“I landed and fought on lwo Jima. Months later In 1945 I was transferred to USMC - HQ in Washington, DC where I was one of the five Marines assigned to help Felix de Weldon build the original lwo Jima Monument. I helped unveil that monument on November 10, 1945. Rodney's book is a must-read Bible for all Marines and people who cherish this sacred symbol of our Corps and our Country. Semper Fi!”
Cpl. Les Gadbury, C Company, 1st Battalion, 9th Regiment, 3rd Marine Division - lwo Jima, Guam, Bougainville, Guadalcanal.
“Iwo Jima Monuments: The Untold Story” by Rodney Hilton Brown provides “the rest of the story” on the monuments erected in honor of one of the Corps’ iconic battles. Brown’s contribution to this little known aspect of Marine Corps history will be appreciated by Marines, friends of the Corps, and anyone who respects the valor and sacrifice of all servicemembers. Brown’s efforts are truly in keeping with the Marines’ motto of “Semper Fidelis.”
Col. Mary H. Reinwald, USMC (Ret) – Marine Corps Association & Editor of Leatherneck Magazine
The author, Mr. Rodney Hilton Brown, has done a great service filling in the untold stories by carefully researching and writing the history of the Iwo Jima Monuments. . . . . Mr. Brown tells the wonderful stories of not only the sculptor, but also of the volunteers and supporters, and of their combined dedication and determination to overcome financial, political and technical challenges. . . . While facing political opposition, the building and erection of the monument in Washington, D.C. took a similar dedication to mission accomplishment that the Marines displayed on Iwo Jima. I encourage you to read the story about this National Monument, an iconic symbol of our Corps and Country.
Mike Hagee, General, USMC - 33rd Commandant of the Marine Corps
The author, Mr. Rodney Hilton Brown, has done a great service filling in the untold stories by carefully researching and writing the history of the Iwo Jima Monuments. . . . . Mr. Brown tells the wonderful stories of not only the sculptor, but also of the volunteers and supporters, and of their combined dedication and determination to overcome financial, political and technical challenges. . . . While facing political opposition, the building and erection of the monument in Washington, D.C. took a similar dedication to mission accomplishment that the Marines displayed on Iwo Jima. I encourage you to read the story about this National Monument, an iconic symbol of our Corps and Country.
Mike Hagee, General, USMC - 33rd Commandant of the Marine Corps