Veteran's Day

Thomas Lange - Oberlin College - Navy V12 Training (1944)

My dad was a freshman at Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio on December 7, 1941. On the advice of one of his professors, he stayed in school in anticipation of the armed services needing college educated young men to train as officers. He eventually enlisted in the Navy V12 Program and was sent to Oberlin College and then Columbia University for training.  In September 1944, Ensign Thomas Lange reported to Houston for duty aboard Landing Ship, Medium (LSM) 74.  The 74 would be his 'home' for for the next 19 months.

Their journey took them through the Panama Canal, along the western coast of Central America up to San Diego, on to the Hawaiian Islands, the Marshall Islands and the Mariana Islands, before participating in the attack on Iwo Jima on February 19, 1945.

As part of the 7th wave of the assault on Iwo Jima and under heavy fire, the 74 delivered 6 tanks and about 50 marines onto the beach. They were on the beach for approximately 8 minutes and under fire for about 20 minutes. Two crewmen were killed, several others injured, and the ship sustained significant damage.  Here's a photo taken as they tried to get the impaired ship off the beach.

I've spent several hours of my adult life wondering what those 20 minutes must have been like for a 21-year old college kid from Cleveland, Ohio. 

I am blessed that my father is still living, and willing and able to share his first-hand account. 

Every time he's asked about his experience during the war, he's quick to say "I'm no hero."  He talks about the marines who stormed the beaches - many of whom never made it back. "Those guys were the heroes."

He's right about the marines.  But in my opinion, they are all heroes.  Everyone who signed up for duty, to play a role - whether big or small - in defending the world from unthinkable evil, is a hero. 

You too Dad.

Thank you, Dad, for your service to our country.