(click on image for full size)This first shot of the company is apparently composed of the original contingent, plus a few who transferred from Company D in early 1944. The identifications, which George and I labored over many a time, were finally kindly provided by Les Best, son-in-law of company clerk William J. Davis.
Standing, left to right:
Robert Larson, Edward DuBeck, Peteus Staeyert, Leo Mann, Ronald "Blackie" Bartels, Merle Geesaman, Leo Ksiekievicz, Francis "Doc" Felicia (corpsman), Roy Wood (company commander), Jeff Jowers, Irving Schechter (Bn-3), Gene Walsh, Harold "Hal" Fritz, Dave Spohn, Jack Sayers, Oscar "Buddy" Hanson, Tom Drake, Walt Russell (both mustang lieutenants)
Kneeling:
George Marion, Al Perry, Ed Lykins, Harold Stephens, John Gibson, Robert Price, Ed Collins, Bill Davis, Jim Chvatal, Ken Gann, Willard Roberts
Sitting:
Frank "Gus" Gosiewski, Maurice "Rosey" Rosenthal, Paul Scanlon, Ken Wilson, Tom Hurley, Joe Wendte, Robert "Peepsight" Mason
Reclining:
Pete Colombo, Dom Piccolomini, Joe Peterpaul, Clifford "Joe" Devoy
There are two configurations of the second photo - these were provided by Danielle Girdano, whose father Daniel served as a machine gunner on Iwo Jima. In this first shot, some of the Marines at left are not paying attention to the camera, while others steal a drag on a cigarette.
Someone has told the Marines to tighten it up, and now everyone is paying attention to the photographer. This is the entire strength of the company after the fighting on Iwo; they had landed with 240 men.
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