I am in awe of those who served in World War II. They epitomize the lofty ideals of service and sacrifice, patriotism and pride inherent in our military tradition. They bravely went forth from our shores, risking their lives to safeguard and uphold democracy for us and for freedom-loving people everywhere. Tyranny and totalitarianism were no match for these steadfast warriors. Sadly, their ranks are dwindling rapidly. As Tom Brokaw aptly put it, they were quite simply the backbone of "the greatest generation." So it is with an undeniable sense of humility and reverence that I am writing this story about Don Graves.
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Don Graves is not a household name. But he should be. At the age of 100, he is the oldest person to sign a Nashville recording deal, per Whiskey Riff. This amazing World War II veteran is a native of Detroit. When he was only 17, Graves joined the U.S. Marine Corps. That was in 1942, the year after the United States got into the war. Per the outlet, "He served in the 5th Marine Division, 28th Regiment, which placed him in two different tours."
Don Graves Was In The Fierce Battle Of Iwo Jima
That ferocious and historic battle pitted the United States Navy and the United States Marines against the forces of the Japanese Imperial Army. The fighting was dire and intense. It lasted for more than a month in early 1945, the last year of the war. The toll exacted for us to claim this strategic island was devastating. Per defense.gov, "Over the course of the battle, the Marines suffered more than 25,000 casualties, including nearly 7,000 deaths."
Don Graves was there as a flamethrower operator. According to the outlet via Fox 17, he said, "We formed the best crack division the Marine Corps had. We lost 7,000 kids on the island. And we were people who wanted to defeat the enemy because we loved our country, and they were going to take it away from us."
No one was going to take anything away from us as long as Don Graves was around.
There Is A Classic Photo Of The American Flag Being Triumphantly Raised On Mount Suribachi By Six Proud U.S. Marines
You have certainly seen the photo of the iconic flag-raising that symbolized the American victory on Iwo Jima. In that classic, timeless image taken by Associated Press photographer Joe Rosenthal, a half dozen Marines are erecting the American flag atop Mount Suribachi.
Don Graves saw that emblematic scene. He was right there. And he wanted to be sure that nobody ever forgot it.
He recalled, "But when [the flag] went up, 520 ships right in the bay let go with their horns and whistles and rockets, everything that go on fire in the air. It was a spectacle."
A Song Titled 'The Sand Of Iwo Jima' Memorializes Graves' Life And Wartime Experiences
Per the outlet, "The song, titled 'The Sand of Iwo Jima,' is currently being worked on, and artists like Lee Greenwood and John Rich are attached to it." Another person, Nashville songwriter Jason Sever, created the song, which is still in process.
He said, "A guy like Don is, he's my Elvis Presley. I mean, all the accolades in the word are, you know, the hit songs and stuff like that, that's cool, but getting to write a story about a guy like that, it's like hanging with Elvis to me."
Don Graves is a real American hero. Many veterans of World War II don't talk a lot about what they did. They certainly don't brag. They merely felt that they were doing their duty. No pomp or fanfare was ever sought by them. But people like Don Graves deserve it. They truly earned it. Their valor will never be forgotten.
