanks for the ping!!!

[Issaquahking]

Hey Snow Bunny, this whole thread is great, thought you had to see!

[Issaquahking]

God bless our military who fought so diligently for our freedom and America.

Bump from a former sailor.

[Snow Bunny]

Thank you for the ping Glock Rocks.

GunnyG....this is a great thread, thank you so much !!!

[gunnyg]

Bronze Shield by Ray "Doc" Fornof

[Snow Bunny]

I am so glad you put it here Cobby. Great picture.

Thanks to both you and G'nad !! Your both so wonderful.

[gunnyg]

My thanks to all of you who have responded and posted Pics, etc.--much appreciated!!!

Semper Fidelis
Dick Gaines

[4TheFlag]

Thanks for the ping SB..

A HUGE Marine Bump for my Marine daughter Kelly!!

Semper Fi from an old Army Grunt...

[Snow Bunny]

I am so glad you pinged me to it.Thank you soooo much !!!!

[gunnyg]

And a BIG Marine Thank You to....
Ray "Doc" Fornof who worked long and hard to achieve recognition for Ray Jacobs!!!

[gunnyg]

Ray Jacobs

Ray can be contacted at....
Ray1Jacobs@msn.com

[gunnyg]

I should point out, that there are now TWO known survivors of the Iwo Jima flagraising--Cpl Chuck Lindberg, and now Sgt Ray Jacobs.

As PltSgt Thomas points out (see the book, Iwo Jima...by Marling/Wetenhall, Harvard University Press....) only three Marines actually raised the first flag, i.e., Lt Schrier, Sgt Hansen and PSgt Thomas.

However, Thomas was adamant in his explanation to a reporter two days following the flagraising, that ALL of the 40-man combat patrol shared equally in the event.

It is not known, nor have I ever seen any indication that any of the others of that patrol are still around--I do have a roster of that platoon.

[gunnyg]

E-2-28 (3rdPlt) Roster

[gunnyg]

Note:
Previous Iwo Jima threads FR

CLICKHERE!

[gunnyg]

Related Information -- Marine Corps Museum!

[gunnyg]

This has been done many times using the "replacement" flag pic; I think it should be done at least once w/the genuine article!

LEST WE FORGET! By Gunny G!

[gunnyg]

Vosot6@wmconnect.com

To :
gunnyg@hotmail.com (Richard Gaines)

Subject :
Flag raising Iwo Jima statue

Date :
Fri, 27 Jun 2003 13:46:31 EDT

Reply Reply All Forward Delete Printer Friendly Version

Hi Dick.

I have some information that may be of interest to your readers. The city of Fall River Ma. just completed the project of bronzing a 2/3 replica of the flag raising on Iwo Jima. As soon as they raise additional funds, it is going to be assembled and placed on a pedestal in a city park. The finished bronzed statue is currently lying in a waterfront warehouse in three sections, awaiting additional funding to acquire a base.

The plaster mold that it was poured from was also returned to the city. Mr. Rick Kitchen, the Fall River Parks Administrator is anxious to sell the model, as they don't need it anymore. In a few weeks the city will be seeking bids. Their only stipulation is that the buyer be at least 200 miles distant from the city, as they expect it to become a major tourist attraction.

The plaster model was made by Felix DeWeldon, the man who created the full sized statue in Washington DC. Some time ago the company who made the bronze statue, offered to buy the model from the city for $150,000 but at the time, the city was not interested in selling it. The State had promised to fund the whole project. Since then the state backed out of the deal, citing a poor economy and huge deficit.

The city is unsure whether the Bronzing Company still has an interest, but legally they need to get at least three bids.

If any Vererans organization is interested in creating an identical bronzed Flag Raising statue, they may wsh to consider contacting the city of Fall River Parks Department for details. Their number is 508-324-2550. On a related note, Mr. Felix DeWeldon passed away about two weeks ago.

Frank Clynes