Iwo Jima Survivors Recall Battle as Anniversary Nears
By Amy Melissa Kirby | New Britain Historical Society Director at January 29, 2024 | 6:00 pm | Print
During the nearly two-hour flight from the aircraft carrier to Iwo Jima, Raymond Greene could have had a number of thoughts in his mind. The dangerous mission ahead; his family and sweetheart back home; or the recent loss of his brother in another battle. However, this tough nineteen-year-old fly boy had in his mind the excitement of the action ahead, as well as the chance to avenge his brother. What Ray would see during the white-knuckle dive above the troops put another thought into his mind – how thankful he was that he was in the air above the beaches of Iwo Jima.
Ray Green was born in New Britain to an Irish-American working-class family. A hardworker, but admittedly poor student, he left high school in 1942 to follow in the footsteps of his older brother. He drove to Springfield in 1942 to enlist with the Marines, but unfortunately failed the physical. On his way home, he stopped by the Navy recruiter in Hartford. He not only passed the physical but was placed in training to be an aviator. Ray and his fellow “fly boys” spent the first years of the war learning the art of strafing in low-flying aircraft. In 1944, he received the devastating news that his brother Wally was shot down over the island of New Britain. When Ray received orders that would take him to the Pacific, he was looking forward to the chance to avenge Wally.
In February 1945 Ray watched from the rear seat as the scene unfolded on the shore of Iwo Jima. The pilot, guided by a red banner on the ground, dove in to attack the enemy forces. As the plane came in low, Ray could see the Marines struggling in knee-high sand, explosions, and devastating gunfire. It was a sobering view that would remain Ray’s foremost memory of Iwo Jima. Later that year, Ray was one of the first men home from the war, picking up his life right away in New Britain. Having a passion for the commercial arts, he worked in advertising as an artist, copy writer, and eventually director. He earned degrees from Wesleyan University as well as Central Connecticut State University, graduating top five in his class at CCSU. He even spent a number of years teaching at high school and at CCSU. Today, Ray Greene is a well-rounded individual with a passion for life and the arts. One might be as impressed as his mastery of the Irish language as his continued participation in running marathons.
Another Iwo Jima survivor, has a different story to tell. Having lost both parents when quite young, Joe and his sister grew up in the Polish orphanage in New Britain. Joe was offered an invaluable opportunity to work for some nuns in New York City, where he attended Catholic schools. He then began working for the transportation industry, and began taking radio operator classes when the war broke out. Joe wanted to join the Navy, but like Ray, failed his first physical. As the Marines recruiter was in the same building, he thought he might as well give them a try, and sure enough, he found himself in the 3rd Joint Assault Signal Company. He worked with about 100 other men whose jobs were to ensure communications between the ground forces, the ships, and aircraft. Sometimes Joe would find himself working on a ship, and sometimes he would be on the ground with the troops. His unit was awaiting orders to invade Japan when the bomb was dropped, and he was soon discharged back in New York. He wanted a college degree, but struggled due to chronic health problems. Eventually graduation from New York University, moved back home to New Britain, working as an Interstate Commerce Commission practitioner for a trucking company for about 25 years. He spent his retirement with his wife until she passed away in 2012, and now lives at Arbor Rose.
Please join us in commemorating the 70th Anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima, and remembering the veterans and those who gave their lives. A year-long celebration will begin with events in February; watch for upcoming articles about the Iwo Jima Memorial Monument and scheduled events.
