| Private First Class Paul E. “Pop“ Ison (1916-2001) of the Fifth Regiment, First Marine Division runs across a draw nicknamed “Death Valley.“ Ison, a flamethrower and demolitions expert, was sent across 75 yards (68.5 meters) of exposed ground to L Company,Third Battalion, Fifth Marines. Expecting to be given explosives for his mission, Captain Robert Smith told him that he was expected to bring it with him. He returned to his unit and obtained the explosives and returned to L Company, his third trip under fire. Marines sustained more than 125 casualties in eight hours crossing this area. The enemy positions to the immediate front of Fifth Marines were organized around an area of rough ground known later as Awacha Pocket, northeast of Dakeshi and south of the town of Awacha. Here again the close teamwork of tanks and infantry, supported by heavy weapons, provided the only means of advance. Encircling this pocket required a week and was not finally accomplished until May 11. By that time the Marines had uncovered even more formidable positions to the south at Dakeshi Ridge and Wana. Ison, a father of four, could have deferred the draft but volunteered for the Marines. | |
| Image Filename | wwii1341.jpg |
| Image Size | 1.25 MB |
| Image Dimensions | 2731 x 2324 |
| Photographer | Bailey, Robert |
| Photographer Title | Marine Private First Class |
| Caption Author | Jason McDonald |
| Date Photographed | May 10, 1945 |
| Location | Death Valley |
| City | Awacha |
| State or Province | Okinawa |
| Country | Japan |
| Archive | National Archives and Records Administration |
| Record Number | |
| Status | Caption ©2007, ©2024 MFA Productions LLC Image in the Public Domain |
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