Iwo Jima 5th Marine Division Veteran Tells His Story of Combat | Elwood Hughes

[@noelwhittington6457]

Amazing story. I'm native American. And am of Pima and Navajo blood. I grew up on the Pima reservation and we honor the flag raising on Iwo Jima annually.

[@robpelick7460]

One of the flag raisers on Iwo was Ira Hayes, a native American.We proudly remember and honor his service

[@ronaldweed6103]

Thank you

[@janicejackson2016]

And my uncle was a photographer raising of the Flags and that flag honors the Native Americans and all the folks that passed away fighting for goodness and all the brave folks that came home to another battle physical and mental each and every one of you are honored unappreciated

[@teri2651]

I just found this!! Woody was my Best Friend in the MCL in Arlington Heights, IL. I loved him dearly and miss him daily. He was such a hoot! We went to dinner and movies together up until he moved to Kentucky. Love this. Miss him terribly.

[@amiann44]

Remembering Woody Hughes, his wife Susan, children who lived across the street from me when I was a kid. Great family and he was a charming, lovely man.

[@TheRealMurican]

This man is real sharp for being in his 90's. He's is great condition for his age

[@robpelick7460]

Farmer strong

[@tomortman4850]

My Father was with the 4th Marine Division wounded at Saipan. God Bless the US Marine Corp.

[@EKcyclist]

I’m Scottish, and have nothing but sincere admiration for the U.S. servicemen who fought all over the globe in WWII. The thing that strikes me is their absolute humility. This brave man grew up in a farm in Indiana; as far from an armed conflict in the Pacific as could be. He is self deprecating and talks about the battle in a manner that really hides the horror- a common trait of his generation. Thank you so very much for posting.

[@Peter-od7op]

I feel the same. All my family fought in ww2 out of 4 brothers my dad only survived.

[@EKcyclist]

@@Peter-od7op that’s a horrific sacrifice. But one that your Dad’s family would have borne with no rancour.

[@Peter-od7op]

People today have no idea what freedom cost

[@Peter-od7op]

Iam from Virginian and you

[@tiredredneck8159]

Sir. Thank you for everything. WE WILL NOT FORGET.

[@mikehurricane5767]

They say "The Price of Freedom is Buried Six Feet in the Ground". Lest we Forget . Thank you. My Hero , My Dad , 25th Infantry Division Pacific Theater . Guadalcanal to Tokyo . Rest in peace Dad . I will see you again soon . God Bless the Greatest Generation. Btw , I still cry every time I hear our National Anthem . Long may She Wave !

[@bret9741]

When I see the thumbs down, I have to believe they were accidents because any human that couldn’t appreciate and support these interviews and the heroic actions of these men . ...... well, I hope they will lead to look deep inside themselves and ask why they are so warped and broken as to become what they have become.

[@dcash7018]

Honor those that sacrificed their lives. Honor is a lost word nowadays. God Bless this man and thankful to hear his story.

[@syn58tim]

My Dad was with the 5th Marine Division at Iwo Jima, Howard Baxter. I remember his memories that he told me as I would ask about it all the time as a kid, stories I will pass on to the younger kids in the family. He passed on February 19th 2008, 63 years to the day he landed on Iwo Jima.

[@frankdodgee]

Wow. Passed on Feb 19. Kinda eerie. God bless hom

[@bda2444]

My dad 5th marine division, Iwojima, sniper shot_ he passed in 08 also _ july, one day before his 60th BD.

[@danielwilliams3978]

God Bless all of these very fine men of the United States Marine Corps.

[@williamhigginson5521]

This man remembers the dates of his high school buddies deaths, worlds away in Europe. Pretty cool. I could listen to men like this tell stories indefinitely. Thank you sir!

[@DMused]

He was my neighbor to my parents for 55 years. A wonderful man and neighbor. His funeral was today. I am grateful to hear him speak again.

[@johnpowers2921]

The entire generation of today and a few others back, have no idea of the sacrifice these men made for our country. We have military leaders today that have been diminished by our political leaders that could never have the heart or the balls to defend our country. God bless our veterans

[@petertoft70]

You didn't listen to the interview. The man said governments should keep us out of war.

[@KingZealotTactics]

@@petertoft70 You failed to see his point.

[@Suplexus]

I was 20 years old in Baghdad, speak for yourself, not today’s “entire” generation.

[@Jakal-pw8yq]

@@petertoft70 Too true. And if the politician's get us in a war they need to listen to their Generals. I dont know if it would have made a difference but if L.B.J. had mined the harbor's of N. Vietnam, or gone after the transports and supply ships it at least would have diminished the N.V.A.'s ability to resupply. I'm no expert but General Schwarzkopf seemed to have strategy and tactics down to a science. I don't think Westmoreland was in the same league. Just my inflated two cents worth. I can listen to these old gentlemen from the greatest generation for hours on end. Thank you Sir.

[@Jakal-pw8yq]

@@Suplexus Agreed. I have two Nephew's that were in both Iraq and Afghanistan and their recollections of serving in the M. East are very much the same as the WWII, Korea and Vietnam Vets. A weapon fired in anger demands fear and respect. It's too easy to criticize and be an armchair General for those of us that didn't serve in the military or experience combat first hand.

[@colekinser407]

No generation is perfect but a lot of the morals and values from his generation is what embodies what I like to imagine America to be. Thank you and all other elders that give us a reference for honor and manhood.

[@paulkimbro7402]

Thank God for men like this.

[@paultaylor5600]

Thank Sir. True American. For the person who gave the thumbs down. Shame on you.

[@karenmcnugget4551]

agreed

[@walterwayne5405]

Semper Fi Woody ! My dad was with you, 5th Mar.Div, 26th Mar.Regiment.

[@mr.herlihy2099]

My great uncle was in the 5th Div, 3rd Battalion, 26th Marines! Joseph Lenzi

[@cameronash5492]

Thank you for your service without you I wouldn't be able to enjoy my life that I live.

[@TMWill-fi5fy]

He's so sharp and charming. A real hero ❤.

[@gypsymanjeff2184]

And to THINK of what's going on NOW..in ALL the USA esp.seattle ..SAD ..DAYS FOLKS .THE ..KIDS TODAY HAVE HAD IT TO EASY N FORGOTTEN & NOT TAUGHT IN SCHOOLS...THANK YOU ALL WHO SERVE AND SERVED.GOD BLESS

[@StevenProulx-t6c]

I just read this comment. The key sentence you wrote is"not taught in schools"!!! This is how history is LOST and mistakes are repeated.. yes very sad for the future of our country. Scares me

[@Pixel9136]

Thank you Veterans Center for keeping our history alive. To think this man saw the flag raising at Iwo Jima, amazing.

[@crystalheart9]

Thank you Mr. Hughes for your service and story. I appreciate how polite and considerate the interviewer was in being quiet and allowing Mr. Hughes to tell his story.

[@falconmoose1589]

"Governments should keep us out of war." Thank you SIR. Viet Nam 1971.

[@frankmike9931]

FalconMoose its not the government it’s the men that control the government

[@falconmoose1589]

@@frankmike9931 I know....Bankers of a certain............

[@MmedicatedGoo]

Mr.Hughes if you are reading this, you are my hero. Thank you so much for everything you've sacrificed.

[@noahlangford6758]

Just saw an article of his passing, what an unbelievably resilient man! His infidelity will live through our countries colors forever

[@drdre4397]

Crazy to think he did and saw all of this before he was even 22...

[@jerrywhitmire2123]

I love hearing these stories of the men who fought in the Pacific , Thanks for your service ,

[@ernestdougherty3162]

Thank you mr. Hughes for your service and sacrifice our great country you're part of the greatest generation and we will never forget and you are a hero sir and my book and a lot of other people's books even though y'all say the heroes never come off the island you're still hero

[@williammorris1564]

Just watch combat films and you can't believe how brave our service men and women were.Ask yourself ,could I endure that horror?

[@SilverJ56]

My dad was on Tinian with the 135th Construction Battalion after the Marines secured the island. He had a small part in building the airstrip as a SeaBee. His great memory was that he got to ride in a B29.

[@XHollisWood]

Thank You for your Courage, Sacrifice and Service for our country’s 🇺🇸Freedom 🇺🇸My Best Always to you Elwood 🎖

[@jaybales3160]

SemperFi Marine. Thank you for sharing your historic experience. I salute you.

[@lorenotrambo9551]

My Uncle Francis Otrambo Was There 5th Marine Div.2nd wave . Two Purple Hearts , Passed away 5 years ago God Bless

[@ryand2529]

Heroes, every one of them.

[@NancyBiker]

These episodes are true treasures.

[@danielreichert2025]

What a humble sincere man. That’s a hero whether he knows it or not 💪

[@terryt643]

The right men at the right time and all of them so modest we will never see there kind again I think the younger generaton now don't understand what these men and women saved us from so these films are needed to keep the memory alive

[@flakhappy5663]

You have never served obviously, with such an ignorant comment, the killing is more efficient today than then, look around and you will see damaged heroes everywhere.

[@judgejimbobrowntown7600]

U are 100% right my pap was in the 5th first wave base of mt sarabachi he was a bar man lasted all 35-36 days he was my personal hero I was his shadow while my dad was at work so me and him where very close and theses men’s story’s are like his and remind me of him a marine for life

[@rikijett310]

Thank you endlessly Marine and may God bless you always!!!!!

[@elephantjr22]

Happy Birthday sir I am watching this only enough on your birthday for the first time Thank you sir for sacrificing everything for my family and our country countinue live the life we live today I can't thank you and the other boys for there service we salute you .

[@johnnyhighwoods1780]

"Woody" is spot on with his recollections! My dad was 2nd seperate engineer battalion attached with the 3rd Marine Division. He worked side by side with seabees rebuilding Yamamoto #1 and #2 airstrips. they layed down the metal decking for the airstrips while mortar fire would drop in at times. Dad said when the B29 came in you could see how crippled the craft was, the plane came in and when the crew came squirting out of her they scrambled out of her and one crew member dropped and he kissed the ground near him. The men that didnt come home ARE the heroes as dad always said, not me he would say. Thank you Woody!

[@johnnyhighwoods1780]

@Wes McGee Dad told of one day the chow whistle went at lunch time and a seabee jumped off of his dozer and 10 seconds later a a mortar round landed right on the seat. they all hit the deck and then to defensive quarters till the area was cleared by a squad of GIrines.

[@roderickstockdale1678]

Motoyama Airstrip?

[@mikenike1730]

Such a great man and true hero, I find it sad that these men who make up the greatest generation are almost all gone now.... after graduating high school I went down and took the test to join the marines shortly after that a friend of the family offered me a great opportunity at becoming a union electrician my parents begged me to pursue the electrician career but I chose to join the marines and was assigned to the 3rd battalion 1st marines I served a 4 year enlistment with 21 of those months spent in afghanistan many nights there I was miserable and wondered if i had made a big mistake by not listening to my parents but looking back now I feel that was the biggest accomplishment of my life and feel very proud to be a part of the marine brotherhood....

[@armyvet8279]

Thank you Sir for your service from a fellow hoosier!

[@susancain9193]

I loved. Listening about the the war, my dad was in the navy

[@ToyotaPete]

My respect and thanks to you Sir

[@johndavis8690]

The Greatest Generation.

[@BigRokko5196]

Blessing for these heros to still be sucking air and to be able to hear their story. Wish more people understood what these veterans went through and appreciated them in the way they deserve.

[@bushwhackerinc.4668]

Every man ive met with the name Elwood is a badass.

[@kennykeleher4128]

God Bless you and your Fellow Soldiers Mr.Hughes. Thank You

[@Paiadakine]

Many farmers! Tough honest people.

[@dennismoore2209]

My dad, Keryn Moore, was a 25 year old Sargent radio man on Pelilue. He was from St. Louis MO. He came home from there in 1946 and he & our mother raised,8 children. I'm so proud of all those Marines who fought in the islands.

[@ronsbeerreviewstools4361]

THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME IN UNIFORM OF OUR GREAT COUNTRY. WELCOME HOME !. MERRY CHRISTMAS 2020

[@ctheflower7818]

Thank you dear Sir & GOD Bless you 🙏 We will NEVER Forget 💙🙏🇺🇸🙏💙 you and your Great Service 💙🙏🇺🇸🙏💙

[@nikreikalas6886]

God bless you sir.

[@grandadlovestheo2387]

You are a hero all of you are 👍🇬🇧

[@himsnakebit1749]

What a great story and an awesome Marine. Thanks for sharing this

[@rmb9726]

Thank you for this upload, Semper Fi Marines, 86-91

[@andrewwebb-trezzi2422]

Love hearing old marines. You hear so much about the war in Europe, but these men and their exploits get over looked slightly.

[@themontgomeryc]

The most overlooked are the Army guys who served in the Pacific. More Army served there than Marines in raw numbers and you never hear about them. Respect to everyone involved.

[@redaug4212]

I disagree. You'll only hear about the most famous parts of the war in Europe, as far as America's involvement, like D-Day and Bastogne. Most of it is even more overlooked than Iwo Jima. I'd bet that most people don't even know that the 30th Infantry Division was finally awarded the PUC earlier this year for it's defense of Mortain.

[@masontillman6856]

Amen

[@marilynallen7038]

Remember tarawa

[@fookyff]

Through youthful ignorance, I viewed the Pacific war as an easy war, Listening to veterans, I can appreciate the horror.

[@judgejimbobrowntown7600]

My pap was in the 5th also either the 8th or 18th bat first wave base of mt sarabachi bar man mad it all 35-36 days seen his ammo carrier get shot he was really close to him he only told me stories he was and still is my personal hero a true mentor and last but not least a marine for life !!!! I was writing this as I was listening and my pap seen the first b29 land also that’s pretty cool

[@roderickstockdale1678]

Engineer battalion?

[@inadequis6132]

All these years later he's as sharp as a tack

[@jamesbrewer2865]

I salute you Sir. Thank you.

[@treadheadpete4770]

We will not forget them.

[@ronaldweed6103]

Thank you Sir,God Blessings 🙏

[@caveman726]

ThankYou Sir 🇺🇸

[@benyoung552]

Walking off that island or staying on that island, you’re all heroes.

[@laurenced2916]

The old breed right here

[@Naltddesha]

This was great. Thanks for sharing a piece of your story with us Ted. It was very interesting and appreciated.

[@BlackjackHookers-nj7qj]

Hearing these stories bring back memories of my grate grandfather who was in the navy in ww2 he stayed in became a submariner than ended his career with missile guidance systems. He passed in 09 at age 93.

[@zacharyslonim2962]

Semper kill devil, the fighting 5th is proud of you.

The heartland of America!

[@wayderice8446]

You guys need to give them all the time in the world and just let them talk about all of their incredible stories and then edit them later. I dont want to hear these amazing heroes and old men say anything about a rush for time in the interview. Just let them talk and give them all day to do it. These older heroes get frustrated with us civilians who want to hear their stories but will nver really understand it fully. Let them speak and take their time then you guys do the work later to edit them down or dont edit them at all! thank you

[@johnnyrayh5858]

My grandpa was in the 5th engineers, he survived but I never met him(lung cancer). Really wish I could have

[@yannickleroux3212]

Hero!

[@markevanger4791]

SALUTE SIR! 🌹🇺🇸🌹

[@garymckee8857]

Another outstanding video Thanks

[@charliecurfman8859]

Thank you for telling your story. May us willing men stand up and be such a man you are.

[@philbrown9764]

My dad was in the Marines and served from 38-46 and was in the South Pacific but I don’t know where he was there or what he did. He passed before I turned 17 and never got to see me join the Marines in 68-70. I was in Chu Lai 68-69 1st MAW. So to you and my Marine Brothers, Welcome Home.

[@pillager6190]

"The heroes of Iwo Jima never came home"

[@paulredinger420]

I'm sorry but I think your wrong. I believe everyone that fought on IWO JIMA was a hero, regardless of nationality or if they lived or died. You advance into enemy fire. Then let us know what you believe then. Takes big brass balls to advance into rifle, machine gun, artillery and mortar fire.

[@pillager6190]

@@paulredinger420 ok. I was quoting an eyewitness.

[@surfdocer103]

@@paulredinger420 c'mon man . You knew what he meant. Always one. Smh

[@caesarberardi4614]

Dom

[@caesarberardi4614]

Grossi dom

[@moss8448]

God love 'em

[@russpendley1850]

Best ending statement about what it means to him in this series so far in my open-onion.

[@kevdadd1976]

Heroes don't know they're heroes

[@janicejackson2016]

And sir you keep on being fast

[@Kyle-de3sg]

These men are giants

[@thelastaustralian7583]

My Australian Grandfather was the best miler in the world in 1930, but still got shot running for water for his wounded mates trapped in the April nazi offensive in Tobruk in 1941. His Mates were wiped out and he could never run again. Lest We Forget

[@roderickstockdale1678]

Miler meaning runner?

[@StevenProulx-t6c]

True thanks for his service. Many of our brothers and sisters around the world sacrificed. Yes never forget!!

[@DanielMulloy-bg6gw]

These guys didn't bitch and moan, write books, look for hand outs like these guys today.... one of the flag raisers was left out and mis identified, he never spoke of it publicly.... could you imagine that today?! He went to his grave knowing he was a flag raiser.... that's sums up the greatest generation right there.

[@lowercase21]

Aaaanndd go marines!! 👏

[@TMWill-fi5fy]

The best there is, the Marine Corps is the GOAT!

[@Ievolovel]

Best channel on youtube.

[@karenmcnugget4551]

agreed!

[@Gho836st]

I ran into a vet in Maryland my only regret was not saying anything to him

[@em-tee-4583]

Family member was killed at iwo jima. My mom has the papers still.

[@ardendorney3174]

Marine is correctly capitalized...when speaking of the military branch.

[@jimjustice581]

This man’s birthday and background are so similar to my dad’s it’s spooky. Except my dad was in the navy and his war was Okinawa.

[@JgGibs]

Bob Brown was my uncle’s father.

[@stickyRice9]

How did you Not get Hit running around like that! I'm faster then you 😎🤣🤣🤣

[@cjwinters6179]

SEMPER FI!!! 3RD/5TH MARINES 0341 STEEL RAIN!!

[@bda2444]

Daughter of spearhead 5th marine division, IwoJima, purple heart. Age 17, flat footed, broad shouldered appalachan farmer/ cowboy and mixed w cherokee. He was sniper shot in the hips from behind during a long march. He fathered 8 kids with one testical (endless jokes when he was commander of the VFW. He died as he wanted, on a 3 day horse ride in ky he had taken for 18 years retracing the route of a female civil war spy. He had his banjo, his boots and cowboy hat, his horse and his winnings from a royal flush in a poker game. Despite our mountain farm\ ranch and dads work with vets in politics, his newly started conservation club for bringing back native wildlife__ he was happy to play his banjo, dobro or guitar _ ride with a few dozen friends and sit by a campfire. The complexity of a history/bio reading buff and political advocate eating steak with a senator, and the cowboy with dusty boots and guitar, or taking his dogs to the mountain to run __with a can of beans and wrapped cornbread in his pocket__ and then theres the quite one with brown eyes watching the morning fog rise from the valley, pensive and seeing far off. .. Semper fi. I never met a ww2 vet that wasnt a unique character.

[@robertgolden1080]

The best Generation ever. Sir, the world owes you guys a great debt.

[@benyoung552]

Anybody that don’t read “the last fighter pilot” better get on it... LOL

[@beckiterry9382]

AB Burned my eyes 👀

[@zachary8491]

Please let them talk all they want

[@coreywalker8028]

If I could’ve fought in any war, doesn’t matter if I died or not I think it’d be WWII

[@frankroche2920]

My Grandfather broke his back on Iwo Jima. He thought everyone was a pussy. I enlisted at 17. I'm 53 now. He was right. I fixed his medals (1992).

[@roderickstockdale1678]

Who’d he think was a pussy and why?