Meet Our 12 American Heroes Featured on the DVD
(in order of appearance)
(under development – more information to come soon)
Ray Victor Snapp (Navy – USS Pensacola – CA24)
Ray Victor Snapp served aboard the USS Pensacola during WWII as a Yeoman 2nd Class. He was 18 years old during the Battle for Iwo Jima and his job duties included manning the telephones that controlled the 22-mm, 40-mm and 5-inch guns aboard the ship. During the Iwo Jima conflict, the Pensacola was hit hard, resulting in the deaths of 3 officers and 14 men with another 5 officers and 114 men injured. Mr. Snapp was among the wounded and received the Purple Heart. In 1969 he lost nearly all of his possessions to fire but since then has amassed a large collection of WWII memorabilia related to his time served. He often volunteers as a speaker for young school children to educate and encourage them to persue their education. In his talks he explains to the youth why “Freedom Isn’t Free.”
[View Ray Victor Snapp's Interview Here]
Richard F. Green (Marines – USS Pensacola)
Richard F. Green grew up in Chicago and enlisted in the Marine Corps at the young age of 17. He served aboard the USS Pensacola as part of a Marine detachment for two years during the Pearl Harbor offensive and then continued on during the fighting at Iwo Jima. He served as an anti-aircraft man being a first loader of a 40-mm ack-ack gun. In his interview, Mr. Green brings up some of the lighter moments of his involvement in the war and explains the meaning of such terms as “Scuttlebutt,” “Chow Line,” “Bogey,” and “Geedunk Stand.” He also has some serious moments as he explains his involvement in the “Burials at Sea,” and his appreciation for the courage of those fighting men who went ashore Iwo Jima Island.
Major John Keith Wells (Marines – Platoon Leader, 5th Div)
John Keith Well was the Platoon Leader of 45 men consider to be the most decorated platoon in Marine history, the 3rd Platoon, 28th Marines, 5th Marine Division. His platoon is best remembered for it’s brave attack on Mt. Suribachi and for raising the first flag on the summit. Now living in Abilene, TX, Major Wells is quoted as saying “Give me 50 Marines not afraid to die and I can take any position,” which later became the title of his own book. During the attack, Mr. Wells was wounded and evacuated to a hospital ship, only to later escape the ship by convincing a corpsman to supply him with sulfa powder and morphine so he could join his platoon shortly after the first flag raising. Mr. Wells has received dozens of awards for heroism and injuries he received including the Purple Heart, Congressional Medal of Honor, and the Navy Cross, the 2nd highest award for valor. He has been featured in documentaries by the History Channel, and was one of the characters portrayed in Clint Eastwood’s film about Iwo Jima, “Flags of our Fathers.”
Robert Phillip (Navy – USS Hinsdale)
Robert Phillip joined the Navy in 1942 and served aboard the USS Hinsdale until the Fall of 1945. He was a Carpenter’s Mate – First Class and was in charge of the after damage control on his ship. His main duty was to repair the landing boats that were damaged during battle. He discusses his vivid memories of his time served during the Battle for Iwo Jima including how he personally watched the second flag being raised on Mount Suribachi. The USS Pensacola was designated a hospital ship, and even after 64 years, he says he’ll never forget the terrible smell of battle. Robert’s brother Leo Phillips is also featured on the DVD.
Bill McGinnis (Navy – USS Hinsdale)
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George Pugil (Navy – USS Hinsdale)
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Jim Hughes (Navy – USS Hinsdale)
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Jose Portillo (Navy – USS Hinsdale)
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JR Foyt (Navy – USS Hinsdale)
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Lane Kunath (Navy – USS Hinsdale)
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Leo Phillip (Navy – USS Tulagi)
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Terry Coffindaffer (Army – Fort Campbell, KY)
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