R.V. Burgin shares his memories of the "real" Eugene Sledge

As the squad leader of Eugene Sledge, R.V. Burgin remembers his fellow mortarman during The Pacific War.

[@jbeetlebailey212]

BOTH of these men are magnificent American heroes, who have all my respect and admiration the world over!!! I recently bought Sgt. Burgin's memoir, and it is powerful and heart-breaking at the same time. Probably won't ever get to meet him or Dr. Sledge in this life, but it'll be amazing to meet them in the next!! Thank you 4 everything you've done for me, Sgt. Burgin!

[@greensoul8121]

in fact i actually met him when he came to do the interview in fredericksburg texas. i modeled for a professional photographer doing multiple scenes depicting what him, and sid phillips have been through. the painting at the beginning is actually me and he detailed the face just as mr. burgin looked like back then. he was next to me when he approved the painting and said: "damn boy you sure do look like me when i was a young gun" ha i will always remember talking with him. he was a great man.

[@wadyano]

i would love to meet this man one day. what a guy.

[@warwolfii]

This guy is the real deal. No question about it. I'm proud just to come from the same country as this man. If you want to read a terrific account of the battles in the Pacific War told by someone who was there, read Burgin's "Islands of the Damned." It's one of the best World War II books I've read and I've read many. Of course, don't miss E.B. Sledge's "With the Old Breed."

[@ahop198]

I met him when his book came out. He was really cool.