The Medal of Honor recipient recounts his experiences during World War II, specifically the Battle of Iwo Jima. He shares his childhood and decision to join the Marine Corps, despite being initially rejected due to his height. After training, he was assigned to a flamethrower unit and eventually became the only flamethrower operator left in his company.
During the battle, he participated in a mission to eliminate seven Japanese pillboxes, for which he was later awarded the Medal of Honor. Despite his heroism, he felt unworthy of the award, especially considering the sacrifices of his fellow Marines.
The recipient reflects on the values of his generation, raised to love and defend their country and freedom. He emphasizes the importance of remembering the sacrifices made to maintain freedom and warns that if it is lost, it may never be regained.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The speaker was awarded the Medal of Honor, but initially didn't know what it was or why they were selected.
2. The speaker was born in Marion County, West Virginia, in a small community called Quiet Dell.
3. The speaker's father died when they were 11 years old, and their mother ran a dairy farm.
4. The speaker joined the United States Marine Corps at the age of 18, intending to protect America.
5. The speaker was initially rejected by the Marine Corps recruiter due to their height, but was later accepted when the height requirement was lowered.
6. The speaker was part of the Marine Corps' reserve unit during the Battle of Iwo Jima.
7. The speaker was notified that they would be going into battle on February 20, 1945.
8. The speaker saw the flag being raised on Mount Suribachi for the first time on February 20, 1945.
9. The speaker became a flamethrower operator due to the loss of other Marines in their unit.
10. The speaker's commanding officer, Captain Beck, asked for their help in eliminating pillboxes using a flamethrower.
11. The speaker successfully eliminated seven pillboxes, which opened a lane for their unit to advance.
12. Two Marines who helped the speaker were killed in action.
13. The speaker received the Medal of Honor for their actions, which was presented to them by President Truman.
14. The speaker had to adjust to becoming a public figure after receiving the Medal of Honor.
15. The speaker believes that the World War II generation was a tough, committed, and loving group of people who believed in freedom.
16. The speaker was taught the importance of freedom and country in school, and had to memorize the Gettysburg Address.
17. The speaker believes that people today need to remember the sacrifices made by others to maintain freedom.