22 Comments
User's avatar
Joe's avatar

What a battle ! My late father-in-law, a Marine, was on Iwo Jima (not the first wave) and never brought it up. I wish I could go back in time and initiate so many discussions with him about his experiences. I’d love to know more about the history firsthand. But, you can’t go back.

Expand full comment
David K Thiel's avatar

My father-in-law was also on Iwo Jima. He took a grenade in the face and was permanently blinded. He was unstoppable though. He led a full busy life.

Expand full comment
Patty's avatar

What a nightmare for the men on the Bismarck Sea. Those of us who have never been involved personally in a war can hardly take in what our military has endured and by extension their families. Knowing just some of the details like Chaplain Eugene Shannon gives us some insight into the cost of war. It makes us so thankful for a President who makes every effort to keep us out of wars if at all possible. This, of course, was one we needed to fight, but we’ve been involved in many without cause. Thanks, Tara, for bringing these war accounts to our attention.

Expand full comment
Sika57's avatar

Thsnk you Tara for a reminder of the horrors that the ships took that day as well as those who went ashore. That battle was extremely costly for the US as well as Japan and should be a reminder that war is hell.

Expand full comment
Justin. Hart's avatar

The endless courage of our American “ boys” is breathtaking and inspiring to all . They fought knowing that death was always lurking like a thief in the night . Imagine being on that ship being swamped by Japanese planes intent on killing all on board ! Tara these stories of the greatest generation must be repeated till the end of time . God love + bless them all ! Thank you Tara have a wonderful weekend.

Expand full comment
Tanya Broughman's avatar

Both of my grandfathers were in the US Navy during WWII one was on a destroyer that as an engine mechanic the other was aboard a ship that lost part or all of its bow but made it back to a friendly port. They both served over 20 years. It truly was the greatest generation.

Expand full comment
Patriot64's avatar

WOW what a story of survival. Thank you for posting.

Expand full comment
John J. Crawford's avatar

Another great history lesson today, Tara! Thanks again!

Expand full comment
Will Southcombe's avatar

Heroes of the sea. The great battles to win back the Pacific. Another notch for The Greatest Generation. Thanks for keeping their memories alive, Tara Ross!

Expand full comment
Jody's avatar

Happy Feisty Friday Tara Ross! Have a great weekend! 🥶☕💯🇱🇷🏴‍☠️❤️💐

Expand full comment
Johnny Baker Jr. MLA's avatar

Thanks again Tara Ross! Have a great weekend!

Expand full comment
Jimmy Martin's avatar

Thank You, Tara

Expand full comment
Lauren J's avatar

I lost a distant cousin who was a fighter pilot and on the Bismarck. He is considered "buried at sea."

Thank you for keeping history alive.

RIP Lt Comdr Mercer McCall Tharpe.

Expand full comment
kevin mckernan's avatar

Thinking about that chaplain and how he passed after others were rescued, reminds me of so many that hold out before some special occasion , e.g. Christmas, a birthday, etc. and then quietly pass. Bless all who were lost during that terrible campaign.

Expand full comment
Cliff Coburn's avatar

Makes this sailors heart proud!

Expand full comment
Tv's avatar

🇺🇲✝️🇺🇸✝️🇺🇲

Expand full comment
Edward Jones's avatar

❤️🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

Expand full comment