February 23, 1945
Two heroes from Iwo Jima would live their quiet lives,
without proclaiming valor, not even to their wives.
One would carry mail, his duty to prevail,
he would never fail, no matter the travail.
One served as Chief of the local volunteers,
he put the fires out for nigh on thirty years.
Once they raised a flag high for all to see,
the symbol of our freedom, and our liberty.
They never told their story, they took it to their graves,
to others went the glory, the accolades and praise.
Of unheralded valor they never cared a whit,
they were part of history, and they did their bit.
That flag on Suribachi waves forevermore,
for all of those who served in our fabled Corps.
LDT November 10, ‘23
The 248th birthday of the United States Marine Corps.
Semper Fi!
This poem is dedicated to Corporal Harold P. Keller (1921-1979) and PFC Harold Shultz (1925-1995). Both men were part of the Iwo Jima flag-raising memorialized by the famous wartime photo. In the fog of war, others were identified as occupying their places in that immortal image. Shultz was finally recognized as being in the photo in 2016. Keller’s identification came in 2019. During their lifetimes, neither man sought the honor they were due.
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Outlaws, Outrages and Outright Lies 
JUst means they are good guys…doing what is right to do what is right. No recognition required. It’s cool they finally were recognized by their photo…and your poem. The guys with no big ego are the best in my book!
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