|
World War II Marine Veteran Don L. Rinchuse, a sniper with the Marine Raiders, was at the first flag rising on Iwo Jima.
As we remember and honor our American service people that have made a difference in our lives this Veterans Day, it is appropriate to mention Don Rinchuse.
Don’s story begins with the assault on Iwo Jima. Don and his fellow soldiers were in the first wave to hit Iwo Jima. After securing a foothold, Don and another sniper were sent to take out a gun emplacement that was about 300 meters from the top of Mount Suribachi. These men concealed themselves by literally crawling beneath the layer of porous lava rock that litters the surface of Mount Suribachi. |
Don L. Rinchuse
|
The Marine commander ordered a flag be raised on the summit of Mount Suribachi. After locating a 4-foot flag, several Marines climbed to the summit. This group included Don and his best friend Joe Rosenthal. At the summit, Don helped to tie the flag to the makeshift pole and stood by as the flag was raised. Shortly after the posting of this flag, the Commanding Officer realized they needed a larger flag and the rest is history.
Don was the last remaining survivor of the first flag rising on Iwo Jima when he died this year. Don’s two brothers, Lou and George Nicolai, and sons, Daniel Rinchuse DMD and Donald Rinchuse DMD, reside in Greensburg.
|
