While on the sands of Iwo Jima last month for the 70th Anniversary, this former P-51 fighter pilot (Jerry Yellin) spoke so eloquently and humbly about WWII that it brought tears to my eyes.
Now 91 years old, he flew off Iwo Jima in the very last mission of WWII, escorting B-29s on their bombing mission. During this very last mission, his wingman was killed.
Yet, he talks nobly about the nightmares of war and about his own family which now includes a Japanese daughter-in-law and grandchildren.
I hope you will watch and listen to this gentleman.
A cover’s tip to Mustang_USMC.
Masako and Spam Musubi 
That was fantastic, Koji. His “great and sad memories” for what is now his “healing mission” is perfectly worded and expressed. He is both – an Officer AND a Gentleman!
Absolutely, gpcox… Absolutely. No way punks like Justin Bieber can even step foot on his shadow.
IMO – Bieber, who?
Surely you jest, gpcox! That punk, spoiled ass singer…
As I said, in my opinion – he doesn’t exist – I see no purpose that he serves.
Blahaha! Now I get it!
It is well worth just five minutes or so of your time to hear this gentleman. He has all the wisdom you would hope for in a person of his advanced years.
Indeed, sir. A typical representative of that great generation. So humble.
He speaks so eloquently.
Doesn’t he, Chatter Master? His persona must have been similar to that of your wonderful veteran who has left us… Humble yet proud.
He did very much remind me of ‘my’ veteran Koji. I truly loved listening to him. To be that thoughtful….
Very good. We have Japanese relatives too now, and my father (a Japanese POW) was fine with that.
Wow… I didn’t know that! And your dad was awesome! 🙂
What a wonderful, honorable man — one among many. It was a time when everyone in this country pulled together — a time gone by.
Yes, Linda, a time gone by. Will it ever return?
I think we both know the answer to that one, Koji….
I’m so glad I took the time to listen to this wonderful and inspiring man. I treasure every opportunity to hear stories and recollections directly from a WW II veteran, as we all know that too soon we won’t have living witnesses to that terrible time in our history. He has a strong voice and seems much younger to me than 91. I’m impressed.
I, too, was greatly impressed by this man. Like Old Man Jack, he did what he had to but also learned to forgive. Our country needs many, many more like him now.