Stanley Holzhauer, of Elk Rapids, almost didn't make it to the Iwo Jima "Beach Party."
A shell ripped through the armored plates of his landing tank and exploded in the water behind. This month marked the 66th anniversary of the battle and flag raising.
The volcanic island's military airport was located 670 miles southeast of Tokyo. It was strategically important for a possible invasion of Japan. Some 21,000 Japanese soldiers with heavy artillery defended this "sacred ground."
Old sulfur mines and tunnels crisscrossed the island. Japanese soldiers enlarged and fortified them. Mount Suribachi loomed out of the ocean like a dragon's head. On Feb. 19, 1945, 15,000 American servicemen crawled ashore. More followed. The battle raged until March 26.
To read "Stanley Holzhauer's Story," a poem by Terry Wooten, click here »
Poet Bard Terry Wooten has been performing and conducting writing workshops in schools for 27 years. He is the creator of Stone Circle. Learn more about him at www.terry-wooten.com.
