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
Re Ray Jacobs - Who Is This Marine? http://www.network54.com/Forum/message?forumid=141762&messageid=1018368023 RAY1JACOBS@msn.com
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)
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.