Mt. Suribachi, Iwo Jima
A nearly 60 year struggle to prove that Gerald D. Ziehme was in the “Gung Ho” photo by Joe Rosenthal on Mt. Suribachi, Iwo Jima.
It has taken years, many attorneys, two photo identification experts, but finally Jerry (A corpsman on Iwo Jima) has been recognized as the 8th man from the left in the famous picture of l8 men gathered around the flag shortly after the famous candid picture that resulted in this monument was taken.
His face is in a shadow which made it difficult to see clearly. Expert forensic methods were used, and he was positively identified by Dr. James Ebert of Albuquerque, NM. and Mr. Kulush from Chicago.
He was mistaken, too, because of a confusion of similar names. There was a corpsman by the name of Jim R. Zima. Zima–Ziehme–they sound so similar. Jim Zima’s daughter said the her father was not on Mt. Suribachi that day.
Jerry is 82 years of age; he is legally blind, and his kidneys are shutting down. We are so grateful that he finally got the recognition he deserves! He went through Hell as anyone who served on Iwo Jima did. Those who survived and those who didn’t should NEVER be forgotten!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Gerald Ziehme
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