A Day At the Beach

His day began with "Reveille" blaring from within the bowels of the ship. Sergeants yelled, "Up and at 'em lads! We're takin' a little trip!" He wearily arose from his bunk to don the accoutrements of war. He'd survived Guadalcanal, now he faced Iwo Jima's fearsome shore. They fed him steak and eggs - rookies joked that it may be their final meal. But the battle-weary Marine was very grim - to him it seemed so surreal. The chaplain gathered them around and offered a fervent prayer, Pleading for God's protection and committing them to His care. The grizzled old "Gunny" yelled, "First platoon over the side!" "Down those lovely cargo nets, boys! Semper Fi!" he cried! Bobbing Higgins boats waited below to take him to that perilous strand. The engines roared as the boat wallowed and rolled t'ward that ebon sand! He hunkered down with the others, his helmet beating upon his nose. Others used their helmets to receive bits of breakfast as the boat sank and rose! Adding to the din of battle so familiar to his ears were shells flying overhead. As his boat with its precious cargo neared the beach it was hit by zinging lead! The boat struck a coral reef so they had to wade in water up to their hips. He struggled with his heavy pack and rifle with a prayer upon his lips. Brave men fell under withering fire that day as they tried to force a breach. Brave men forever lost their innocence that day on that hallowed beach! Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired (© All Rights Reserved)