The Greatest Generation, the sands of Iwo Jima, and a 1911

These pictures are of a Colt Model 1911 45 ACP pistol made in 1918, and carried during the battle of Iwo Jima in 1945. As you can see, it sustained heavy damage after being struck by a Japanese rifle or machinegun bullet. It was probably older than the Marine who carried it. The pistol, as a shield, may have saved his life. The story with this pistol is that the Marine was injured, but spared serious injury when the bullet hit the 1911. The pistol and holster are in the care of the veterans’ family. The brave Marine who carried it passed 3 years ago. Just one more story from a generation were as the saying goes, “Uncommon valor was a common virtue”.