Sgt. Grit,
My father, Cpl. Jose A. Dominguez, 876815, passed from this life on 11 December in Downey, CA. As a 19-year old he landed with F/2/26/5th MarDiv on Iwo Jima 19 February 1945. He fought through to the push to secure the final third of the island and was wounded 14 March 1945 by shrapnel from two mortar rounds. He was evacuated from the island and spent the next several months in hospitals in Hawaii, Oakland, CA, and San Diego, CA. He was honorably discharged on 5 November 1945.
My dad was a quiet man who spoke very little about the fight on Iwo, but he loved the Marine Corps, and all Marines past and present. He proudly wore a baseball cap signifying his status as an Iwo Jima survivor. He celebrated his 85th birthday on 30 September 2010 and shortly thereafter I sent Sgt. Grit bumper stickers to him and to my mother. His read "Like Father, Like Son" and Mom's reads "I May Look Harmless, But I Raised A U.S. Marine". They proudly displayed both on their vehicle.
I was privileged to conduct dad's funeral service and Marines from the local Marine Reserve Unit (November Battery, 5/14) rendered honors at the graveside. As expected, they performed their duties with precision and professionalism befitting the traditions of the Marine Corps. When we told these young Marines that dad was an Iwo Jima vet, they were noticeably moved. One commented that they study about Iwo Jima, but he (my dad) was there!
My proudest moment was following in dad's footsteps in 1975 when I went to Boot Camp at MCRD San Diego. He never said much, but I know he was proud that I became a Marine. We'll miss him a lot, but we know where he's gone and rest easier in that knowledge. I've included a couple of pictures of him c. 1945 and on his final birthday. I've also included one of the Marines folding his flag and presenting it to my mother.
Thanks for providing a forum for us to remember all the fine men who have worn the Eagle, Globe and Anchor.
Semper Fi!