This site is fantastic! After going through a box of my grandfathers things related to Iwo Jima I decided to see what I could find on the web. My grandfather was 2lt Robert E. Wollin and it appears he had alot to do with documenting the history on this site. Some of his things I have include his original K-BAR, maps, documents and photos from Iwo. I just want to thank all of you for the sacrifices you have made and for putting this terrific website together.
Glad to find out that 2nd Armored has a web site, wish I had have known about it long time ago. At this writing my knowledge is almost a blank, however I do have the pleasure talking to Steve Semon often. He was the driver for D31 in all of the operations we were in. Steve was a good driver and he got us in and out of any place I told him to go. We hit Iwo that morning on Green Beach and somehow he got (United) on the beach. We were just getting set up to fire in to the (what we thought were pillboxes) and all heck broke loose. We were drawing fire from everywhere and were hit in a number of places. The shore patrol had gotten ashore by then and on the radio told us to get off the beach, we were drawing to much fire. We left the beach still being fired on and in the middle of my back the turret was knocked in about 3 inches and all the cover over the engine was missing. Old United stayed running and we would circle the base and shoot at what we thought was a target and from time to time we got fired on from the Japs, but never hit. We stayed out in the water waiting for orders which never came. The morning the flag was raised, the United started missing and was sinking, a Higgins boat offered us help. As we headed for the shore United went out of sight. We found our group and were still with them when the battle of Iwo was declared over.
I've known Canara now for a number of years and a finer example of a Marine would be hard for anyone to find! He directed me to this site and I am grateful that he did. You guys are really a big part of the "greatest" generation! I flew over Iwo on my way to Japan in 1958. We were a part of an advance air control party moving to Iwakuni, Japan. The pilot of our PanAm Clipper knew we were on board and graciously circled Iwo just for us. What a thrill for a young Marine Pfc. It is sad that today, one has to petition Japan for permission to land at Iwo. Of course, we've also given them back the island of Okinawa. In years to come I suspect they will manage to change the real history of those times also. My uncle (also a Marine) flew as a back seat gunner all over the Pacific and I could just imagine him looking down on some of the same ocean. I had 7 uncles in the service during WW2 and all came home except one. He was a B17 pilot and was killed over Hamburg Germany in March of 44. By the way, we landed at Midway on our way to Japan and noticed a pile of wrecked Japanese planes still off in the distance. Thanks to each of you for your service and dedication for winning that terrible war. Hopefully we will always remember you and those who gave their all for FREEDOM. One group for sure that will remember are your brother's...all former, current, and future Marines. OOHRAH! Semper Fi Gunny Bud
My grandpa was platoon leader in Company C. he died when i was very young and the most i know about him comes from what i read from the graduation book and from my aunt Amy. i was curious on if you had any more information on my grandpa C.J. Vanderkolk. some of the stories make me all choked up and i hardly knew the man. i wish i could know more about him. i am thankful for his service and all others who have served. Proud Grandson Prouder American, Stephen Vanderkolk
I'm not sure if this is the appropriate place to ask, but I've been trying to track down copies of the Tables of Organization issued for the USMC Armored Amphibian Bns in 1944. I've tried the Marine Archives at Quantico and they don't have anything in their archives, so thought it might be worth asking here.
The documents I'm looking for are F-1019 for the Headquarters and Service Co and F-1016 for the Armored Co, both dated 31st Dec 1943. They were reissued as G-1019 and G-1016 sometime during 1944, I think when Bns started to operate more as amphibious arty with the 75-mm armed equipments.
I was in 2nd Armored Amphibs at Court House Bay, NC for two and a half years 1952 to 1954. Lt. Col. Goodpasture was the CO. I think he later became the Commandant of the Marine Corps. Great outfit.
My dad who is Richard W. Mason of C company. I believe he was a Sgt. His campaigns were Saipan, Tinian, and Iwo Jima . He was good friends with Ben Branch of D company. I am very glad there is now a web page of his service. Hopefully you will soon have C company 2nd armored in the Roll Call. One of the stories I remember is he said he never got a purple heart. He was standing on the nose of his tank when a shell went off and he got a scratch on his elbow but was too busy to go to the aid tent or see a corpsman. He also said that every other marine had a camera.
I'm not sure i just remember him talking to Benny Branch about different things. He did mention that when he was in the Higgins boat a tall Marine behind him threw up on his neck. One thing i did not mention was that he had a buddy named Dean and i saw a marine on this page who's last name is Dean. Now I know who i'm named after.
The banner picture at the top of this site depicting two Marines heading in opposite directions on the beach at Saipan are getting a chance to take a very brief soak in the Pacific several days into the battle. My father, Pvt. Leo Parsell, is the "wet" Marine (darkened battle dress) leaving the water. He was later wounded, I believe, during the 7 JUL engagement. Blinded in his left eye from a Japanese hand grenade. He only recently passed from this life MAR 2014.
My father is Norman H. Colegrove (9/9/1925-07/01/2012) 2nd Armored Amphibious Battalion, 5th division. He never liked talking about the war. My son Aaron A. Colegrove, is in the US Navy and was asking about my fathers rank in the war. I am so glad that I found this site. It doesn't list his rank but gives me more information than any of us, his 7 children, ever knew. He passed away at the age of 84 (January 7, 2009) with Alzheimers. He worked at General Motors Tech center for 42 years. He was a licensed master electrician and owner of "Colegrove Electric", Substitute electrical inspector in the city of Utica, MI and the township of Shelby. He worked at these other jobs concurrently with GM. He is survived by his wife Virginia Mae Axford Colegrove, his children Micheal Anthony Colegrove (1949) Lawrence Lesley Colegrove (1950) Sharon Marie Colegrove Beckley (1952), James Aurther Colegrove (1953), Thomas Roy Colegrove (1957), Susan Irene Colegrove (1963) and Robert Alan Colegrove (1965) and 16 grand children, 24 great grand children. Thank you for this website and the information contained within. I have a picture of him in full dress uniform (1946?) but have been unable to post it here.
Thank you Susan for sharing information about your father Norman Colegrove. Our records show that he served as a private in Company D at Saipan and at Iwo Jima where Company D was assigned to Green Beach 1 sector below Mt. Suribachi. He also may have participated in Tinian operation. Let us know if you would like like picture posted in Saipan and or Iwo jima section and we will do so. If we come across addition information on him we'll post it here as well. Thanks again. RMF111
Yes, your uncle Cpl. Jack Bostion is on the C Company Roster. This site is a work in progress. There is much to be added to it, and we'll keep an eye out for him as we go through our other records, and complete the site. Thanks.
I have researched Pvt Marion E Brown, Jr for my hometown and have him in Co B of this battalion at Iwo Jima, DOW on 20 Feb. Can you confirm that I have the correct company and share with me any information pertaining to him and/or his service? Memorial pages for him on my website are here and here. Thank you.
Thursday, November 3, 2011 at 01:35PM
Reader Comments (35)
Great site. Keep up the work
This site is fantastic! After going through a box of my grandfathers things related to Iwo Jima I decided to see what I could find on the web. My grandfather was 2lt Robert E. Wollin and it appears he had alot to do with documenting the history on this site. Some of his things I have include his original K-BAR, maps, documents and photos from Iwo. I just want to thank all of you for the sacrifices you have made and for putting this terrific website together.
Glad to find out that 2nd Armored has a web site, wish I had have known about it long time ago. At this writing my knowledge is almost a blank, however I do have the pleasure talking to Steve Semon often. He was the driver for D31 in all of the operations we were in. Steve was a good driver and he got us in and out of any place I told him to go. We hit Iwo that morning on Green Beach and somehow he got (United) on the beach. We were just getting set up to fire in to the (what we thought were pillboxes) and all heck broke loose. We were drawing fire from everywhere and were hit in a number of places. The shore patrol had gotten ashore by then and on the radio told us to get off the beach, we were drawing to much fire. We left the beach still being fired on and in the middle of my back the turret was knocked in about 3 inches and all the cover over the engine was missing. Old United stayed running and we would circle the base and shoot at what we thought was a target and from time to time we got fired on from the Japs, but never hit. We stayed out in the water waiting for orders which never came. The morning the flag was raised, the United started missing and was sinking, a Higgins boat offered us help. As we headed for the shore United went out of sight. We found our group and were still with them when the battle of Iwo was declared over.
Former Company D
Semper Fi
Canara Carruth.
My Dad Knew your Grand dad... C Carruth. Misty Curtiss posting for him.
Canara - I am delighted you found us and shared your important story. Spread the word and keep the faith. RMF 111
Stunning and very clean cut to the point, awesome transparent design no "WWII Fru-Fru" a very very important site to visit in USMC Military History.
I've known Canara now for a number of years and a finer example of a Marine would be hard for anyone to find! He directed me to this site and I am grateful that he did. You guys are really a big part of the "greatest" generation! I flew over Iwo on my way to Japan in 1958. We were a part of an advance air control party moving to Iwakuni, Japan. The pilot of our PanAm Clipper knew we were on board and graciously circled Iwo just for us. What a thrill for a young Marine Pfc. It is sad that today, one has to petition Japan for permission to land at Iwo. Of course, we've also given them back the island of Okinawa. In years to come I suspect they will manage to change the real history of those times also.
My uncle (also a Marine) flew as a back seat gunner all over the Pacific and I could just imagine him looking down on some of the same ocean. I had 7 uncles in the service during WW2 and all came home except one. He was a B17 pilot and was killed over Hamburg Germany in March of 44. By the way, we landed at Midway on our way to Japan and noticed a pile of wrecked Japanese planes still off in the distance. Thanks to each of you for your service and dedication for winning that terrible war. Hopefully we will always remember you and those who gave their all for FREEDOM. One group for sure that will remember are your brother's...all former, current, and future Marines.
OOHRAH!
Semper Fi
Gunny Bud
My grandpa was platoon leader in Company C. he died when i was very young and the most i know about him comes from what i read from the graduation book and from my aunt Amy. i was curious on if you had any more information on my grandpa C.J. Vanderkolk. some of the stories make me all choked up and i hardly knew the man. i wish i could know more about him. i am thankful for his service and all others who have served.
Proud Grandson Prouder American,
Stephen Vanderkolk
Will do, Stephen. You'll get more information next week. Your grandpa C. J. Vanderkolk was an American Hero. RMF III
Hi guys, Correction to 2nd squad Amtank #63 of 2nd Platoon D Co. Robert C. Holder should be Robert C. Halder He was my father.
Thanks, Robert - the correction was made to top section of Roll Call. The spelling was correct in Section 2 below top section. Sorry for the typo.
I'm not sure if this is the appropriate place to ask, but I've been trying to track down copies of the Tables of Organization issued for the USMC Armored Amphibian Bns in 1944. I've tried the Marine Archives at Quantico and they don't have anything in their archives, so thought it might be worth asking here.
The documents I'm looking for are F-1019 for the Headquarters and Service Co and F-1016 for the Armored Co, both dated 31st Dec 1943. They were reissued as G-1019 and G-1016 sometime during 1944, I think when Bns started to operate more as amphibious arty with the 75-mm armed equipments.
Any clues would be appreciated. Thanks,
Gary
Gary - It's been my intention to put them (or their equivalent) up on this site, and will let you know when they go up. RMF 111
I was in 2nd Armored Amphibs at Court House Bay, NC for two and a half years 1952 to 1954. Lt. Col. Goodpasture was the CO. I think he later became the Commandant of the Marine Corps.
Great outfit.
A story you may be interested in.
https://www.adcofirearms.com/random/elmoallenWWII.pdf
My dad who is Richard W. Mason of C company. I believe he was a Sgt. His campaigns were Saipan, Tinian, and Iwo Jima . He was good friends with Ben Branch of D company. I am very glad there is now a web page of his service. Hopefully you will soon have C company 2nd armored in the Roll Call. One of the stories I remember is he said he never got a purple heart. He was standing on the nose of his tank when a shell went off and he got a scratch on his elbow but was too busy to go to the aid tent or see a corpsman. He also said that every other marine had a camera.
Dean Mason
Thanks for the post Dean. I will get C Company roster up soon. Did your father mention the campaign where the elbow wound occurred?
I'm not sure i just remember him talking to Benny Branch about different things. He did mention that when he was in the Higgins boat a tall Marine behind him threw up on his neck. One thing i did not mention was that he had a buddy named Dean and i saw a marine on this page who's last name is Dean. Now I know who i'm named after.
The banner picture at the top of this site depicting two Marines heading in opposite directions on the beach at Saipan are getting a chance to take a very brief soak in the Pacific several days into the battle. My father, Pvt. Leo Parsell, is the "wet" Marine (darkened battle dress) leaving the water. He was later wounded, I believe, during the 7 JUL engagement. Blinded in his left eye from a Japanese hand grenade. He only recently passed from this life MAR 2014.
My father is Norman H. Colegrove (9/9/1925-07/01/2012) 2nd Armored Amphibious Battalion, 5th division. He never liked talking about the war. My son Aaron A. Colegrove, is in the US Navy and was asking about my fathers rank in the war. I am so glad that I found this site. It doesn't list his rank but gives me more information than any of us, his 7 children, ever knew. He passed away at the age of 84 (January 7, 2009) with Alzheimers. He worked at General Motors Tech center for 42 years. He was a licensed master electrician and owner of "Colegrove Electric", Substitute electrical inspector in the city of Utica, MI and the township of Shelby. He worked at these other jobs concurrently with GM. He is survived by his wife Virginia Mae Axford Colegrove, his children Micheal Anthony Colegrove (1949) Lawrence Lesley Colegrove (1950) Sharon Marie Colegrove Beckley (1952), James Aurther Colegrove (1953), Thomas Roy Colegrove (1957), Susan Irene Colegrove (1963) and Robert Alan Colegrove (1965) and 16 grand children, 24 great grand children. Thank you for this website and the information contained within. I have a picture of him in full dress uniform (1946?) but have been unable to post it here.
Thank you Susan for sharing information about your father Norman Colegrove. Our records show that he served as a private in Company D at Saipan and at Iwo Jima where Company D was assigned to Green Beach 1 sector below Mt. Suribachi. He also may have participated in Tinian operation. Let us know if you would like like picture posted in Saipan and or Iwo jima section and we will do so. If we come across addition information on him we'll post it here as well. Thanks again. RMF111
Anyone know of my Uncle Jack Bostion? He was a Cpl. in C Company. Thanks!
Yes, your uncle Cpl. Jack Bostion is on the C Company Roster. This site is a work in progress. There is much to be added to it, and we'll keep an eye out for him as we go through our other records, and complete the site. Thanks.
Dave Bostion - I found a story about your uncle. See JOE KUPIEC's commentary under the website's Iwo Jima banner.
I have researched Pvt Marion E Brown, Jr for my hometown and have him in Co B of this battalion at Iwo Jima, DOW on 20 Feb. Can you confirm that I have the correct company and share with me any information pertaining to him and/or his service? Memorial pages for him on my website are here and here. Thank you.