Paper explains local connection to Iwo Jima

Professor Emeritus Dr. Percy Lilly has penned an article, Iwo Jima – Then and Now, that reveals a fascinating local connection to one of the most intense battles of World War II.

Percy’s paper describes the experiences of a Tiffin Marine named Ray Porter, who was in the first wave of Marines to land on Iow Jima. Percy and his wife, Mary, had the opportunity to interview Ray back in 2001. Being a World War II veteran himself, the story resonated with Percy and he wanted to be sure it is recounted.

Here is an excerpt:

“Ray Porter’s unit got up at 0300 in the morning of 19 February 1945. It was traditional to serve steak and eggs to the troops before a landing, but in this case the Marines had to settle for potatoes mixed with reconstituted dried eggs. Everyone applied heavy white skin cream to their faces in preparation for flamethrowers.

“At 0830, with the dropping of the white flag from the battleship Tennessee, their LST, in the ring of ships located around one half mile from shore, began moving toward shore. Porter’s tank lumbered off the ramp, first onto pontoons and them by using its tracts as paddle wheels until it found traction in the sand. At 0901, the tanks were the first wave to hit the Red Beach.

“Ray’s tank soon came under heavy fire. …”

If you would like to read more about Ray’s exploits, along with a historical perspective of one of the costliest battles in Marine history, you may request a copy of Percy's paper by emailing him at plilly@heidelberg.edu.