WWII Veterans On The Battle Of Iwo Jima ft. Don Graves & Al Chatwin | Unsubscribe Podcast Ep 171

Today would have been my grandpa's 100th birthday - Ed Larson. He served in the Navy aboard the USS Iowa during WW2 as the inaugural crew as a gunner on a 20mm anti air battery. He was an extremely soft spoken farmer from a small town in Idaho. Years later, he went on a tour of his old boat with his grandkids and great grandkids. He didn't make a big show of it, but word got out that he was on the boat and that made it up to the CO, who came to meet him. He said "sir, this boat is more yours than mine. Anywhere you want to go, you have full access to your ship." They then made an announcement across the intercom to announce to everyone that one of the ORIGINAL crew was on board. Every single sailor had such reverence and respect for him during that visit. Edited to add - The one part of the war that he did like to talk about was the surrender on Sept 2nd 1945. He climbed up to the crows nest on the Iowa, and was able to witness firsthand the surrender in Tokyo Bay aboard the Missouri that was parked right next to the Iowa. He lived to the ripe old age of 98 and passed away in 2022. He was married for 76 years to his sweetheart he met while on leave, and then went on to have 4 kids, 25 grandkids, 68 great grandkids, and 1 great great grandchild.

Just imagine a young Don Graves burning out bunkers on Iwo Jima. Those flamethrower operators had balls of steel. A true American hero!!!

I applaud Nick for restraining himself and not discussing FDR.

It is fantastic that there is now a record of WWII veterans telling stories and experiences to people who aren't journalists. Phenomenal that this exists in the world.

The level of respect when an old soldier is speaking is insane right now. No one interrupts, no one talks over them, and we even apologize when cursing. It restores some faith in humanity

I don’t think people realize just how important this podcast is. This isn’t just an episodes, this is an archive of some of the greatest generation.

As a Marine, WW2 vets are gods to us. Those who survived that hell hole top that list. Semper Fi, gentlemen

It breaks my heart that as a 25 year old I'll live to see the last WWII veteran pass away, along with Korea, Vietnam and beyond. Thank you guys so much for having these men on. Everyone, cherish every moment you get with these men in the short time they have left with is.

It's just wild to me that these guys fought in one of the bloodiest wars this world has ever seen, and are living to be close to 100. These guys were most definitely, built different.

It may have been an honor to host these two, but it's been an honor to hear these men's stories. Thank you for giving them a platform for the next generation to see.