A Marine tends to the grave of Gunnery Sgt. John Basilone, who received the Congressional Medal of Honor for actions at Guadacanal. He died while leading an assault at Iwo Jima island, Central Pacific; 1945.
   Mount Suribachi is visible in the background.

R.I.P. in company of heroes

Sheltering in the rubble of a Japanese fortification, Marine casualties are given medical attention at an aid station in the cliffs near the East Boat Basin on the island of Iwo Jima, Central Pacific; February 26, 1945. 

Tending the wounded in the rubble

Despite enemy fire, 2nd Division Marines wade toward the shore at Tarawa Island, Gilbert Islands Group, North Pacific Ocean. 
Landing boats and barges brought them to within 500 yards of the beach, but the coral bottom prevented the boats coming any closer to the shore. LVTs were able to cross the reef and deliver Marines and supplies to the shore, but there were too few and most were knocked out. Casualties were heavy; 20-23 November, 1943.