Robert Phillips' Iwo Jima Memorial Observance Speech -- February 21, 2026

 

Last Saturday, February 21, 2026, we, with Marine Corps League Motherlode Detachment #1080, held our annual Iwo Jima Memorial Observance in Volcano, California. The "town" of Volcano, once known as Soldier's Gulch, sits at about 2060 feet elevation and has a population of about 104 people. 

We hold our observance of the battle of Iwo Jima in the tiny town of Volcano, California. We hold our memorial observance in the town of Volcano because Marine Brigadier General Harry Bluett Liversedge was born and raised in that small California Gold Rush town on September 21, 1894. He was the commanding officer of the Marines who raised the flag on Mount Suribachi on Iwo Jima.

In January of 1944, then Col. Liversedge was transferred to the 5th Marine Division and placed in command of the 28th Marines. On February 19, 1945, he and his 28th Marines were among the thousands to land on Iwo Jima. Just a few days after the battle began, on February 23rd, 1945, Col. Liversedge’s 28th Marines raised an American flag on Mount Suribachi. 

The photo of those Marines raising that flag boosts the morale of both men there and Americans at home. Among other things, that photograph symbolized American bravery, endurance, determination, and our nation's will to win that war.

Each year since that battle, Marines remember the Marines who fought and died on Iwo Jima. We remember how their gallantry and scarifice embody our Corps' values of honor, courage, and commitment. We acknowledge how their actions defined how we Marines think, how we act, and how we fight. We recognize that their valor, sense of duty, resolve, and selflessness is why we hold those who fought and died there on Iwo Jima in such high esteem. Their actions during the Battle of Iwo Jima set the standard for all Marines forevermore. Their actions branded the United States Marine Corps and Marines for who we are.

As the Commandant of the Marine Corps League Motherlode Detachment #1080, I look forward to our annual Iwo Jima Memorial Observance. Last Saturday, February 21, 2026, Robert Phillips gave a wonderful speech that encapsulates how Marines feel about those who fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima from February 19 to March 26, 1945.

Here's Robert Phillips' speech: 

From the Perspective of a United States Marine Who Served in Operation Desert Storm Honoring the Heroes of Iwo Jima

Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen, fellow Marines, veterans, and honored guests. Today, we gather to remember and pay tribute to the brave souls who fought at Iwo Jima—one of the most pivotal battles in Marine Corps history. As a Marine who served in Operation Desert Storm, I stand before you as part of a younger generation, shaped by a different war but forever connected to the legacy forged on those black sands. The brotherhood of Marines endures across generations, and I am privileged to speak on behalf of all who have worn the uniform.

The Legacy of Courage

In February 1945, the men of the 3rd, 4th, and 5th Marine Divisions landed on Iwo Jima, facing a determined enemy entrenched in tunnels and fortified positions. The odds were daunting, and the terrain unforgiving. For 36 days, our Marines fought not only for a strategic island, but for each other. They demonstrated what it truly means to be a Marine: courage, commitment, and a willingness to sacrifice for the mission and for the man beside you.

As someone who faced my own trials in the deserts of the Middle East, I often look back on the heroes of Iwo Jima for inspiration. Their courage in the face of overwhelming adversity set the standard for all Marines who followed. The flag raised atop Mount Suribachi stands as a symbol of hope, resilience, and unity — not just for Marines, but for all Americans. Behind that iconic image were countless acts of  heroism and selflessness, many of which will never be fully known beyond the silent memories of those who served. 

The Cost of Freedom

The price paid at Iwo Jima was steep. Nearly 7,000 Marines made the ultimate sacrifice, and thousands more were wounded. Every name etched in history represents a story of valor and loss. As a Marine who served in a different conflict, I honor their memory not only with words, but in how I strive to live my life and uphold the values they fought to protect. Their sacrifice paved the way for every Marine who came after, including those of us who answered the call in places like Kuwait and Iraq.

Lessons for Today— And For Life After The Corps

The battle for Iwo Jima teaches us vital lessons — of perseverance in the face of adversity and of unity despite differences. It reminds us that freedom is never free; it is earned and defended by the bravery of those willing to stand firm, even when the way forward is unclear. 

But these lessons do not end when we take off the uniform. Life after the Marine Corps brings its own challenges—adapting to civilian life, finding new purpose, and facing adversity in ways we may not have expected. The courage, commitment, and brotherhood we learned as Marines remain with us. 

When we encounter obstacles — whether in our careers, our families, or our communities — we draw on the same spirit that carried us through battles overseas. We remember that we are never alone; we are part of a legacy that teaches us to stand tall, support one another, and face every hardship with resilience and honor. 

As a younger Marine, I carry these lessons with me. The legacy of Iwo Jima lives on in every action, every mission, and every commitment to our country and each other. We stand on the shoulders of giants, and it is our duty to live in a way that honors their sacrifice—not just in war, but in every day that follows.

Today, let us remember the fallen, honor the survivors, and recommit ourselves to the ideals that make us Marines. May the spirit of Iwo Jima guide us in times of challenge and inspire us to be worthy of the title we bear — whether we fought on volcanic sands, desert plains, or in the battles of everyday life. 

Semper Fidelis — Always Faithful.

--end of Reobert's speech. 

I want to thank Robert Phillips for allowing me to publish his speech here. He did a fine job at our Marine Corps League Detachment's annual Iwo Jima Memorial Observance. He is a great friend, an outstanding Marine member of our Marine Corps League Detachment, and a wonderful example of a Marine who still lives the ethos. 

While the exact origin is often debated, there is a long-standing mantra among Marines: "You can take the Marine out of the Corps, but you can't take the Corps out of the Marine." 

For Marines who've spent their lives living the life, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, on active duty, always ready, always able, always there, being ready to answer the call when the word comes down that it's time to saddle-up, we lived up to the standards of the code. The idiom, "You can take the Marine out of the Corps, but you can't take the Corps out of the Marine," emphasizes the lifelong nature of being a good Marine. 

And yes, my friends, it really is about living the life, following the code with uncompromising integrity, and practicing ethical behavior. It is about respect for human dignity and having the inner strength to fight against all odds. It signifies that "Once a Marine, always a Marine" really and truly emphasizes that our core values of honor, courage, commitment, our physical and mental toughness, and habits instilled by the Marine Corps do not disappear when a Marine becomes a civilian or veteran. 

Being a Marine on active duty is not a part-time job. You don't show up now and then and still call yourself a Marine if you really earned the title. The whole idea of "Once a Marine, always a Marine," is truly is a tribute to the training, discipline, and identity of a Marine. An identity that remains permanently a part of who we are, even after leaving active duty. 

Being a Marine goes to the heart of how we Marines carry the discipline, work ethic, and sometimes the physical bearing of our service into their civilian lives or new careers. Our time on active duty shaped us for life. And no, that's not a bad thing at all. Most of us agree, the Marines like Robert who still live the title proudly, a title we'd never dishonor, we'd do it all over again without hesitation. And yes, indeed, that says a lot.

Tom Correa

A Look At The Battle Of Iwo Jima -- 81 Years Later

Iwo Jima 1945

Iwo Jima is an island with an area of just eight square miles. It is located between Hawaii and Japan. Starting in June of 1944, under Japanese Imperial Army Lt. Gen. Tadamichi Kuribayashi, it took Japanese forces several months to construct the extensive tunnel and fortification network on Iwo Jima.

The defenses, designed to counter American air superiority, included over 11 miles of tunnels, 1,500 rooms, camouflaged artillery positions, and interconnected bunkers. The fortifications were designed to make the island a "death trap," with positions in Mount Suribachi and the northern plateau built to withstand heavy naval and air bombardment. 

The Japanese strategy was to create an underground, "defense-in-depth" system that was virtually invisible to aerial reconnaissance. This allowed them to get past the pre-dawn U.S. Naval gun and bombardment, and wait for Marines to land before opening fire.

The American invasion of Iwo Jima was led by Vice Admiral Raymond A. Spruance, with 1,700 ships and Rear Admiral Marc Mitscher (Task Force 58) providing naval support. Lieutenant General Holland M. Smith, USMC, commanded the V Amphibious Corps (3rd, 4th, 5th Marine Divisions). Officially known as Operation Detachment, its objective was the invasion of Iwo Jima to capture its airfields. 

On February 19, 1945, approximately 30,000 U.S. Marines landed on the beaches of Iwo Jima on Day 1 of the invasion. The initial assault waves consisted of the 4th and 5th Marine Divisions, with total forces for the entire campaign meaning everyone on the island and offshore in support of the operation beng roughly 70,000 to 80,000 American personnel.

The 4th and 5th Marine Divisions launched the invasion of Iwo Jima, on February 19, 1945, landing under intense fire on black, volcanic ash beaches. The beaches were impassable, with 15-foot-high volcanic sand embankments that bogged down tanks and vehicles. But frankly, as Marines came ashore, they had no idea that the worse was yet to come.

Departing from traditional, immediate beach defense, Kuribayashi's strategy focused on a long-term, subterranean defense designed to turn the island into a "meat grinder". Kuribayashi ordered his forces to hold their fire during the initial Iwo Jima landings on February 19, 1945. He wanted to allow the Marines to crowd the beaches and clog the area with equipment. 

Japanese Gen. Tadamichi Kuribayashi waited until he knew the U.S. Marines were crowded and bogged down in the deep sad on the beach. It was then that he ordered his forces, deeply entrenched in bunkers and a network of tunnels, those roughly 22,000 Japanese troops in his command hidden in the complex underground tunnels and fortifications, to ran down fire and inflict immediate, severe casualties to the Marines landing on the beach.

This deliberate strategy aimed to maximize casualties by firing from hidden, entrenched positions only after the landing zone on the beach was heavily congested, had a devastating impact on the Marines. As Marines pushed past the shoreline, Japanese artillery, mortar, and machine gun fire erupted from camouflaged positions in the surrounding high ground. The delayed, intense fire was murderous and caused massive casualties on the beaches. So much so that it brought the initial assault to a halt.

On February 19, 1945, the first waves of U.S. Marines went ashore at 8:30 am. The first day set the stage for one of the most savage and costly battles in Marine Corps history, aiming to secure the island for B-29 bomber emergency landings. On that first day, the soft, black volcanic sand made movement difficult, causing vehicles and troops to get stuck under heavy fire. What the Marines faced were Japanese defenders, who waited until the beaches were packed with Marines and equipment before they opened fire with machine guns, mortars, and artillery fire.

To make the bloody carnage worse, Marines faced "bone-chilling" cold rain that turned the volcanic ash into a sticky, "gluey black sludge," that hampered their movement and fouled their weapons. Tank battalions, naval gunfire, and air strikes were essential for attacking fortified Japanese positions, but progress was slow. At first, the tanks bogged down in the sand and were slow to get into the fight.

Of course, while this was going on, naval gunfire pummeled the island, as air strikes hit elusive Japanese positions. The Japanese, contrary to previous battles, did not launch chaotic banzai charges. Instead, they remained in hidden bunkers and tunnels, inflicting heavy casualties with coordinated artillery and mortar fire from the slopes of Mount Suribachi.

Marines managed to advance off the beaches despite the chaos. And while that first day saw Marines getting hit the hardest on that beach, some units reached the edge of Airfield Number 1 by noon. On that first day, when some Marines didn't even make it off the beach and out of that sand, there would be over 2,400 U.S. casualties.

Of them, on that first day, more than 550 Marines were killed in action, and more than 1,800 Marines were wounded. The 4th and 5th Marine Divisions suffered heavy, immediate losses, with 15-foot volcanic sand banks stalling vehicles and creating a bottleneck for incoming troops. On that first day, on Day 1 of the battle, the 3rd Battalion, 25th Marines alone lost 22 officers and 500 riflemen. And yes, legendary Medal of Honor recipient Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone was killed on that first morning. And that was only Day One of the battle.

What some might not realize is that the Battle of Iwo Jima included the Japanese launching major kamikaze attacks on U.S. Navy vessels offshore. They attacked the carrier USS Saratoga whcih was severely damaged by multiple kamikaze hits, and they severely damaged the escort carrier USS Bismarck Sea -- which ended up sinking on Day 2.

On the second day of the Battle of Iwo Jima, U.S. Marines faced brutal conditions as they attempted to expand their precarious beachhead against a deeply entrenched enemy. On Day 2, Marines still struggled against "bone-chilling" cold rain and the island's unique volcanic ash, which made movement for both men and tanks nearly impossible.

Day 2 of the battle saw a high casualty rate largely due to the "black volcanic sand," which made it nearly impossible for Marines either dig foxholes for cover or get off that beach. That meant the Marines on that beach were exposed to withering Japanese fire.

After landing 30,000 Marines on the first day, the 4th and 5th Marine Divisions focused on widening their positions and pushing toward the island's airfields. That's especially true when we keep in mind that the enemy tactic was that of attrition from underground fortifications. And while the second day of the Battle of Iwo Jima, Marine faced a grueling and costly advance against entrenched Japanese positions, the fighting on Day 2 set the tone for what would become a 36-day "war of attrition" where progress was often measured only in yards.

Day 2, February 20th, 1945, was a day that saw Private First Class Jack Lucas, who had famously lied about his age to enlist in the Marine Corps at age 14, earn the Medal of Honor for his brave action of throwing himself on two Japanese grenades to save his fellow Marines.

On Day 2, the 28th Marines began their assault toward Mount Suribachi. The advance on Mount Suribachi was steady, and progress was measured in yards due to heavy Japanese mortar and machine-gun fire from the volcano's slopes. And yes, on Day 2, the 28th Marine Regiment successfully cut off Mount Suribachi from the rest of the island. That was a critical step toward its eventual capture three days later.

Many units reported heavy losses as they attempted to move inland. For example, some battalions reported hundreds of men missing or being "bypassed" in the chaotic volcanic ash. The Japanese resistance was so strong that it necessitated the early commitment of the 3rd Marine Division, which was held in reserve and was supposed to be deployed much later in the fight.

While this was taking place on Iwo Jima, offshore, Japanese coastal batteries and early kamikaze-style attacks kept our ships busy defending themselves while still trying to supply fire support for the Marines onshore. By Day 2, the escort carrier USS Bismarck Sea was sunk, and ships engaging with the enemy over the first 48 hours had already accounted for hundreds of sailor casualties.

Day 3 of the Battle of Iwo Jima, Wednesday, February 21, 1945, was characterized by deteriorating weather and more Japanese kamikaze attacks against the supporting naval fleet. It was the day that the 21st Marines, part of the 3rd Marine Division, began landing on the island to reinforce the 4th and 5th Marine Divisions. Marines of the 4th and 5th Divisions continued their grueling advance through soft volcanic ash.

And as for the 28th Marines, supported by heavy naval and artillery bombardment, they continued their grueling push toward the base of Mount Suribachi. The Marines were fighting through what they nicknamed the "Meat Grinder" and towards the slopes of Mount Suribachi, experiencing relentless mortar and machine-gun fire. By the end of that day, the 28th Marine Regiment had successfully cut off Mount Suribachi from the rest of the island, setting the stage for its capture two days later.

Marines moved slowly through the extremely difficult "black ash sand that swallowed an individual's foot up to the ankle". Weather conditions were cold and rainy, hampering air support and slowing the movement of supplies from the beaches to the front lines. The 4th and 5th Marine Divisions faced intense, entrenched Japanese resistance, making slow progress across the volcanic, heavily defended, and treacherous terrain.

As for the Japanese forces, the defenders, under General Kuribayashi, were deeply entrenched in tunnels and bunkers, refusing to surrender and forcing a slow, bloody advance. The Japanese remained largely underground by utilizing an extensive network of tunnels and bunkers to direct mortar and machine-gun fire onto the exposed Marines. 

By the end of the third day on Iwo Jima, February 21, 1945, U.S. Marines sustained exceptionally high casualties, with over 3,000 Marines killed or wounded since the initial February 19 landing. It's true. The initial amphibious assault on February 19 alone saw thousands of casualties, and by Day 3, the fight was already considered one of the bloodiest in Marine Corps history.

February 21, 1945, was the third day of the Battle of Iwo Jima, and U.S. Marines faced a two-front struggle involving brutal cave-to-cave combat on land and devastating kamikaze attacks at sea. Marines of the 4th and 5th Marine Divisions continued their slow, yard-by-yard advance through volcanic ash and heavily fortified Japanese pillboxes. Of course, at the same time, Marine engineers were also at work under heavy mortar fire to clear anti-boat mines that were disabling M-4 Sherman tanks and blocking inland movement.

Day 3 was the day that Corporal Hershel "Woody" Williams landed on this day with the 1st Battalion, 21st Marines. He would go on to earn the Medal of Honor for his actions two days later, using a flamethrower to single-handedly destroy seven Japanese pillboxes.

Japanese coastal defense guns remained active, striking the destroyer USS Pensacola six times and causing significant damage. All in all, during this battle, it's believed roughly 21,000 Japanese defenders remained largely entrenched in tunnels and caves, despite the ongoing naval bombardment.

On February 22, 1945, Day 4 of the Battle of Iwo Jima, while the overall operation had originally been planned to last only four days, the fierce Japanese resistance meant that by this date, the Marines were still locked in a brutal struggle for the island's key heights.

Day 4 saw the advance on Mount Suribachi by the 28th Marine Regiment (5th Marine Division) to continue its grueling push to isolate and scale Mount Suribachi at the southern tip of the island. Despite heavy rain and constant mortar fire from Japanese positions, they managed to surround the volcano by the end of the day, setting the stage for the famous flag-raising the following morning.

In the center and north of the island, the 4th Marine Division fought to expand the beachhead and push toward Airfield No. 1. Progress was measured in mere yards as Marines used flamethrowers and demolition charges to clear an intricate network of Japanese pillboxes and tunnels. Elements of the 21st Marine Regiment (3rd Marine Division) began landing to reinforce the 4th and 5th Divisions, who had already suffered thousands of casualties.

The primary objective of Day 4 was to capture Mount Suribachi and Airfield No. 1. Marines of the 28th Regiment (5th Marine Division) successfully completed the isolation of Mount Suribachi at the southern tip of the island. While the 5th Division focused on Mount Suribachi, the 3rd and 4th Marine Divisions began the grueling "Meat Grinder" phase, attacking heavily fortified Japanese positions in the north, such as Hill 362 and the airfields. Hill 382 was the highest point in the north, riddled with hidden antitank guns and machine-nestled crevices.

What the Marines in the "Meat Grinder" were up against were Japanese defenders deeply entrenched in caves and bunkers using interlocking fields of machine-gun fire. So by this stage of the Battle of Iwo Jima, thousands of Marines were already killed or wounded.

To make matters worse, heavy rain and choppy seas hampered the delivery of supplies and the evacuation of the wounded. In fact, the heavy rains on February 22nd hampered movement and air support, but also turned the volcanic ash into a thick, slippery mire that slowed the evacuation of the wounded to a crawl.

By the end of Day 4, U.S. casualties had surpassed 4,500, including approximately 1,000 killed. And of course, as it was from the start, the soft volcanic ash continued to bog down vehicles and tanks.

The following day, February 23, 1945, Day 5, America would see the raising of the American flag on Iwo Jima's Mount Suribachi by the 28th Marines. With intense Japanese resistance as they tightened their grip on the base of Mount Suribachi, Marines pushed into the island's rugged northern interior.

Mount Suribachi on Iwo Jima was a crucial Japanese fortress, featuring tunnels and artillery that commanded the landing beaches. The peak had dominated the landing beaches with Japanese artillery fire. It provided Japanese forces with a high-ground observation point, allowing them to fire on U.S. Marines landing on the beaches. 

Capturing it was essential to destroying the interlocking network of caves and tunnels, effectively neutralizing the Japanese defense of the island. So yes, capturing Mount Suribachi on February 23, 1945, was vital for securing the island.

As for the flag raising, if you've heard that there were two flag raisings, it's true. There were two flag raisings. The first flag raising was when a small American flag was initially raised by 1st Lt. Harold G. Schrier and his 40-man patrol, significantly boosting the morale of the troops below -- but the small American flag was deemed too small.

To remedy that situation, about three hours after the first smaller flag went up, a larger flag was used on Mount Suribachi. The second flag measured 56 inches by 96 inches. Lt. Schrier ordered the new flag be raised at the same time that the first flag was lowered. And while six Marines hoisted the new flag into place, Associated Press photographer Joe Rosenthal, Sgt Bill Genaust, and Pvt Bob Campbell captured the moment on film. That second, larger flag was a lot more visible across the island. 

The famous flag-raising photo by Joe Rosenthal was taken on February 23, 1945, on Day 5 of the Battle of Iwo Jima. That photo is famous for capturing Mount Suribachi and the iconic raising of the American flag. It took place at approximately 10:20 a.m., after a patrol from the 28th Marine Regiment reached the summit of the 554-foot volcanic peak on the southern tip of the island.

Believe it or not, some initially thought it was a posed photo. But it was, in fact, entirely spontaneous. The six Marines raising the flag were Sgt Strank, Cpl. Block, PFC Sousley, PFC Hayes, Cpl. Schultz, and Cpl. Keller. Three of those six Marines, Sgt Strank, Cpl. Block and PFC Sousley were killed in action on Iwo Jima. 

During the first 5 days of the Battle of Iwo Jima from February 19 to 23, 1945, Marines sustained over 5,300 casualties within just the first three days. The initial landing alone resulted in roughly 2,400 killed or wounded. The high casualties during the battle were suffered immediately upon landing on February 19, 1945. By the time the flag was raised on Mount Suribachi on Day 5, thousands more were lost to intense, entrenched fire.

While the flag raising didn't stop Japanese resistance from the tunnels and dugouts on Mount Suribachi, it wasn't meant to. It was strategic, and the flag raising also gave a needed boost to the morale of everyone there. Let's keep in mind that by Day 5, only a third of the island had been touched. 

And yes, while the southern end of the island at Mount Suribachi was being secured, the 3rd, 4th, and 5th Marine Divisions continued to push north toward the island's airfields and the main Japanese defensive lines. Marines moved from the open beaches into the northern plateau, where the terrain was jagged rock formations and more caves. 

The Japanese northern sector defense was a mutually supporting defensive system consisting of areas known to Marines as "The Meat Grinder," "Turkey Knob," and "The Amphitheater." Because of Kuribayashi's idea to construct 11 miles of tunnels, Marines would clear a pillbox, move past it, and then get shot in the back by Japanese soldiers who had re-entered the position through other underground tunnels.  

Part of the danger for Marines had to do with how Japanese troops emerged from tunnels and then disappeared. Because standard Marine infantry tactics failed against reinforced concrete and deep caves, Marines had to use a slow, deadly combination of flamethrowers, known as the "blowtorch," to suppress enemy fire, along with explosive satchel charges, called the "corkscrew," to hopefully seal cave entrances permanently. The Marines' "Corkscrew and Blowtorch Tactics," as it became known, worked pretty well.

Of course, the biggest problem for the Marines was that the Japanese were not on the island, but in it. That means that the Japanese troops were deep in their underground bunkers, which were nearly impervious to the massive U.S. Naval gun and air bombardments.

This forced Marines to root out defenders in high-risk, close-quarters combat. And yes, it was close quarters, since the Japanese defenders were ordered to hold fire until Marines were in close range for ambushes. And no, with Japanese troops ducking in caves and popping out of others, and the close-quarter combat, there were no "front lines" in the traditional sense. 

For Marines on Iwo Jima, the enemy could appear from just about any crack in the volcanic rock. The Marines fighting in "Bloody Gorge" saw savage fighting. It was a narrow, final defensive pocket where the last organized Japanese resistance held out until late March.

Kuribayashi's strategy on Iwo Jima was to kill as many Marines as possible. He encouraged his troops with his "Kill 10 Rule." His slogan, "Each man will make it his duty to kill 10 of the enemy before dying". 

Kuribayashi's strategy on Iwo Jima was explicitly designed to maximize American casualties, turning the battle into a slow, agonizing, and costly fight, rather than seeking a direct win.  He wanted to force the Marines to fight for every inch of the island. He wanted the Marines to pay for every inch of that island with their blood.

Kuribayashi's approach using the volcanic terrain to his advantage resulted in over 25,000 American casualties, including nearly 7,000 Marines killed. This made Iwo Jima one of the costliest battles for the Marines in World War II.

Instead of defending the landing beaches, Kuribayashi had his men build a deep interconnected network of over 11 miles of tunnels, bunkers, and camouflaged artillery positions inland and in the north. He banned the standard, what he saw as "reckless banzai charges," instead ordering his soldiers to fight from hidden positions to inflict maximum casualties on the Marines as long as they could.

Some say his goal was to make the cost of victory so high that it would deter, or at least delay, an American invasion of the Japanese home islands. What it did do was get the U.S. Navy and the Joint Chiefs in Washington to truly consider using an atomic bomb instead of facing this sort of battle times a hundred if they invaded Japan.

What was the fighting like? Close-quarter, surprise, savage, ficious, a "no-quarter" environment. In fact, after reading about what went on there for those 36 days, it's obvious that the fighting on Iwo Jima can be characterized by an extreme "no-quarter" environment. The brutality was driven by the Japanese "fight to the death" doctrine and the Marines who experienced Japanese "fake surrenders" in previous battles. 

The result was a brutal battle, which lasted from February 19 to March 26, 1945. It was a five-week battle of attrition where surrender was rare. And even by early March, when the island was largely secured, that didn't stop a major, coordinated "Banzai Attack" launched on the night of March 8 by Japanese Imperial Army Capt. Samaji Inouye. The attack on Airfield No. 2 is said to have caught Americans off guard. What followed was a ferocious Marine close-quarters counterattack that resulted in the death of nearly all Japanese attackers.

Then, on March 25, 1945, a final desperate act 300-man Japanese force launched another, even more, silent, and effective, surprise attack against U.S. Army pilots, Seabees, and Marines. Japanese forces launched surprise nighttime, infiltration-style "Banzai charge" targeting the troops asleep at Airfield No.2's bivouac area. 

The 5th Pioneer Battalion and Army Air Corps pilots on the western side of Airfield No. 2 had turned in for the night. Most were unarmed because they had already turned in their weapons. The troops who turned in their weapon were scheduled to leave Iwo Jima during the day. 

The stealth assault, which was sometimes called a "Silent Banzai" because the Japanese troops didn't scream "Banzai" when they made their charge, was aimed at creating maximum casualties to the airfield's support units and pilots. The 90-minute attack resulted in 56 American troops being killed and 116 Army airmen and Marines being wounded, many were killed and wounded in their tents while asleep.

This final, desperate action solidified the "no-quarter" reality as Marines proceeded to root out and kill the enemy in one final push. They sealed off or destroyed the remaining caves with flamethrowers and explosives, often killing the defenders inside. 

At 09:00 on March 26, 1945, after the final pocket of resistance was cleared, the island was formally declared secured. The conclusion of the 36-day battle was marked by a sentimment of "no-quarter" that intensified after that last Banzi attack. 

There were 27 Medals of Honor presented to those who fought there. Of the 27 Medals of Honor awarded for actions during the Battle of Iwo Jima, 14 were presented posthumously. These medals were awarded to 22 Marines and 5 Sailors. And of those 5 Sailors, 4 were FMF Corpsmen. And here's something else to note, while these Medals of Honor awards account for over 25% of all Medals of Honor given to Marines during World War II, the 27 awards represent the highest number of Medals of Honor awarded for a single battle in United States history.

To understand the scale of losses during these early days, the overall final statistics for the 36-day battle are as follows: Over the 36-day battle, 6,821 to 7,000 Marines were killed in action and 19,217–20,000 wounded, with a significant percentage occurring in the first few days. There were also 209 U.S. Navy personnel, FMF Corpsmen and Navy Surgeons attached to the Marines, who were killed in action. The 4th Marine Division, operating on the right flank, was particularly hard-hit during these early days, eventually losing nearly half its strength — 9,098 casualties — by the end of the 36-day battle.

As for the Japanese, out of a garrison of roughly 21,000, nearly all were killed. And believe it or not, since their code forbade them from surrendering, only about 216 were taken prisoner by the end of the main fighting.

The capture of Iwo Jima was strategically vital for America's advance toward Japan. which served as a vital air base for B-29 bombers on missions to bomb Japan. It provided emergency landing strips for B-29 bombers and a base for fighter escorts to support long-range bombing missions over the Japanese home islands. And yes, it saved the lives of many airmen. By some estimates, securing the airfield on Iwo Jima saved the lives of more than 27,000 airmen.

Think about that for a moment. Securing the mountain helped pave the way for taking the rest of the island, which was necessary for securing airfields for emergency landings of B-29 bombers. Iwo Jima served as a critical, emergency landing base for over 2,400 crippled B-29 bombers returning from raids over Japan, saving an estimated 27,000 crewmen.

As for our Marine Corps legacy, the event, described by Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal, was seen as a defining moment for the Marine Corps' endurance and ferocity in combat.

U.S. Navy Fleet Adm. Chester Nimitz, commander in chief of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, said of the battle, "Among the Americans who served on Iwo Jima, uncommon valor was a common virtue." He also said, "If there had been any question whether there should be a Marine Corps after this war, the Battle of Iwo Jima will assure that there will always be a Marine Corps."

As for its iconic symbolism, the flag-raising photo, captured by Joe Rosenthal, became a defining image of the war. The iconic flag-raising photograph symbolized American resilience and triumph in the Pacific, boosting morale after the war-weary nation's earlier, devastating losses. Taking Iwo Jima had a huge impact on the war effort at home, and the photo of U.S. Marines raising Old Glory on Mount Suribachi represented American determination and camaraderie. In essense, that photo captured the American will to prevail through heartache and struggle.

Tom Correa

Let's talk about Virginia City, Nevada

I received a great letter from a reader who asked whether I'd ever been to Virginia City, Nevada, and, if so, why I hadn't written about it. Well, I have been there. And frankly, between Virginia City and nearby Gun Hill, it's one of my favorite places to visit and explore. 

First, I want to say that I really like that town. It's rich in history and a fun place to visit - especially during the Camel Races or when they close down C Street for the Classic Car Shows. The folks there keep that town alive and historically intact. The people are friendly, the reenactors look very period-correct, and you'd be surprised by what you can learn about the Old West when you visit.

Silver was discovered in Virginia City, Nevada, in 1859 with the discovery of the Comstock Lode. Irish immigrants Peter O'Riley and Patrick McLaughlin made the initial discovery in June 1859. Their discovery led to the "Rush to Washoe" and the rapid development of the town. Their find marked the first major silver strike in the United States. 

With the boom, all sorts of people showed up to get rich. Some by digging, some by stealing. This meant that within a year or two, Virginia City, Nevada, was a lawless silver boomtown that saw its share of extreme violence on a daily basis, including frequent, bloody saloon fights, vigilante justice, and violent labor riots that targeted Chinese workers. 

I remember being surprised to find out that it was well known for its dangerous mining operations, which resulted in a lot of miners being killed. One such tragedy was the Yellow Jacket Fire of 1869, which killed dozens. The fatal fire at Yellow Jacket Mine in 1869 was a disastrous fire in Gold Hill, just outside Virginia City. It caused dozens of deaths deep in the mines.

The Yellow Jacket Mine Fire of 1869 was one of Nevada's deadliest mining disasters. It took place on April 7, 1869, in Gold Hill, very near Virginia City. A blaze broke out, likely caused by a candle in the 800-foot level, trapping and killing at least 35 to 45 miners. Yes, anywhere from 35 to 45 miners were killed as dense smoke and poisonous gases quickly filled the tunnels. Besides poisoning the miners, it made rescue efforts difficult or virtually impossible at the time. The result was that most of the bodies were never recovered and remained in the sealed, collapsed, or burned-out sections of the mine. 

Because of the gases, the fire raged for months, spreading to the connected Crown Point and Kentucky mines. The heat from the fire was intense and lingered for three years after the initial incident. In fact, the fire caused severe damage, forced the closure of the interconnected mines, prompted improvements in safety regulations, and highlighted the need for better ventilation.

The Yellow Jacket Fire of 1869 remains a significant event in Nevada's Comstock Lode history. And today, believe it or not, it's associated with tales of paranormal activity due to the tragic loss of life.

Of course, you have to ask if Virginia City's Fire Department Feuds of the 1860s and the violent confrontations between rival fire companies, which resulted in at least one fatal shooting, helped the situation on Gun Hill later. 

Though the town was made up of tents, dugouts, shanties, and various other structures, by 1860, Virginia City’s first street was laid out, marking the start of the fastest-growing city in the West. By 1861, permanent brick structures were built along main streets, and wooden structures were expanding outward. Many homes were thrown together with canvas-covered walls and empty whiskey barrels for chimneys, and the threat of fire was growing out of control in Virginia City and would soon worsen.

As for strange stories, there is a story of a fire that threatened Virginia City, taking place in January of 1861. Supposedly, the fire started in a wooden cabin on A Street. But since there was no organized fire brigade, citizens gathered around and threw snowballs at the fire. The rest of that story is that while the cabin burned down, a snowball fight took place between everyone there.

Later, cisterns were built, and a bucket brigade was formed. The bucket brigade was soon abandoned for lack of participation, which was a surprise in the Old West. This led to the creation of the Virginia Engine Company #1, the first engine company in Nevada.

After other Fire Engine Companies were created, rivalries among them became common. In 1863, a fire broke out in a saloon owned by Pat Lynch at the corner of C and Taylor Streets. A confrontation between two companies soon escalated into a riot. As crazy as it sounds, the fight resulted in a member of one of the Engine Companies being shot and killed by an Assistant Chief of its rival, the Virginia City Fire Department. This was to be the first of two violent confrontations between engine companies.

The Virginia City Fire of 1875 was a devastating fire that started in October. At about 5:15 in the morning of October 26, a few miners in a boarding house on A Street became a little too rowdy and knocked over a lamp. The resulting fire was fanned by fierce winds known as the Washoe Zephyr. The fire moved fast, too quick, and was too big. Then, water ran out, and it was decided to use explosives from the mines to blow up buildings in an effort to stop the flames.

In addition to the town's destruction, almost all of the city's fire equipment was destroyed, including the Gold Hill companies that responded to help. The massive fire destroyed two-thirds of the city, more than 2,000 structures. Along with the destruction were most of the Engine Companies, their firehouses, and whatever equipment they contained. It marked the end of Engine Company rivalries in Virginia City forever. The reason was that everyone had to start from scratch. The result was the formation of a new "paid" fire department, the first in Nevada.

The equipment from the two surviving companies was combined, and later the town bought two brand new horse-drawn hose carts. These were the first horse-drawn hose carts in Nevada. I found it interesting to read how the folks there converted a sleigh into a horse-drawn hose-cart to use when the snow there became too deep. As for the historic fire equipment, you can see it all at the Comstock Firemen’s Museum on South C St. when you visit Virginia City. I love checking out stuff like that.

Of course, when I was there a few years ago with my wife, I bumped into a local historian who told me that Virginia City was known as "A place swollen with silver, greed, violence, and grief." One example of that is the "Bucket of Blood Saloon," established in the 1870s, that earned its name from "the blood-soaked sawdust that needed constant removal after nightly fights, shootings, and stabbings."

As for my favorite topic of vigilante groups, a local told me, "It's a fact that more than 20 men were hanged here in Virginia City for robberies and such by the local 601 Vigilantes between 1863 and 1864."

Yes, I smiled and nodded politely. And no, I didn't correct him. But what he didn't know was that while his facts were correct, he had the wrong Virginia City. He was actually talking about what happened in Virginia City, Montana, in the winter of 1863 and 1864. 

It's true. More than 20 men were hanged by vigilantes for robbery in Virginia City, Montana Territory, specifically in Alder Gulch. During the winter of 1863 to 1864, Montana vigilantes captured and hanged over 20 members of a "road agent" gang known as the "Innocents." Estimates range from 20 to 27 road agents were hanged for robberies and dozens of murders in the mining district. Their boss was believed to be County Sheriff Henry Plummer. So the Montana vigilantes hanged him, too.

As in most places in the Old West, vigilante groups, also known as Citizens Committees, were formed because formal law enforcement was nonexistent, ineffective, or corrupt. Vigilance Committee maintained law and order and administered summary justice when the law was nowhere to be found or as crooked as Sheriff Plummer up in Montana.

As for the vigilantes in Virginia City, Nevada? In 1871, Virginia City's Vigilance Committee formed to stop the lawlessness. It is said their group was made up of citizens determined to restore law and order to the area. The group called themselves the "601s", which I was told was borrowed from other Vigilance Committees in Nevada and California.

Their group was known for issuing its own calling card, a handwritten note bearing only the numbers "601". It was handed out by masked members of the 601s. It was their official notice telling that person that they had to leave town within 24 hours. If not, then they were dealt with.

In the 1870s, if folks heard the church bell ring and it wasn't Sunday morning, they took it for what it was — the community alarm for the 601s members to gather. That church bell also served as a warning to outlaws that their time was up and they should leave. If they didn't leave, they'd face forced removal from the community. They would be fortunate if it were by wagon, stage, or horseback. They also faced being tarred and feathered and being ridden out of town on a rail. Of course, those who wanted to stay that bad could do so, never leaving at all. They'd be buried there.

The most sensational hanging by Virginia City's 601s was that of Arthur Perkins. They hanged him from the rafters of Piper's Opera House. He was captured by the 601s for shooting down a man in cold blood at the bar of the International Hotel. He was identified by witnesses and convicted of murder. After that, word spread that such poor behavior was not tolerated there, and Virginia City became a much safer community.

Virginia City, Nevada, was a rough place, and its first legal execution there took place in 1868. Yes, just a few years before the 601s were established. That was the case of John Millian, who was hanged in Virginia City, Nevada, on April 24, 1868, for murdering a popular prostitute by the name of Julia Bulette.

One of the people working there at the time was a young newspaper writer named Samuel Clemens, better known by his pen name, Mark Twain. The execution was a big deal in the town, and it was treated with a lot of fanfare as any major event would be. It was witnessed by Mark Twain, who later wrote an account of what he saw. His recollection was vivid.

Julia Bulette was murdered on January 20, 1867. She was a beloved prostitute and her murder is said to have caused a lot of grief throughout the Virginia City community. Her killer, John Millian, was a French immigrant who was convicted after being found with her belongings. He was hanged before a crowd of thousands while still maintaining his innocence. Although the town had a reputation for having a great deal of violence, the high-profile legal execution of Millian in 1868 is probably the most documented event in Virginia City's history.

As for the Anti-Chinese Riot of 1869, it's said that a mob of nearly 400 miners marched on Chinese workers on the Virginia and Truckee Railroad. Those 400 miners destroyed property, beat up the Chinese workers, burned their shacks, and forced them to leave town.

Virginia City, Nevada, was plagued by prostitution, violent criminal activity, saloon gunfights, vigilante justice, out-of-control fires, and racial tension, which earned it a well-deserved reputation as a lawless, rough frontier town. It was a notoriously violent 19th-century boomtown driven by the Comstock Lode silver boom. 

All in all, it was a place where mining companies and workers, and rival fire companies, sometimes fought it out, sometimes rioted, sometimes shot each other, and sometimes killed each other. It was a place where local law enforcement struggled to contain the violence and hold back the vigilantes from acting. The high volume of deaths that took place there is why it's considered one of the most violent places of the Old West.

When you visit Virginia City, Nevada, you'll love the place. My advice is to immerse yourself in the history of the town. Browse antique shops, visit the Fourth Ward School Museum, The Way It Was Museum, and tour the Mackey Mansion Museum. Most museums and shops open between 10 AM and 11 AM. 

And don't forget to explore the Comstock Lode and visit the Comstock History Center to see original steam locomotives. Take a self-guided tour of the Silver Terrace Cemetery or book a paranormal tour at The Washoe Club Haunted Museum. And yes, you have to check out The Red Dog Saloon and The Delta Saloon. Street parking is available on C Street and in designated spots around town. Nothing is far to walk the town. Of course, along the boardwalks, there are stores selling Western wear, jewelry, and local antiques, and don't forget to stop at Grandma's Fudge Factory to satisfy your sweet tooth. 

Unless things have changed over the last couple of years since I've been back, you can watch live entertainment when the "Virginia City Outlaws" put on their shootout, or visit the Silver Queen Hotel. And by the way, every time I go there, I try to make sure to hit the Old Red Garter because I'm always looking for another hat, and they have a great selection.

Lastly, when you get there, ask one of the re-enactors if he or she knows the story of the outlaw killer who supposedly hid from the citizens who were pursuing him by hiding in an outhouse. I have no idea if it is true or not, but it is a funny story. 

Supposedly, it was in the 1870s when an outlaw by the name of Pete killed a saloon keeper over a disputed hand of cards. He realized he was in deep trouble and ran with the entire citizenry chasing him.

With the determined citizens of Virginia City calling for someone to get a rope to hang him, Pete ran down the wooden boardwalk, with the citizens right behind him. The story goes that he panicked and hid behind a row of boarding houses on D Street, looking for a place to hide, when he saw a few wooden outhouses. He immediately jumped inside one of the outhouses, slid the latch shut, and hoped no one would check it. 

Meanwhile, the citizens were frantically searching for him -- supposedly right outside of the outhouse that Pete was hiding in. Believe it or not, soon enough, the citizens crowded in that area, unable to figure out where the killer was hiding. 

During this time, the crowd supposedly started talking about the town's new sanitation requirements of making the citizens move their outhouses. A couple of the men decided to move an outhouse into the middle of C Street to show the town fathers what they thought of the new sanitation requirements. 

As the story goes, they decided on one of the outhouses there. And yes, it was the outhouse that Pete was hiding in. Pete heard the whole thing and then felt the outhouse shake as it was lifted. The outhouse was lifted with Pete inside of it. And yes, the men were moving into the middle of C Street when a Sheriff's Deputy recognized the very scared outlaw peeking out through the outhouse's crescent-moon hole. The Deputy yelled for the citizens to grab him, and they then took the very humiliated killer into custody. 

Supposedly, the story goes that the citizens didn't immediately hang Pete the next day. Instead, they washed him down first. Then they kept laughing about how "Stinky Pete" hid in an outhouse. It's said they kept laughing even as they put a rope around Pete's neck.  

I've often wondered if that's a true story or just another Old West tall tale.

Tom Correa

Mustache Trends & Grooming Standards In The Old West

From the 1880s to the late 1890s, men's mustaches were at their peak of popularity. In fact, from the 1880s and really into the period just before World War I, mustache trends and popular facial hair fashion during the late Victorian and Edwardian eras can be boiled down to the "handlebar" mustache, which is worn long with curled ends, and the "walrus" mustache, which is worn thick, very bushy, and hanging over the mouth. 

The "handlebar" mustache and its variations were often associated with full, curled, or waxed "handlebar" mustaches, as well as the thick "walrus" mustache. These elaborate facial hairstyles were often maintained with specialized wax and grooming tools.  It ranged from the moderate, waxed tips to the extreme "mousetrap" style. It required maintenance, wax, and in some cases curlers, making it a sign of a man with time to focus on his appearance.

The "walrus" mustache was seen as the epitome of rugged, distinguished masculinity, often associated with intellectuals, outdoorsmen, manliness, and politicians like Theodore Roosevelt. It was deliberately unruly and signaled a "no-nonsense" attitude, despite often being meticulously groomed to look chaotic.

Why did these styles dominate the times? They served as a defining symbol of Victorian masculinity, social status, and maturity. But mostly, it was influenced by military fashion, emulating the dandier, athletic, or military look of the time. 

We have to keep in mind that, in many Western countries, military facial hair was widely used to distinguish rank and signify toughness. The "handlebar" and "walrus" mustache was a general reaction to the trends of the 1860s and 1870s. While beards had been popular earlier in the 19th century, by the 1880s the trend shifted toward men with "clean-shaven" cheeks and chins. So yes, men wore large "handlebar" and "walrus" mustaches, often with short-cropped hair and clean-shaven cheeks and chins.

While we've all seen Hollywood depict 19th-century figures and military troops of that era with long hair and thick, bushy mustaches, that's just more proof that Hollywood gets it wrong. Hollywood takes photos of Western figures such as Buffalo Bill, Wild Bill Hickok, George Custer, and a few others to sell that image to the public as the norm, as the common trend of the time, when in fact it wasn't.

In the Old West, if you couldn't get someone to cut your hair with whatever tool was on hand, "self-cut" hair was a practical, hygienic choice to manage lice, dirt, and grease. While some kept long hair, others used soapweed or harsh homemade soap to combat filth. Lice infestations were common, leading many to cut their hair short or use lye soap and whiskey to wash the lice out of their hair. 

If you think that's bad, men used kerosene and coal oil to kill their lice problems. It's true. Because of lice infestations, a common treatment was to take kerosene, or coal oil, and use it to kill lice. Yes, even though it posed risks of burns, men still did exactly that. Of course, when one thinks about it, since a lot of whiskeys in the Old West were made that day in the back room of a saloon, and were made in many cases with kerosene, or coal oil, with some tobacco spit added for coloring, it's no wonder that whiskey poured on someone's head may have worked. Of course, can you imagine washing your hair in gasoline? 

Lice control in the Old West, as it was during the Civil War, was tough. Because of living in such close quarters and limited sanitation, lice were rampant. That made short hair a necessary, pragmatic choice for survival. And as for washing one's hair, since bathing in general was rare due to water scarcity, often limited to when they could find rivers or ponds, washing one's hair was hardly done at all. 

For these reasons, long hair was seen as being so impractical that many cowboys and settlers opted for short, uneven cuts and all. In most cases, done with knives, a straight razor, or scissors. Though it produced a more rugged, short-cropped look for both men and women on the frontier, this is why keeping hair short or shaved was a functional necessity.

So, if you're reading this for the second or third time and have noticed that I've edited and added information, it's because you've sent me all sorts of questions about this. After I initially posted my short article on mustache trends in the Old West and, incidentally, mentioned that short hair was preferred at the time, you asked me to expand on that, so I have.

Today, I was asked if sheep shears were used to cut hair back then. Well, as I stated above, knives, shaving razors, and scissors were used. And yes, it is a fact that sheep shears were used a lot. That was especially the case in areas where barbers' tools were unavailable. And really, sheep shears were a common tool found on farms. Most homesteads had shears for all sorts of things. Besides being used for shearing sheep, which is said to have taken about 20 to 40 minutes per animal, and trimming wool, they were used for general farm, garden, and maintenance tasks. 

And no, I'm not kidding. In the 1800s, sheep shears, which are sharp, scissor-like tools with a double-bow handle, were sometimes used for cutting men's hair. Shears were easy to use since they are like scissors. Simply squeezing the double-bow handle closes the two sharp blades together, and you're cutting hair. 

If you remember "grass shears," then you remember that they are similar to sheep shears. As a kid, I used grass shears, built like sheep shears with a traditional U-shaped spring, to clip grass and do some light hedge trimming. Can you imagine using that to cut a man's hair? Well, they were. 

Shears have been around for ages, so they were readily available for purchase. They were designed for shearing wool, allowing for a fast, though rough cut. While hand shears were common for most of the century, Frederick Wolseley developed successful mechanical shearing machinery in the 1880s. His design preceded modern electric clippers. Shears were a practical tool for cutting hair throughout the 19th century.

As for short hair being a Victorian Era trend? It was. The Old West required short hair for hygiene. And yes, during that same period, the Victorian era also saw a "short hair craze" among women in the 1880s. But, while short hair was practical, it was less a conscious "fashion trend" and more a necessity for dealing with the harsh conditions of frontier life. 

Short hair was not merely a style choice but a practical necessity to control head lice, which were common due to poor living conditions. So yes, it is a fact that short practical haircuts were essential for survival and hygiene in the Old West, aimed at preventing rampant lice infestations. 

 

As for the cultural significance of those style mustaches? At the time, a man with a mustache was seen as being more self-confident, healthy, and someone dashing with an adventurous air, yet still mature. Presenting a well-groomed mustache was considered an essential style accessory for a gentleman. In an attempt to reflect strength, health, and self-confidence, it became very common to see men wearing either style of mustache. Young men often wore them to look more distinguished, mature, and credible. 

How prevalent were those two styles? By the end of the century, the fashion of men wearing a handlebar or walrus mustache was so common that it was sometimes seen as a requirement for men of a certain class. And as for what helped to push that as a cultural trend of the times? Those two styles were popularized by military figures, politicians like Theodore Roosevelt, and other upper-class figures. It was a widespread trend in both Europe and the United States.

Yes, from the 1880s to the late 1890s, men's mustaches were at their peak in popularity, often referred to as the "golden age" of the mustache. Following the decline of the full, bushy beard, the standalone, well-groomed mustache became a staple of masculinity, elegance, and social status in Western society, particularly in Victorian society. 

1880s Earp Brothers

As stated before, the iconic mustache styles of that era were defined by bold handlebar mustaches, waxed and curled at the ends, and thick, drooping walrus mustaches.

As for Grooming? Men used mustache wax to shape their mustaches and specialized tools like mustache cups, which featured a guard to protect the wax from hot tea or coffee, keeping their mustaches shaped and looking pristine. It's true, the popularity of these elaborate, waxed styles led to the invention of "mustache cups," which featured a ledge (guard) to protect the wax and style from hot liquids.

By the turn of the century, a transition was underway. As the 1890s ended and the 1900s approached, the trend shifted again toward being "completely clean-shaven." This shift was accelerated by the 1895 invention of the disposable safety razor by King Camp Gillette, which made shaving cheaper and easier.

So by the end of the 19th century, the era of the giant, waxed mustache was largely considered old-fashioned, though it remained popular throughout the 1900s and 1910s before World War I made clean-shaven faces standard. 

Let's also remember that, as World War I began, the fad of massive mustaches worn by men like the Earp brothers had already disappeared. The biggest reason was that they had become impractical for the military. That was largely because of the need for troops in the trenches to wear gas masks. It's true. Because of the trench warfare in Europe during World War I, a time when gas warfare was a real threat, men had to shave or significantly trim their facial hair to get a good seal on their masks. 

The grooming standards of soldiers, sailors, and Marines after World War I was that of troops with completely clean-shaven faces. A standard that lives on today.  

We forget that following World War I, the United States military grooming standards mandated clean-shaven faces and short haircuts, driven by the need for hygienic, louse-free troops and, crucially, to ensure a proper seal for gas masks. This "clean-cut" requirement, emphasizing uniformity and discipline, was established to remove individual identity, allowing soldiers to be rebuilt into a cohesive unit. While these regulations often relax slightly in combat scenarios, particularly for special operations, the standard largely persists today across all branches.

The post-World War I grooming evolution included eliminating beards to ensure gas masks functioned properly during chemical warfare, requiring troops to maintain short hair and clean-shaven faces to reduce the spread of lice, which were prevalent in trench warfare, and to create uniformity and discipline in the ranks. Regulations were designed to ensure a neat, standardized appearance, often strictly enforced through inspections. Of course, in the modern era, it's a standard that's enforced through the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).

Back when I was in the Marine Corps in the 1970s, the U.S. Navy allowed beards. Under Admiral Zumwalt, sailors could wear them. And sadly, some of those beards were sparse, ugly, unruly, and as unsightly as the day is long. The Navy returned to strict grooming standards in 1984. 

Today, the "high and tight" and similar short haircuts remain a standard for U.S. Marines. Of course, unlike in the 19th century, when the military strongly influenced men's grooming standards, we don't see military facial-hair standards or haircuts being applied to or influencing civilians today. Too bad, really, since many civilians these days look like they could use a shave and a haircut.

Tom Correa

The Beauty Of American Capitalism

The beauty of American Capitalism is that, as an American, you have the freedom to chart your own course, be your own master, start a business, or quit your job if you're dissatisfied, and earn a living doing something you love.

By the way, what I wrote above is the core argument in favor of American Capitalism. It is referred to as the "American Dream." It is what the "Free Enterprise" system is about. Americans have the individual autonomy, economic opportunity, and personal freedom associated with a market-based economy.

Individual autonomy is the capacity for self-governance, allowing a person to make informed choices about their life, free from undue external control or coercion, and to act on those decisions. It's about being one's own person, self-determining, and having control over one's own actions and values, forming a cornerstone of personal freedom and rights. 

Individual autonomy is our capacity and right to make our own choices, set goals, and direct our lives according to our own values and reasoning. It's about how we manage our lives, regulate our actions, and take personal responsibility. Individual autonomy is our ability to control our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to achieve long-term goals and adapt to life's changing circumstances. It guides our sense of self-determination, critical thinking, personal growth, and aligning actions with our sense of who we are. It's what allows us as individuals to act according to our values, beliefs, and preferences. It's a fundamental aspect of personal freedom and dignity. It's what enables us to shape our own lives and live freely, free from external control or undue interference.

Using our moral compass, autonomy means we have the right to self-determination -- our ability to act, think, and make decisions based on our independent values, interests, what motivates us as individuals, what drives our internal desires, and what determines our personal goals. We do this independently and distinct from any group, race, or religion. It's what pushes us as individuals to stand out from the crowd.

Communist doctrine places no importance on individual rights and personal autonomy. Communists see our only good as individuals as being part of the "collective, viewing individualism as an obstacle to their maintaining power and control over the lives of their people. Communism emphasizes government-controlled economic activity and communal ownership and doesn't accept the notion that free people can own private property. In practice, Communism is totalitarian control, where individual right are nonexistant.

Individual autonomy in Communist states practices the subordination of people to the "collective." Communists see individualism as a materialistic middle-class bourgeois. They see individualism as a concept that must be eliminated in favor of communal, collective fulfillment. This means, in a Communist nation, the government, rather than the worker, directs all economic activity, removing autonomous motivation and private enterprise. Communist governments work extremely hard to suppress independence, individual actions, attempts at private property ownership, attempts at starting private businesses, free labor unions, and political opposition. 

Communists treat individuals merely as components within a larger machine, responsible only to the whims of the government, rather than pursuing personal freedoms and autonomy. Communist doctrine dictates that the government needs to control the lives of its people totally, completely, and must eliminate all ideas of freedom to make Communism work efficiently. 

In complete contrast, Americans see individualism as central to the American identity. We deeply cherish our individual autonomy and personal liberty. We view our personal autonomy, our freedom, as fundamental, inalienable rights rooted in the nation's founding, which prioritize self-determination, freedom from government overreach, and the pursuit of personal goals. Our cultural dedication emphasizes self-mastery, personal responsibility, and the right to make choices about one's own life and conscience. 

Americans define liberty as freedom from restraint. To us, freedom allows us as individuals to act without interference, as long as we don't harm others. And yes, we see the U.S. Constitution, particularly the Bill of Rights and the Fourteenth Amendment, as the documents that protect us from government intrusion. The fact is, our individual autonomy, our personal freedom, independence, is fundamental to our core liberties -- which include freedom of speech, freedom of religion, our right to bear arms, and the right to privacy, which covers deeply personal decisions regarding marriage, procreation, and medical treatment. 

Most Americans across the political spectrum believe that "without our personal freedoms, America is nothing." That's why, as Americans, as individuals, we place an extremely high value on our self-reliance, our individual rights, our independence, our personal freedoms to act, to think, to move about freely, to maintain a sense of privacy, and to speak our mind and express ourselves without interference or oppression -- especially from the government. These are essential liberties that allow us to make our own personal choices.

And frankly, when exercised responsibly, our freedoms shouldn't infringe upon the rights of others. That's an extremely important aspect of being a free people. Being responsible for respecting others' rights while exercising our freedoms means that, as Americans, we should recognize that our personal freedoms are not absolute and are balanced against the rights of others and the general welfare of the community.

Having personal liberty is all about us having the rights to own property, to free speech, to bear arms, to practice our religion, to hold conscience-based beliefs, to a private life free from surveillance or unreasonable search and seizure, to move where we please, change our locations if we feel like it, enjoy personal safety, assemble and associate with who we please, to receive equality before the law, receive a secure and fair trial, all without government control are the freedoms that we enjoy as Americans.

These rights are considered essential for maintaining individual dignity and preventing tyranny in a democratic society. In reality, in America, we depend on our government to honor the Bill of Rights, which limits its power and safeguards our individual autonomy. The right to act without being constrained by others or the government allows us to shape our own lives and make choices that are true to our personal values and identity. It allows us to set goals and make decisions about personal matters without interference. This concept of being responsible, maintaining personal privacy, living with dignity, and having the right to make our own choices is about personal freedom.

Personal freedom in a market-based economy is defined by the ability of individuals and businesses to make economic decisions—such as what to produce, buy, or sell—without coercion, excessive government regulation, or restrictions. Our system, often referred to as "Free Enterprise," is driven by voluntary exchange and private ownership, allowing us to pursue our self-interest and financial well-being.

A market-based economy gives us the personal freedom to engage in transactions between buyers and sellers because it benefits both parties without forcing participation. Consumers are free to spend their income in the best way to satisfy their needs and wants. They decide which products succeed or fail in the market. Entrepreneurs have the liberty to obtain resources, start businesses, and sell products of their choice in a market of their choice. Individuals have the right to own, use, and dispose of their property and assets as they wish.

As for having what is known as "Occupational Freedom" in a free society? Occupational freedom is the ability of workers to choose their own training, jobs, and employers. Workers can act in their own self-interest, which unintentionally drives efficiency and social good up. It happens because our economy is guided by supply and demand rather than the central planning of an authoritarian government, as in Socialist and Communist governments.

Competition acts as a regulator in a free-market economy. Competition limits the power of individual economic agents, forcing businesses to offer better quality and lower prices. By limiting government intervention, American capitalism limits the government's role of enforcing contracts, protecting property rights, and maintaining a legal framework for fair play. Frankly, the result of our free-market system gives Americans the economic freedom necessary for political freedom by separating economic power from the government's desire to control.

While market economies are often associated with high levels of personal liberty, they can also lead to income disparities, and in practice, most operate as "mixed economies" with varying degrees of government regulation. Of course, more government regulations mean more government control.

Let's all understand the reality of American industry. Whether it's steel mills or family farms, government regulations are not usually designed to hamper or impede progress. I'm sure most regulations are created with good intentions, not just as money-makers for the government. But it's a fact of life that extensive government regulations are usually harmful to the economy. Government regulations interfere with and limit production, stifle innovation, increase harmful compliance costs, contribute to higher business bankruptcies, and, intentionally or not, can kill economic growth.

So yes, personal freedom in a market-based economy is defined by our ability, as individuals and business owners, to make economic decisions, such as what to produce, what to buy, and what to sell. All, while doing that without coercion, excessive government regulation, or restriction. It's driven by voluntary exchange and private ownership, allowing us to pursue our self-interest and care for our financial well-being.

It's capitalism based on individual rights and voluntary transactions. And yes, it provides us with the freedom to change careers, opt out and find another career path, negotiate with a boss for better wages and benefits, or tell a boss to go kick rocks while we look for another job and better opportunities, or start our own business. It's called freedom.

We are free to decide how we want to earn a living. We are flexible and can look for another job while we already have one, which I've always believed is the smartest route before quitting a job. Or we can simply quit without having a job to take its place, which I've never seen as very smart. The point is that, in our economic system, as workers, we have the power and the freedom to quit if we choose.

The only things holding us back from quitting are personal and financial factors. Those factors are ensuring you have income to survive, another job to keep working, and, in some cases, the ability to keep benefits—like health insurance. If someone wants to quit a job, especially one where you know you can get paid more if you leave, it's important to make sure they do it correctly, not just quit.

Personal freedom means that you can quit a job, plan to quit, or maybe try to open your own business and be your own boss. Critics of American Capitalism say that we don't have a choice and that we are always "exploited by the rich." That's bullshit because we always have a choice.

They say we are "not truly free because our choices are either starvation or homelessness. Believe it or not, this defeatist attitude, an attitude that's totally un-American, is described as a "work for a wage or you starve" scenario. Those are the same people who believe wholeheartedly in the ideal of Communism, which is slavery to the government, but can't see that free people have the legal right to quit and do so all the time.

Communist supporters act as though people don't quit their jobs and are somehow chained to machinery for life. That's crap. Americans quit their jobs all the time. Sometimes they quit at a moment's notice over things that many employers may not have seen coming. Sometimes, they quit a job properly and give notice that they are leaving. Sometimes they quit on good terms, and employers ask them back. Sometimes they quit, and employers are glad to see them go.

If a person wants to quit, we don't have to answer to the government and ask for permission to start a new job, or start our own business. We can just do it. Of course, my advice is that if someone wants to quit, then they need to plan it out and do it correctly. Doing it correctly means looking at your family obligations and debt, evaluating your needs, and considering whether you can take a pay cut during a transition, or if you need to find a job that pays more to stop struggling.

Above all else, you have to look at your marketable skills. That's the key to finding a better job than you have. And yes, I've known all sorts of great folks who followed their dreams of being better at what they do. I've known folks who quit their jobs after taking classes at a local community college to better themselves. I've known people who have gone back to school while still working to prepare for promotions within their organizations. I've known guys who couldn't handle the seasonal work and long layoffs in construction work and moved on to do other things.

What do they all have in common? First, they had the personal freedom to do that. Second, their dissatisfaction with their present employment motivated them to better themselves. They bettered their lives by furthering their education for better positions and promotions at their jobs, by switching trades, by obtaining certifications and degrees, and by doing all sorts of other things to increase their overall marketability, all to better their lives. And yes, that's part of the beauty of American Capitalism.

The American capitalist system is founded on the principles of individual liberty, private property rights, and free-market enterprise, allowing for personal initiative, innovation, and competition. It emphasizes voluntary exchange, limited government intervention, and the pursuit of self-interest to drive economic growth and individual opportunity. Capitalism protects personal freedoms, including the right to own property, enter into contracts, and make economic choices without government coercion. Our system rewards innovation, hard work, and risk-taking, while also fostering an environment where individuals can build businesses and personal wealth. We have a free-market economy that's driven by supply, demand, and competition, rather than government direction.

America's moral foundation stems from the fact that American Capitalism is the only economic system that fully respects individual rights while encouraging personal responsibility. We encourage private ownership. We support those who launch businesses and pursue new ideas. We like and encourage innovation, with entrepreneurs playing a critical role in developing new products, improving efficiency, and creating jobs. It's a system that allows Americans to choose our own careers and pursue economic goals. Let's be clear on this: we have the freedom and ability to pivot, start a business, or change jobs, all for personal fulfillment.

And by the way, we Americans can do all of the above without anyone's permission. It's true. Unlike in state-socialist or command-economy systems, known as "Communist," people don't have the ability to pivot, start a business, or change jobs freely. Such things are outlawed, severely restricted, or completely nonexistent. Communist systems are characterized by government ownership of production, central economic planning, and the suppression of private enterprise.

Under Communism, private entrepreneurship, people owning their own business, is considered illegal or an "anachronism" of what they call a "bourgeois society." In a Communist nation, all businesses are owned by the state or government, or operated as government-controlled cooperatives. The fact is, in Communist nations, engaging in private business is considered a criminal activity.

As for changing jobs in a Communist country? In a Socialist / Communist economy, the government is in charge of the economy. So subsequently, under Communism, the government tells workers where they can and can't work. For them, it's all about government "Central planning." And yes, it's a system that doesn't want people to have personal freedoms, so the Communists in charge work very hard at restricting or eliminating one's personal freedoms. 

While workers sometimes had the flexibility to change jobs, "young specialists" or "graduates" are usually forced to work in "assigned positions." And yes, it stays that way for several years. Because the government is the primary employer, career changes mean moving within government-run enterprises rather than starting one's own venture.

As for one's ability to pivot based on demand, innovation, or personal interest, that's non-existent in a Communist economy because the government's "central authority" dictates production. So, in such government-run economies, there is no room for what we call "individual initiative" or "entrepreneurial risk-taking." The fact is, under a Communist economic system, failing to be employed by the government is not just unemployment -- it's also a crime often treated as "parasitism." That's why Communists force people into state-sanctioned labor camps, re-education camps. and political prisons. 

And here's the kicker, as horrible as a Socialist / Communist economy is on people, with the loss of freedoms and any semblance of individual autonomy, there are people in the United States who want that system to replace American Capitalism. They want the government to "chart their course." They like the idea of being slaves to the government. They like having their freedoms eliminated, restricted, and their lives completely controlled by the government's central economic planning, which tirelessly suppresses private enterprise and micro-manages lives.

In complete contrast, American Capitalism and our "American Dream" mentality are at the heart of our culture. It's all about valuing self-reliance and the freedom to "chart our own course". We can achieve success through hard work. We can "Be Our Own Boss." And yes, many of us are motivated by the desire to be our own boss and have greater flexibility in our work-life. Small business ownership is seen as one of the primary ways for Americans to exercise individual autonomy. That's probably why small businesses make up the vast majority of businesses in America. We like being free to cut our own path, and we really don't like the slave-master mentality of Communism.

We exercise our freedoms through independent decision-making in our personal lives, including our career choices, how we live, how we raise our children, which church we attend, and the relationships we have. It's all part of our ability as a free people to navigate our lives as we see fit. 

Americanism is all about self-directed behavior supported by exercising our Constitutional rights — such as freedom of speech, assembly, religion, and the right to bear arms — which allow self-expression and control over our lives.

Communists refuse to accept or understand any of this because they see freedom as something that people should not have. Communists will try to get you to believe that finding a better job may not be feasible, even though we all know it's always an option in life. They will try to make you believe that our freedom to quit a job is a myth. The fact is, most of the Communists who come up with that crap have never left school.

The people who support Communism aren't very bright. And yes, they seem to have a few things in common. Like Karl Marx, whose radical leftist beliefs made him "unemployable," many of the Communists today who talk about how great Communism is have never had jobs. Worse, many of them are still going through Communist Indoctrination in college, while getting their tuition paid by someone else.

Above all else, it is obvious that Communists have never lived in the real world. We know this from their worn-out rhetoric. They mistakenly think American workers are being treated in the same way that Soviet Communists treated their workers -- which was like slave labor forced to do collective work -- tied to their jobs without the freedom to choose a better life.

Communists refuse to understand that American Freedom means that we are free to work wherever we want to work. They refuse to see the greatness in a system that enables its people to prosper and achieve whatever they want in their lives. They don't realize that American workers can quit anytime they want, for any reason, including to improve their lives. Communists love government control and don't realize that our ability to leave a job for any reason is all about Americans having the freedom to maintain our personal choice when it comes to how we conduct our lives. And that, well, that's a cornerstone of personal liberty. Something that does not exist in the Communist world.

Tom Correa