Sgt Ray Jacobs has recently been officially recognized by USMC as the radioman shown in the Lou Lowery photos of the first flag raising on Mount Suribachi, at 1029 on the morning of 23 February 1945.

(Not to be confused with the "replacement" flag raised later that day and photographed by Joe Rosenthal.)

Ray would like to hear from other surviving members of Easy Company, 2dBattallion, 28th Marines, and Lt Schrier's 40-man combat patrol up Suribachi to raise our national colors!

Ray can be contacted at....
RAY1JACOBS@msn.com

Full story and information here...
http://www.dreamwater.net/gunnyg/firstflag.html

Best to you, and,
Semper Fidelis

__________________
R.W. "Dick" Gaines
GySgt USMC (Ret.)
1952-72

Re Ray Jacobs - Who Is This Marine?
http://www.network54.com/Forum/messa...eid=1018368023

RAY1JACOBS@msn.com

__________________
R.W. "Dick" Gaines
GySgt USMC (Ret.)
1952-72

Also, here is a copy of a letter to Sgt Jacobs from Arnold Shapiro, producer of the TV documentary, "Heroes of Iwo Jima" shown on A&E TC....

Dear Mr. Jacobs,

I just learned that you have been officially recognized as the
radioman in Lou Lowery's historic photograph.

I was the executive producer and co-writer of the TV documentary
"Heroes of Iwo Jima," hosted by Gene Hackman, which aired on A&E
last June (Father's Day). The film was about both flag-raisings
and all the men involved in both important photographs. It was
the definitive film about these events -- until I read about
you, sir.

Had this official recognition been made just one year earlier, I
could have included it (and you) in my film. I would have been
so proud to tell the complete, accurate up-to-date story (which
I believed I had done until now). I am very happy you have
received this long overdue recognition; I'm sorry it took so
long and came so late.

I wish I could re-do my film and update it. But A&E paid for
the film; they have aired it; and they're not about to spend
money to change it even though they own it.

Please know that I am very sorry your story was not included in
my film - along with the others in Lowery's picture. But I am
very happy that at long last you have been acknowledged for
something you have known for a long time; and I'm happy you are
alive to enjoy this late but prestigious honor.

My hat is off to your friend "Doc" Fornof for his relentless
pursuit of the truth, and for his success - however long it
took. He is a good man.

I wish you many years of health, happiness, and fulfillment.
You were part of a great moment in Marine Corps history and our
country's history. I salute you.

Sincerely,

Arnold Shapiro
Executive Producer
"Heroes of Iwo Jima" (minus one)
and
"Return To Iwo Jima" (1985)

__________________
R.W. "Dick" Gaines
GySgt USMC (Ret.)
1952-72

Semper Fi Gunny--I dont know any living WW2 Marines--but I would sure like to give this man my best regards and my humble thanks.

The most famous Marine I have personally known was Sergeant-Major McCormack--last man to surrender on Bataan--and last man released from the jap POW camps. He passed away about 10 years ago.

__________________
Lost are only those, who abandon themselves) Hans-Ulrich Rudel.

WE....OWE YOU, AND ALL YOUR COMMRADS SO MUCH.I SALUTE YOU SIR !