All photos are courtesy of Jack Ball, and are used by permission. Images have been scaled, please click to open at full size.
Sandy at New River, February 12 1943. He is performing maintenance on a Browning M1919 .30 caliber machine gun.
Members of Sandy's platoon in the field.
Thomas M. Harris, Robert DeNunzio, and Sandy Ball on a Higgins boat.(Thanks to Ronald, Thomas Harris' nephew, for the caption!)
Sandy and friends enjoying captured Japanese beer after the battle of Tinian. From left: Sandy, Sergeant Wilson Cook, Sergeant Charles Czerweic, Sergeant Michael Murray, PFC Giuseppe Giambone.Platoon Sergeant Murray was killed in action on Iwo Jima; he received a posthumous Navy Cross.
A lot of paperwork comes with the extra stripe and the pay raise. Corporal Ball displays an intimidating number of forms.
Sandy strikes a gunslinger pose at Camp Maui.
Sandy's squad before the battle of Iwo Jima.
The 24th Marines after the battle of Iwo Jima.
Sandy shows off a few souvenirs, including a sword and a flag. In addition, he brought home a Japanese rifle and a gold tooth which he had made into a watch fob.
Sandy (in football uniform) with "Iron Mike" Mervosh, Camp Maui.
