Iwo Jima Veterans Comment on Clint Eastwood’s movie “Flags of Our Fathers

Media Alert Contact: 703-709-1137
October 4, 2006


Iwo Jima Veterans Comment on Clint Eastwood’s movie “Flags of Our Fathers”

Falls Church, Va.—Iwo Veterans Tom Cox and Jim Wheeler will be available for interviews to reflect upon their real life experiences of this bloody battle. While Clint Eastwood's movie, Flags of our Fathers premieres this month October, it is timely to showcase these local heroes interesting perspective, and as you will learn about, their parallel lives.

The capture of Suribachi was a historic event yet it was only the beginning of one of the most grueling battles in military history that lasted for 36 days. The Marines and Navy personnel suffered approximately 26,000 causalities; of those, 6,800 perished, all on an island that only covered 8 square miles. Cox and Wheeler will also share their experiences during those 36 days.

Jim and Tom talk about their parallel lives from enlisting in the Marines at 17 years of age to careers each spanning nearly 30 years at the Central Intelligence Agency as well as the confusion surrounding the 1st flag raising- and the more historic, 2nd flag raising - on Mt. Suribachi several hours later, which they both witnessed. During this, Cox was a member of the 5th Marine Division 28th Regiment Mt. Suribachi. Wheeler was an artillery observer, 5th Amphibious Corps, C battery and 155 Howitzer Battalion and spent most of the battle on top of Suribachi.

Please contact the above number to schedule interviews.

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