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Editor's note: Each Thursday KSL will feature the veterans who have served for the United States.ARLINGTON, Va. — The Battle of Iwo Jima proved to be one of the most critical in winning the war in the Pacific, and many Utahns fought in that attack.
As 88-year-old Navy veteran Casey DeJong approaches the iconic statue atop the US Marine Corps War Memorial, his memories of the battle come flooding back. He remembers the battle, and the flag-raising on the strategic Pacific island, like no other visitors that hour.
"I was in the second wave that hit the beach at Iwo Jima," DeJong said.
DeJong was stationed on the USS Barrow, which was positioned off shore. As the U.S. assault began February 19, 1945, he worked on the P boats as they delivered marines, Seabees and supplies.
"Our job was to take them over and land them on the beach," DeJong said.
It was a tough mission in the midst of Japanese shelling.
"Every night we would go out to sea and bury the dead."
Watch the video above to see more about DeJong's experiences and his life after the war.
